Is it wrong to have angel figurines?

The topic of whether it is wrong for Christians to own angel figurines is one that does not have a clear-cut biblical answer. There are good arguments on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, it comes down to a matter of personal conviction and preference for each Christian. Here is an overview of the main points on both sides of this issue:

Arguments for Allowing Angel Figurines

Some Christians see no issue with owning angel figurines or decorations. Their key arguments include:

• The Bible does not explicitly prohibit angel figurines. There is no commandment against this practice.
• Angels are a biblical concept and it can be good to be reminded of spiritual realities.
• Decorative angels do not violate commandments against idolatry as long as they are not treated as objects of worship.
• Angels reflect God’s majesty and care, so angel themes point us to Him.
• Freedom in Christ means grey areas like this are matters of personal choice.
• The danger is in excessive obsession, not mere decoration that acknowledges angels.

Those who take this stance emphasize that the Bible allows freedom in areas it does not directly address. They see angel figurines as harmless decorations, not idols. As long as people do not worship or have an unhealthy fixation on the figures, these Christians see no biblical basis to prohibit simple angel-themed art and ornaments.

Arguments Against Allowing Angel Figurines

On the other side, some Christians believe owning angel figures is unwise or could be displeasing to God. Their concerns include:

• The second commandment prohibits making images as representations of anything in heaven (Exodus 20:4).
• Angel figures could become icons that shift focus away from God toward the figures themselves.
• Decorative angels may portray angels inaccurately or promote false ideas.
• We should avoid any practices that could open the door to idolatry.
• Angels themselves in the Bible discouraged excessive attention or worship of angels (Revelation 19:10, 22:8-9).
• Figurines may appeal to spiritual curiosity more than true spirituality.

Those who avoid angel figurines are concerned that this practice risks violating the second commandment or shifting spiritual focus. They point out angels’ warnings about worshiping them instead of God. Out of caution and to avoid potential idolatry, they feel avoiding figurines is wisest.

Key Biblical Principles to Guide Decisions

When evaluating debatable practices like this, Christians can apply biblical principles to guide their decisions:

• Heart motives – Why do I want to own this? Is it to genuinely glorify God or indulge inappropriate fascination?
• Mindset toward figurines – Do I understand these merely represent supernatural realities but are not objects of worship?
• Potential for idolatry – Could this unduly overshadow focus on God and His Word in my life?
• Conscience considerations – Does this violate my conscience before God, even if not directly forbidden?
• Christian freedom – Am I insisting others abide by my own debatable preferences, or respecting their freedoms too?
• Testimony impact – How could this affect my witness to other believers or unbelievers?

Asking these questions can help Christians make wise decisions on disputed matters like angel figurines. The strongest case can be made against figurines if they become icons that displace a focus on God. But if kept in proper perspective, they likely fall under Christian freedom.

Bible Verses on Idolatry for Consideration

Here are some Bible verses that provide principles related to idolatry and religious art that are worth meditating on to help inform decisions on this issue:

You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:4-6)

What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols! (Habakkuk 2:18)

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:21-23)

Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthians 10:14)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)

Differing Views Among Faith Traditions

It is worth noting that perspectives on religious art and imagery differ significantly across faith traditions within Christianity. Here is a brief overview:

• The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches have a long tradition of extensive religious imagery and iconography, though with instructions against idolatry.
• In the Reformation, Martin Luther and some Lutherans allowed religious art. But John Calvin and most Reformed churches prohibited all religious images and icons.
• Anabaptist groups like the Amish and Mennonites historically avoided any graven images.
• Baptists, Methodists, and most evangelical churches allow liberty in this area as a matter of conscience.
• Pentecostal and charismatic churches vary in views but often avoid angel figures over concerns about unhealthy spiritual preoccupations.

These stances arise from differing interpretations about what the second commandment prohibits. This again shows that opinions in good faith can vary among Christians seeking to honor the Bible’s principles.

Conclusions and Guidelines

In summary, there are good cases to be made on both sides of this issue. The Bible does not give an absolute prohibition here, so it likely falls under Christian freedom and individual conscience. As with any debatable matter, the main biblical principles to apply are:

1. Act in faith with a clear conscience before God (Romans 14:22-23).
2. Avoid causing others to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:9-13).
3. Stay focused on Christ more than disputable things (Colossians 2:16-17).
4. Decide for yourself, but respect differing views in the church (Romans 14:2-6).

Based on these principles, here are some possible guidelines faithful Christians could apply to angel figurines:

• Avoid treating figurines as charms, good luck pieces, or objects of prayer.
• Be wary of New Age angelology that ignores biblical truth about angels.
• Make sure Christ remains centrally glorified over debatable decorations.
• Let love and conscience guide decisions more than pet preferences.
• Focus on instructions to worship God alone, not disputes over art.
• Refrain from judging others over this area of Christian freedom.

On an issue like angel figurines without definitive biblical clarity, differences of opinion can be respected in the church. The Art Institute of Chicago painted a mural of a famous Paul Tillich quote that applies well: “Sometimes I think it is my mission to bring faith to the faithless, and doubt to the faithful.” This aptly describes debatable areas like religious art. Loving discussion and tolerance for alternate views can promote unity in the body of Christ even amid disagreement.