Do We Have Guardian Angels?
Is there such a thing as “guardian angels”?
A few years ago, mega-celebrity Oprah asked actresses Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling Do you believe in angels?"
Kaling was taken by surprise and confessed that she had never really thought about it much, but upon reflection, she said that she does sometimes feel like she is being protected by "beings." Witherspoon, was more enthusiastic, recalling a terrible accident that she miraculously survived and that made her a believer in guardian angels.
The notion of everyone having a guardian angel is very big on Oprah’s spirituality and among the whole “spiritual but not religious” crowd. However, that does have roots in the Christian tradition.
Consider this verse in Matthew’s Gospels:
“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matt 18:10 [NRSVue])
Does this verse teach that children or all believers have a guardian angel? Well, yes … and no. It’s complex!
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