ENCOUNTERS WITH ANGELS A PART OF MANY RELIGIONS

Angels aren't the sole province of Christianity. Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus believe in angels.

Over the centuries, angels have been a part of many religions.

Muslims believe angels are present in mosques to record the prayers of the faithful and testify on judgment day.

The early Protestants had little use for angels, which they viewed as part of the "decadent" decoration of Renaissance churches.

The Rev. Billy Graham's 1975 book, "Angels: God's Secret Agents," sold 2.6 million copies, making it a national best seller.

According to Christian theology, there are a finite number of angels, numbering in the thousands or even millions.

Angels are believed to transcend time and space.

Many people, who say they encountered an angel, report witnessing a radiance or glow of light.

In many encounters, people report simply feeling a comforting presence.

Source: Nancy Bray and Time magazine.