Difference between revisions of "Guardian Angel"

<p> a term which represents a theory prevalent from antiquity, that human beings are accompanied through life by a special supernatural being (sometimes termed their "attendant genius"), who watches over them for guidance and protection. Such has been thought to be the meaning of [[Socrates]] when he claimed a particular δαίμων as his spiritual counsellor. (See [[Daemon]]). Among [[Christian]] writers 'the theory has been thought to derive confirmation from the statement of our [[Saviour]] respecting children, that "in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven" (&nbsp;Matthew 18:10); and from the declaration that angels "are all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation" (&nbsp;Hebrews 1:14). A more cautious criticism, however, has usually held that these passages only indicate a special care of divine [[Providence]] over the young and believers; and the peculiar form of the doctrine referred to appears to savor rather of a pagan than an evangelical origin. Monographs are named in Walch, ''Bibliotheca Theologica,'' i, 178, and Volbeding, ''Index Programmatum,'' p. 116. (See [[Angel]]). </p>