An Odd Question

[Dante]

I know that this is a rather odd query, but I believe that I need to ask it anyways. You see, I’ve come into possession of a rather unique opportunity. One of my professors has suddenly divulged that when she was younger she could see what she refers to as “angelsâ€

[ChristianKitsune]

Very interesting..I wish I knew more about the spiritual world than I do.. (I need to read more books from a Christian perspective)

All I can say is, if it Disagrees with What God Says, than it isn't a good thing.

(I hear of this supernatural stuff and a red flag comes up.) ^^;

Whether or not you talk to her about your experiences is...well I guess up to you...

(Maybe after more posts I will be able to decide for sure)

This is interesting..and something that I don't often hear of/or understand...

I wish I could be of more help.:/

[mitsuki lover]

As long as you can be tactful about how you go about discussing it it shouldn't be a problem.But remember the key is to be tactful.

[Tsukuyomi]

I hear about things like this all the time (kinda). Being asian you hear lots of stories like this one. I've always heard that kids are able to see ghost and spirits at a tender age of around three. I remember I saw something when I was around that age. It freaked the heck out of me. I've learn to listen to the little ones around me who says they see ghost and stuff, becuase I do believe they caan see them. I think it's because they're starting out their lives and they still have a strong connection with the other world. I've been watching Montel Williams show and they have a guest named Silvia Brown that is a physchic. She talks about these things all of a time. It's very interesting. You guys should watch if you're truely into this kind of thing. She's on ther ever Wednesday at 3:00 pm. I don't think it's wrong to think this way. It's actually a blessing to have that kind of gift. It means you're very spiritual. Same with dreams. I read that if you can remember your dreams very well then you have strong spiritual powers

[jon0]

<mod snip: Jon, those kinds of commenst are very likely to cause very headed religious debate and offended many of our members. Please avoid such statements in the future.>

[Lanrete]

If I may post my thoughts...

At a young age, you have not yet learned "sensability". You have not taught yourself to dismiss the impossible. You lose awareness of it as you grow older; being taught what is and what isn't.

Everyone has this connection, however, it takes an open mind along with a realization of oneself to see, no, realize such things again. We "see" them all the time, it's just that we're not aware of them anymore.

Have you ever gotten a "feeling" off someone? Nothing about their body language says anything, nothing in their intonation, speech or appearance either; just a feeling remains. You might not be able to "see" it, but you know it's there. Just as your feeling of the presence of God, this is but on a smaller scale. These are the things you know are there, but are no longer aware of fully anymore.

To answer your question, I don't think it's wrong of you to discuss your beliefs with her, as long as you're respectful of hers, and she of yours. She is a key to greater understanding, something that can only help you in the long run.

[Pent]

Hmm...interesting that her mother and grandmother had similar experiences. And she is your professer. Well we can say she probably isn't completely crazy if she has become a professer and these experiences aren't new to her family. But then we have to make a judgment on wether this could be a real guardian angel or a demon in disgiuse. Whichever it is I don't see any harm with you trying to share your experiences with her. Even if it is a demon in disgiuse you may be able to help her.

[Puritan]

A good general principle is to be really careful when dealing with the topic of spirits. As Christians we should neither seek out spirits or consort with them and we should be extremely wary of those who claim to get information from spirits. Both angels and demons are present in the world and, quite honestly, if many Christians can have trouble distinguishing between spirits (in 1 Corinthians 12 the ability to distinguish between spirits is called a spiritual gift that not all have) then a non-Christian will be unable to tell the difference between angels and demons unless God gives them that ability, which would likely be an extremely rare occurance with a definite purpose. As this experience seems to be leading your professor into atheism, we can conclude that this experience is likely sinister as angels, being servants of God, would not leave question about who sent them or what they were.

As to talking to your professor, I see no reason why you can't if you are tactful and polite, but realize that she is probably partially influenced by the demonic. This is no reason to avoid her, but you must ignore any information from her spirits or any attempt to contact them as the information is almost certainly horribly tainted.

Also realize that simply being unable to see spiritual beings should mean nothing about your friend's ability to argue for the existance of God as we acknowledge the existance of spirits in this world. Nothing your professor has seen contradicts Christian belief as the influence of demons on this world is a fact of scripture. Your friend should be willing to discuss God with your professor and feel on an equal footing with her as she has experienced God's work in her life (as she is a Christian), not merely that of a spirit which is likely demonic. However, remember that your professor needs a great deal of prayer (as does your friend as she tries to witness to your professor) as your professor is involved with dangerous forces that only God can deal with.

[termyt]

I see no reason why you should refrain from speaking with this professor of yours. I agree that a discussion on the truthfulness of her claims is irrelevant. I, too, would simply accept them at face value.

Anyway, there are potential pitfalls in every relationship. If you know the Truth, then you will recognize it when it is spoken. Likewise, when you know the Truth, lies become evident. (I am speaking of course of her philosophy, not her actual claims.)

As long as you are well grounded in the Truth and continue to seek It, you need not fear other view points.

[Raiden no Kishi]

I certainly wouldn't brand these experiences as sinful, since they weren't brought on by any use of occult channels. I wouldn't rule out demonic involvement, since one would think that one of God's angels would make his master's identity obvious - Biblical precedent would back this up. I do, however, find it odd that she has chosen atheism in light of her experiences. It doesn't seem a large jump from a "guardian angel" to God. But I imagine her poor experiences with Catholicism had something to do with it. I would suggest that you talk to her and start to learn more about her and not try immediately to evangelize. That can, of course, come at a later point, but it is important first just to be interested in her and her unique perspective. I also recommend heavy doses of prayer and keeping us posted. ^_~

.rai//

[Arnobius]

I certainly wouldn't brand these experiences as sinful, since they weren't brought on by any use of occult channels. I wouldn't rule out demonic involvement, since one would think that one of God's angels would make his master's identity obvious - Biblical precedent would back this up. I do, however, find it odd that she has chosen atheism in light of her experiences. It doesn't seem a large jump from a "guardian angel" to God. But I imagine her poor experiences with Catholicism had something to do with it. I would suggest that you talk to her and start to learn more about her and not try immediately to evangelize. That can, of course, come at a later point, but it is important first just to be interested in her and her unique perspective. I also recommend heavy doses of prayer and keeping us posted. ^_~

.rai//

Actually, her description makes me wonder if Catholicism had anything to do with it. They don't beat things out of people. That sounds more like the sensationalism of Maria Monk-- a story of hardship and scandal used to attract sympathy to the claims.

The Church sees apparitions of three kinds. Self-delusion, demonic and authentic. The first type indicates that the person thinks they have had a supernatural encounter of some sort, but it is in fact the mind playing tricks. The second is the devil attempting to deceive. As for the third, the authentic apparition, the Church goes through deep investigation making certain there are no natural explanations.

This is a good article on explaining the evaluation of these apparitions, according to a French Bishop:
Click Here

One should be cautious in accepting these apparitions as being valid without careful, and if they are not from God, they should be shunned. Remember that the New Age believes in angels as well, but they do not believe what the Christians to about them.

[holysoldier5000]

But here is a question... what kind of Guardian Angel will warn you of the material future of others but will not warn you of your own eternal future? What angel warns you of physical injury but saves to tell you of the saving power of Christ? What angel worries more about the body then the soul? Perhaps she did see an angel... but one that does not praise Jesus as Lord and savior... hmm... perhaps not an Angel on the right side?

Plus here are a few Angel facts to munch on:

1 Corinthians 6:3
Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!

1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

2 Corinthians 11:14
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

Galatians 1:8
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

Colossians 2:18
Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions.

Hebrews 1
The Son Superior to Angels
1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
5For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have become your Father"? Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"? 6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him." 7In speaking of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds,
his servants flames of fire." 8But about the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy." 10He also says,
"In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
12You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end." 13To which of the angels did God ever say,
"Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet"? 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

[Tenshi no Ai]

But here is a question... what kind of Guardian Angel will warn you of the material future of others but will not warn you of your own eternal future? What angel warns you of physical injury but saves to tell you of the saving power of Christ? What angel worries more about the body then the soul? Perhaps she did see an angel... but one that does not praise Jesus as Lord and savior... hmm... perhaps not an Angel on the right side?

Yeah I think that would be something to definately thing about, for those that believe otherwise. There are different kinds of angels, but the Godly ones I know of definately don't really come to save peoples bodies (and under command, some HAVE killed bodies^^)

[TheDrunkenNinja]

Personally, I scorn such superstition, however I find this very intriguing. Did any of her "guardian angel's" predictions come true? And did she confirm if the angel is on the mortal plane or still with God?

[holysoldier5000]

Yeah I think that would be something to definately thing about, for those that believe otherwise. There are different kinds of angels, but the Godly ones I know of definately don't really come to save peoples bodies (and under command, some HAVE killed bodies^^)

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
Galatians 1:8

[Arnobius]

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!
Galatians 1:8

Yes exactly. If the message is not compatible with the gospel, it should be rejected

[Syreth]

Biblically, there's no question about the nature of these beings. If they didn't come in the name of Jesus, then they came in the name of Satan as HS5K pointed out.

However, I don't think there's anything wrong with talking with her about these experiences. In fact, I would actually encourage discussion about her experiences if you feel you are spiritually ready for it. Such willingness to listen will perhaps cause her heart to open up and will certainly be a more effective witness than trying to call her experiences illegitimate and forcefully shoving the gospel down her throat. Certainly look for a chance to share the good news at an opportune time, but use discernment in that as well. Pray for words of wisdom and discernment and you might be used to tear down some strongholds in her heart that are exalting themselves against God.

[Sammy Boy]

may I as a Christian discuss my own personal experiences with and ask her about her opinions on them? Or is the discussion of these experiences or even conversation with a persona such as this, forbidden by my Christian walk… In other words what constitutes the discussion divination and forbidden magic and what constitutes discussion that we as Christians may take part in with others in such a situation.

Once again, I stress that this is a rather odd situation. If in the very least, I have actually met someone who has taken on some fairly remarkable claims and albeit my world is a little more interesting, but I would like to know how far does the rabbit hole go and when does the snake den begin. Thank you for your insights into the matter.

I think it is alright to engage in dialogue about this. If any type of talk about such things were forbidden, then we could not very well learn the worldviews of other belief systems, nor could we learn of the needs of those who hold to such worldviews and show them how the Christ of the gospel can meet those needs.

But do ground yourself in the truth as given in God's Word, pray for wisdom and sensitivity, and don't overextend yourself so that you let your curiosity get the better of you.

May God watch over and guide you.