Question
Gramps,
I’ve learned we are assigned a guardian angel in our premortal life. We chose this spirit because we loved them. They always stay with us, guiding, helping, protecting, etc. Can we talk with them and expect them to answer back? Sometimes I want to ask a simple question on a matter that hurts my heart. I have dreams that my cat cries out to me to bring him home. I had to surrender him to a cat shelter. Am I supposed to pray for all my answers or can I just ask my Angel on these small matters?
Lorna
Answer
Lorna,
In the theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, angels are not merely ethereal beings; they are understood to be resurrected individuals who possess physical bodies of flesh and bones. This is supported by the revelation found in Doctrine and Covenants 129:1-3, which states that angels are beings who have lived on Earth. This distinct belief sets the context for how members view the role of angels in their lives, as they are not simply celestial messengers but individuals with whom they share a connection through the mortal experience.
The term “angel” is often associated with messages from God, serving as divine intermediaries. In the context of guardian angels, members of the Church believe that angels can provide guidance and assistance, acting in accordance with the needs of individuals. However, the Church does not explicitly teach that each person has a specific guardian angel assigned to them in a personal capacity. Instead, angels are seen as ministering spirits who respond to the circumstances of life as needed.
The concept of ministering angels is vital in Latter-day Saint theology. These angels are believed to assist individuals throughout their lives, offering protection, guidance, and comfort. President Joseph Fielding Smith emphasized that while the Church does not endorse the idea of a unique guardian angel for each person, angels can intervene during crucial moments. He noted, “There are times no doubt when some unseen power directs us and leads us from harm” (Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, p. 54).
Ministering angels can include deceased loved ones who have held righteous roles on Earth. This belief is grounded in the understanding that those who have passed on can still influence the lives of their family and friends. In his writings, Elder Bruce R. McConkie affirmed that these angels can deliver messages of love and guidance, acting as spiritual support for those they have known in life (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 341).
The idea of ministering angels resonates deeply within the culture of the Church, where many members share personal experiences of feeling the influence of deceased loved ones. These experiences often lead individuals to interpret such moments as encounters with guardian angels, further solidifying the belief in divine assistance.
While the LDS Church acknowledges the presence of angels providing protection and guidance, it also teaches that the true “guardian” for each individual is the Light of Christ. This divine influence is seen as a guiding force in the lives of believers, providing direction and protection in times of need. President Joseph Fielding Smith remarked on the significance of this light, indicating that it plays a crucial role in the spiritual safety of individuals (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, p. 54).
The presence of angels is believed to be particularly noticeable during critical moments in life. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has discussed the concept of angelic communication, emphasizing that such interactions can occur through inspiration, feelings, or even visible manifestations, although these experiences are rare. For many Latter-day Saints, these moments are seen as evidence of divine intervention, reinforcing their belief in the protective role of angels.
Culturally, the representation of angels within the Church often includes imagery of winged beings; however, this is understood more as symbolism rather than a doctrinal requirement. Members of the Church are taught that angels do not necessarily possess wings, a concept explored in various church discussions (Ask Gramps, “Do angels have wings?”). This nuanced view allows members to focus more on the role and influence of angels in their lives rather than their physical appearance.
Additionally, the cultural understanding of angels is intertwined with the belief that individuals can receive divine help through family members and friends. Many share stories of feeling comforted by the presence of loved ones who have passed on, interpreting these experiences as ministering angels providing guidance and support.
In conclusion, while members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in the existence of angels and their roles in providing guidance and protection, the doctrine does not specifically support the idea of personal guardian angels assigned to individuals. Instead, angels are viewed as ministering spirits who act as needed, often guided by the principles of the Light of Christ and individual faithfulness. This belief emphasizes the connection between the living and the divine, highlighting the ongoing influence of those who have passed on and the protection that can be felt through divine intervention.
As individuals navigate the complexities of life, the assurances provided by the belief in ministering angels serve as a source of comfort and strength. For Latter-day Saints, the understanding of angels is not just a theological concept but a lived experience that enriches their faith and provides hope in times of uncertainty.
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