Are animal guides compatible with Christianity?
Question:
I'm a teen and I got in trouble with my mom just for trying to contact my spirit animal. She said not to do it again because she does not want me to get possessed by a demon. She did not explain to me how or why. I was reading this question and answer section, but even it did not explain it, so I guess you have talked to God about this, or not but you explain to me if there are spirit guides or animals in heaven? Are they from heaven and God would want them to help other causes? I read that they help us in like and that they're here to give us signs and advice. Is talking to a spirit guide or animal good for a Christian or is it a belief that Christians can follow and that God will accept them to heaven?
Please answer. I really want to know quickly because church is on Sunday and I want a quick answer.
Answer:
The concept of a spirit guide in the form of an animal is an American Indian belief. People who are fascinated by Far Eastern religions find this idea fascinating as well, so it gets passed around in New Age religions and Wiccan (witchcraft) beliefs. None of it is taught in the Bible nor is it a part of Christianity.
First, the Bible says that animals are alive (have souls), but they are not described as having spirits. See: Do animals have a soul or spirit? Angels are in the spiritual realm, but not animals. Second, God says that He uses angels to watch over His people, not animals. "Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:18). This is done by God, not because the Christian pleads with God for an angel.
Second, the guide for Christians is the Bible and not direct communication from God. See: Does God Speak Directly to Mankind Today? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16-17). See: God is Speaking to You.
Like many false religions people create, it takes things found in the physical world and imagines them to be a power in some way. "Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man -- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things" (Romans 1:22-23). Of course, since these are imaginary, they then imagine the advice given to them. The result is people with no firm moral compass, who do as they please and tell themselves that God is pleased with them. "Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; they speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the LORD. They continually say to those who despise Me, 'The LORD has said, "You shall have peace"'; and to everyone who walks according to the dictates of his own heart, they say, 'No evil shall come upon you.'" " (Jeremiah 23:16-17).
While demon possession no longer occurs according to the prophecy made in Zechariah 13:1-3, it doesn't mean demons are not influencing people to no longer follow God. "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" (I Timothy 4:1). Such, of course, can keep you out of heaven because you would no longer be obeying Christ.
