Beliefnet presents angels, angel FAQs, questions about angels, William D. Webber

Find Out:

Is it possible for a human to have an intimate, romantic relationship with an angel? I understand angels cannot transform into human beings, and this relationship would not be physical in any way. It would basically be the equivalent of everything that makes up a normal relationship (talking, laughing, sharing things, being affectionate, looking after each other, etc.), excluding the physical aspect.

Normally, this would not satisfy humans because we were created as sexual beings, and in a marriage a man and a woman experience the physical and non-physical aspects of a relationship. That being said, not all human beings have sex, and that is not morally wrong (look at Priests, Nuns, or simply chaste people who are single). I also don't mean to say that the angel would love the human more than God. God would always be the number one priority in the angel's life, and He would receive the greatest amount of love from the angel. That is not so different from a normal marriage. A husband and wife are supposed to love God more than each other (otherwise the husband's God would actually be his wife, and the wife's God her husband).

This angel-human relationship would not bring forth new life, but that is understandable, seeing as an angel and a human have no way to reproduce. In that respect, it would be the same as a normal marriage where one or both people are infertile. Perhaps the angel and the human could adopt a child into their family to love and raise? I think being in love with an angel and having a relationship with an angel would be very out of the ordinary. [The relationship] would have a unique set of challenges to overcome, but it would also be rewarding and beautiful in its own way. What do you think?
- Dave R.

Well, they say men are from Mars and women are from Venus, but the difference between a human and an angel is SO extreme, it would be hard for such a couple to truly commune. Angels have lived through millennia, have seen the face of God, and they understand far more than the human ever could. They have a much clearer idea of the Big Picture and wouldn't take time "hanging out" with a human when they understand the cosmic significance. For some reason, God doesn't think humans need to know the ins and outs of eternity and the complete, true nature of God (we "see through a glass darkly"). One angel isn't going to get permission to spill the beans because of "romantic" love with a human. That basic lack of understanding would make such a huge stumbling block.

Romantic relationships also depend on mortality. You can love someone or something for all time, but for true romantic love to enter the picture, we need the potential for loss.

The Bible says angels do not marry in heaven. Needless to say, love in heaven has a different focus. To love everyone with pure agape love will be transformational. While we humans think romantic love is the ultimate, beings who regularly "stand before the Father" are already playing in a whole different ballpark.

I am looking for guided meditation CDs or songs to reach and talk to my angels and spirit guides. I am actually looking for a way to reach, communicate, or feel my angels. I have tried sleeping with crystals thinking about angels or talking to them as I fall asleep. So far, I have not experienced anything. I am not just asking for me, but I want to talk to angels about helping others.
- Sharon D.

Bless you, Sharon. It is a fine thing for you to have a desire to help others. In the Bible and in mainstream Christianity, there are no instructions on how to reach angels or spirit guides, but the Bible does tell us to pray to God. You do not need crystals or candles to get God’s attention. Just talk to him with faith. When you meditate, lift these concerns to God. Ask God also to show you ways that you can be a part of the answer.

In the Bible, angels are God’s special creation. No human is called an 'angel' in the Bible. Isn’t it sacrilegious to talk about somebody being an 'angel'?
- Mariska

Yes, Mariska, God’s holy angels are magnificent supernatural beings and are so completely different from humans. But, in the original Greek and Hebrew that the Bible was written in, the word 'angel' is the same as the word for 'messenger.' When reading the scripture in the original languages, a person has to find clues in the context to discover if someone is being referred to as a human or an angel. So, we can deduce that God is comfortable with the term 'angel' being used for humans as well as for heavenly hosts.

It’s a lovely compliment to say to someone, “You are an angel!” The usual meaning is you are like an angel because you are loving, kind, helpful, an encourager or maybe even a life saver.

What do you think when you hear the word 'angel'?

Most Beliefnet members who read this column immediately think of the heavenly spirits described in the Bible. But the word 'angel' has several other meanings in the English language.

Here are a few other dictionary definitions:

a kind or helpful person, one who acts like an angel
a guardian
a spirit guide or counselor
an inspiration from God (especially in Christian Science)

After my wife and I received the Print Media Award from the Excellence in Media Foundation for our book "A Rustle of Angels" at Sardi’s restaurant in New York City, Vincent Sardi invited us to his office to talk about books. He suggested we trade books. The title of his book is "Off the Wall at Sardi’s" and is filled with 275 reproductions of the caricatures of famous people that fill the walls of his landmark restaurant. Sardi autographed the book he gave us with the words, “I am happy to learn that there are other angels than the Broadway angels who 'back' shows.”

One definition of angel is somebody who provides financial support for an enterprise, especially Broadway shows. For Sardi, it is easy to understand how that type of angel would be the first to come to his mind.