Angel Babies

[leschornmom]

I am not Catholic but I thought your religion taught that God creats seperate beings…angels and humans. But in other threads people keep refering to children that have passed as “angel babies” or “angels in heaven”. Which is correct?

 

[mercygate]

leschornmom:

I am not Catholic but I thought your religion taught that God creats seperate beings…angels and humans. But in other threads people keep refering to children that have passed as “angel babies” or “angels in heaven”. Which is correct?

People who die are not “angels.” But Jesus says that in the Kingdom we shall be “like angels.” I would not be surprised if these people really do not understand the distinction, and it is commendable of you to ask the question! Go leschornmom!

 

[Arlene]

I have a baby in heaven, and I do a lot of peer counceling and outreach. I run across that lack of distinction a lot. Many times it originates from someone who is not Catholic. I also think that sometimes there is a blurring of the lines between what is our actual faith and what can be a comforting thought. In loss circles, it is common to refer to the date of death as the “Angel Day” As a Catholic, I have to stand back and realize, no my baby is not an angel, but he lives with the angels.

I don’t fault people who refer to their babies as angels, I think of it sort of similar to a vernacular…not standard English, but a common usuage. I’m sure more orthodox Catholics would stand more firm, but I for one am not going to tell a grieving mother that an image that brings her comfort is not correct.

 

[leschornmom]

I’ve always been taught that when a person dies they become angels. That angels and humans are interchangable.

It wasn’t until my cousin’s 8 month old died two years ago that I learned that that is not a common belief. She’s Catholic and is very versed in her faith.

 

[LSK]

I think you have been given an excellent explanation. I often call living children “Little Angels” but, as a Catholic, I know that they are human creatures and not angels. The same applies to my children waiting for me in heaven.

 

[jimmy]

leschornmom:

I am not Catholic but I thought your religion taught that God creats seperate beings…angels and humans. But in other threads people keep refering to children that have passed as “angel babies” or “angels in heaven”. Which is correct?

Angels and humans are different beings. Humans do not become angels when they die. It is a misconception for a Catholic to say that a baby is now an “angel in heaven”. It might just be like hyperboli or a simili or something where you say they are like an angel in heaven.