Miscarriage and Stillborns - Why do people think their children become angels?

[Zundrah]

Except of course for the pesky original sin which means that even a fertilized egg deserves to burn in hell for all eternity. Bit off topic of course.

The church does not teach that.

 

[KCT]

Poor catechesis?

 

[Zundrah]

Poor catechesis?

…with a pinch of heresy!

 

[purplesunshine]

Except of course for the pesky original sin which means that even a fertilized egg deserves to burn in hell for all eternity. Bit off topic of course.

To state something like that on a thread asking about angels and deceased children and not on a debate board about original sin indicates to me you’re either ill in the head or a troll.

I’m going to answer anyway.

No, no one “deserves” to burn in hell, even the most egregious murderer, we were created for heaven and to be in union with God. We no longer have a RIGHT to heaven, due to original sin. We choose Hell, we choose to turn away from God.

Just like this board. Everyone deserves a chance to be on, but if you forfeit that right if you act like a jerk. Keep acting like this and you’ll be banned from the board. Its a good thing God is more merciful than CAF mods.

 

[heathernoel]

I too have two called by God, and I call them simply…my sons.

I hope no one is offended by the interchangeability of these terms. But I can say that it doesn’t matter what they are called, because I can’t call them to me. Does that make sense?

 

[cmom4]

I do not think people really believe their children become angels…it’s simply a term of endearment and way to envision them as perfect, beautiful creatures (which of course they already are.) Angels are pure spirit–completely different creatures than humans. No one becomes an angel…But I always call my kids little angels! And would certainly refer to them as such in this world or the next. I sometimes call my dd “cupcake”…I know she isn’t one.

 

[lil_flower_luv]

It’s obviously not angel - like St. Michael the Archangel. Everyone who loses a child, feels they are in good hands. How could they not be? They haven’t had a chance to live in this world. I think it’s fine to say your dead baby is a little angel because that’s putting them in the Hands that are already holding them.

+JMJ+

 

[ProVobis]

I trust that God is most just and deals with all the unborn and born in a just way. Whether they are angels or saints, does it really make that much of a difference? If people can cope with the situation believing the former, then I certainly wouldn’t want to tell them otherwise. Nor would it bother me, other than to move me to express sympathy for their loss.

 

[Havard]

The way I imagine our departed loved ones is greatly effected by the imagery C.S. Lewis uses in The Great Divorce, and other works:

Between them went musicians: and after these a lady in whose honour all this was being done.

I cannot now remember whether she was naked or clothed. If she were naked, then it must have been the almost visible penumbra of her courtesy and joy which produces in my memory the illusion of a great and shining train that followed her across the happy grass. If she were clothed, then the illusion of nakedness is doubtless due to the clarity with which her inmost spirit shone through the clothes. For clothes in that country are not a disguise: the spiritual body lives along each thread and turns them into living organs. A robe or a crown is there as much one of the wearer’s features as a lip or an eye.

But I have forgotten. And only partly do I remember the unbearable beauty of her face.

“Is it?..is it?” I whispered to my guide.
“Not at all,” said he. “It’s someone ye’ll never have heard of. Her name on earth was Sarah Smith and she lived at Golders Green.”

 

[RoryMcKenzie56]

The Church certainly does not teach that stillborn humans become angels. I don’t think we should attach any theological significance to the sentimental comment of a grieving parent or sibling that a beloved child is an angel. What they mean is that they hope that they are in heaven. The Church seems to permit this hope.

 

[Marysann]

I had to work for months to get my third grade CCD class to understand that we do not become angels after we die. It was a struggle, but they finally got it! I, myself, suffered a miscarriage twenty-nine years ago. My Catholic doctor baptized our little boy, and we know that we have a saint in heaven. We now have three wonderful adult sons, and a happy family. Maybe some of our blessings were the result of the intercession of our little saint.

 

[puzzleannie]

I too have two called by God, and I call them simply…my sons.

I hope no one is offended by the interchangeability of these terms. But I can say that it doesn’t matter what they are called, because I can’t call them to me. Does that make sense?

it makes perfect sense to any parent who has suffered such a loss.
And it also makes sense that we remember God has called them by name, as many of us have done for our own little ones called too soon.

Since we have the assurance of God’s mercy on all who died before they had the opportunity for baptism, that is all the hope we need that our own children who have been called by Him are with their own angels in heaven.

 

[CAmeliaD]

angels are pure spirit and intellect (no corporeal bodies) then some people make the mental shortcut to think that when we die if we go to heaven, before we are reuinited with our bodies at the Second Coming, we will be in heaven and be in spirit form. Similar to the angels we are told surround the throne of God.

That makes sense! I can see how people might make that leap. Thanks for your responses. To all of you that have lost children, I’m praying for you and I believe you’ll see your children again!

 

[tbcrawford]

The Church certainly does not teach that stillborn humans become angels. I don’t think we should attach any theological significance to the sentimental comment of a grieving parent or sibling that a beloved child is an angel. What they mean is that they hope that they are in heaven. The Church seems to permit this hope.

Hello Rory,by reading your abrupt post re- “sentimental comment of a greiving parent” it appears you have not lost a child.I truly hope you never have to suffer the enormous pain of the death of a child whether miscarried ,stillborn, new born or older.Any parent should never have to witness their child’s death.Your comments about “they hope they are in heaven” and “the church seems to permit that” also indicate this by the coldness of your comments.God calls us all when it is the time He wants us.Our deceased children are with God.There is no question about this.I trust in God and love Him above all things,His will be done.Sadly I find your comments hurtful and unhelpful.It takes a parent a very long time to come to terms with understanding the loss of their child(you never get over it) and by you bluntly stating “sentimental comment of greiving parent” and"the church seems to permit this" is not only unhelpful but hurtful and factually incorrect.You are not The Church so how can you know it would"seem to permit this?"I hope you have not upset parents who have lost a child and made them insecure in their faith.I am sure this was not your intention perhaps you didnt think before you posted

 

[tbcrawford]

I too have two called by God, and I call them simply…my sons.

I hope no one is offended by the interchangeability of these terms. But I can say that it doesn’t matter what they are called, because I can’t call them to me. Does that make sense?

I am very sorry for your loss heather and be assured your sons are in eternal life with God.
God bless you

 

[tbcrawford]

I do not think people really believe their children become angels…it’s simply a term of endearment and way to envision them as perfect, beautiful creatures (which of course they already are.) Angels are pure spirit–completely different creatures than humans. No one becomes an angel…But I always call my kids little angels! And would certainly refer to them as such in this world or the next. I sometimes call my dd “cupcake”…I know she isn’t one.

Well said.God bless

 

[tbcrawford]

It’s obviously not angel - like St. Michael the Archangel. Everyone who loses a child, feels they are in good hands. How could they not be? They haven’t had a chance to live in this world. I think it’s fine to say your dead baby is a little angel because that’s putting them in the Hands that are already holding them.

+JMJ+

Well said God bless