In Theory:

A recent Baylor University survey showed that most Americans believe a guardian angel protects them. Researcher Christopher Bader said he was shocked to find that 55% of people believe in guardian angels. Do you believe in guardian angels, and what do you make of this trend of faith in the supernatural?

Belief in angels is certainly belief in the supernatural, but it is also quite biblical. The Bible teaches that angels are “all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.” So God does send angels to help His people. The Bible also teaches that we may be in an angel’s presence and not know it: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).

I don’t see a very strong biblical argument for the belief that every person has a particular guardian angel appointed to them. The closest thing I find is Jesus’ statement, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones [meaning children, probably], for I say to you, that their angels in heaven continually behold the face of My Father who is in heaven.”

Whether or not God appoints guardian angels, we do have Jesus’ sure promise: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth.” The Holy Spirit is our comforter and our helper, the one who gives us spiritual gifts and guides us into all the truth. The Holy Spirit helps us in ways greater than any angel ever could.

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church

Burbank

Judaism describes angels as spiritual creatures with unique characteristics.

The Hebrew word for an angel is “malach,” or messenger, and Jewish tradition holds that angels are divine couriers with specific missions. If an angel is assigned by God to guard someone, then it becomes a guardian angel.

Various Jewish texts refer to angels. For instance, the angel Gabriel lends us strength and courage, Michael guards our children, and Raphael is responsible for our physical and emotional well-being. In keeping with Jewish tradition, I do believe in angels and their ability to follow God’s orders, including protecting individuals or nations.