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The concept of a guardian angel is not exclusive to Christianity, as Judaism and other religions also have similar beliefs. In Christian thought, a guardian angel is assigned to a person for protection and communication with God. The idea was articulated by theologians in the Middle Ages, and there are debates about which angels have this responsibility. Some believe only children have guardian angels, while others think anyone can be guided by or be an angel at the right times. The belief in guardian angels is seen as an expression of God’s love and a personal relationship with God.
People may associate the idea of a guardian angel with Christianity and often more specifically with Catholicism. There is actually some scriptural basis in Judaism for the concept of a guardian angel. Angels as an intercession occur in the book of Job. Here the idea is presented that angels can plead on behalf of people and can be specifically assigned to a person to do so. Plato also talked about spirits assigned to humans by God, and there are many other religions where people are watched over by a specific spirit, deity, or ancestral spirit.
In Christian thought, though not all Christian sects, people are given a guardian angel assigned to them when they come to earth. This angel helps to protect them and can act as a messenger between the assigned person and God. The angel can pray on behalf of the person and is supposed to offer them protection.
Some believe that only children have guardian angels. The angels are then reassigned to others when the person has an adult conversion to Christ, and there are other interesting theories regarding these guides and helpers. For example, some saints have believed that the martyrdom and suffering they have to endure means they have lost their guardian angels.
Religious philosophy regarding these guides in Christianity became clearly articulated in the work of the Christian theologian Honorius of Autun, although the idea of guardian angels can be traced back to the 5th century AD. In the 12th century, Honorius wrote that he believed that all souls receive a guardian angel as soon as they become corporeal. Others echoed his writings such as Thomas Aquinas, and then a lively debate ensued as to what kind of angels had this responsibility, as there are different orders and rankings of angels.
While the idea of a guardian angel may be thought of as predominantly Catholic, based on the writing of Catholic theologians in the Middle Ages, there are other sects, such as the Eastern Orthodox, that espouse similar beliefs. In more secular ideology, guardian angels can sometimes be seen as a conscience or a muse. They are not only meant to protect but also to lead people away from sin or inspire them to greatness.
A more modern interpretation of the guardian angel is that anyone can be guided by or be an angel at the right times. A complete stranger prevents you from stepping off the curb when a bus is arriving, or a co-worker says something unusual that comforts you during a difficult time. Some people believe that a person’s guardian angel guided these interventions, or that the spirit of a deity may offer you opportunities for protection and comfort from others who become momentary angels. These people may be called angels, although they don’t fit a typical theological description of them.
The common prayer many Christian children say to a guardian angel reflects how many children are taught these guides and intercessors. The prayer invokes the angel and says of him “to whom God’s love entrusts you here”. Many people who believe in guardian angels believe that these guides are an expression of God’s love and that they are an example of the personal relationship each individual can have with God.
