In Brief
- Yes, there are guardian angles.
- Most ‘modern’ talk about angels has no basis in the Christian Scriptures.
- Archangels of Divine Mercy, Archangels of Divine Providence, whether named Bethany or Marachiel or St. Isaiah, are figments of someone’s imagination.
It seems the fad about angels, which was so prevalent in the 80′s and 90′s with Sophy Burnham and the television show Touched by an Angel, has not diminished much. A reader’s note prompts me to consider that maybe the false teachings about angels have endured long enough to almost become mainstream and accepted by even Christians to be biblical. In part, then, here is the reader’s note and them my response. What do you think?
Afternoon Scot.
… I am hoping that you can help me with a puzzle.
I recently received an email from an astrologer who has told me that I have a guardian angel. This does not surprise me in the least. Recently, I have indeed felt a presence beside me, guiding me through the days and helping give me rest at night. She continues to still my mind when it races and warms me when I feel cold and empty.
What puzzles me is that I cannot find information as to the identity of this archangel: ST. BETAHNY (sic), ARCHANGEL OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE. Only one website provided a more complete name: ST. MARACHIEL, ARCHANGEL OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
I have always believed my guardian angel is ever-present, and say my prayer every day. I have several guardian angel pins that I wear whenever I am out, most especially when traveling. I wear the pin not as an adornment, but as a visual reminder to me that I am being looked after by Him, and (along with my own good judgment) will be returned safely to my home and family.
Can you provide me with any information about this particular archangel and about ‘divine providence?’
Thanks, Scot, for listening. I look forward to your response.
Hi,
There is only one archangel named in the Bible, that is Michael. Gabriel, the only other named angel in Scripture, is commonly considered to also be an archangel, but that is not explicitly stated in the biblical texts. In the extra-canonical Apocrypha (those books that often appear between the Old and New Testaments) Raphael is mentioned in the book of Tobit. The Ethiopian (Orthodox) Bible’s extra-canonical book, the book of Enoch, gives the name on another angel, Uriel. These two are also commonly considered to be archangels. The extra-canonical books, while understood to be useful for learning, are never considered on the same level as the books of the Old and New Testament which are held to be the inspired Word of God. So, you are left with one, maybe two, identified archangels in the Bible.
Unfortunately, the New Age movement has taken over the biblical teaching of angels and applies the term ‘angel’ to everything from one’s emotions and urges, to wood nymphs and fairies, and then baptizes this false teaching by evoking the very biblical understanding of guardian angels. Nevertheless, this is not biblical and it is not Christian.
Yes, there are guardian angels. Psalm 91 comes quickly to mind. These mighty beings are God’s heavenly army, and messengers sent on our behalf. The New Age movement would fashion angels who hear our voice instead of God’s. Wrong. They would have us believe we can shape them, or influence them to our will. Wrong. God’s holy angels hear only the voice of God, the do only the will of God. Remember, after the fall the angels who did not revolt against God were confirmed (set forever) in their holiness, and as such would hear and do only the will of God.
I am glad you find comfort in your guardian angel pin and that your faith is strong enough to understand what the Bible teaches about the holy angels. For some however, the pin—a product of the New Age fascination with angels—will only speak of the miniaturization of the mighty angels into something that can be manipulated by us humans.
The following prayers, taught to our children from youngest age, certainly teach us a proper understanding of God’s angels working on our behalf:
Morning Prayer
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Evening Prayer
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Another thing to note is that the angels are neither male nor female, yet in every case when an angel’s appearance is recorded in Scripture, the angel takes on the form of a man.
Back to your question. Who are Bethany and/or Marachiel? Who is St. Isaiah – Archangel of Divine Mercy? Figments of someone’s imagination. But don’t worry. We have a God holds us fast in His love and provides something greater than our imagination could conjure. And this loving God commands His mighty angels concerning you.
Peace,
Scot
UPDATE:
For more about the biblical teaching on angels, including guardian angels, see the page: All About Angels (tabs at the top of the window). 3/26/2010



Mary
/ January 3, 2010well, now i know it's not true. I also received an email from an astrologer that my Guardian Angel is St. Betahny – Archangel of Divine Providence. it looks like everyone gets the same angel , and people believe it. But after reading your response to a woman, I realised you just have to believe in yourself…
thank you
Mary
Marumo
/ January 8, 2010I also got an e-mail from an astrologer,claiming that I am guarded by st Bethahny angel of Providence. Thanks for a straight forward answer.
asia
/ January 22, 2010we also have the same case…my astrologer also told me about that guardian angel and claimed that it was my angel.. thanks for this info, coz ive found out that this guardian angel doesnt exist…oh?! how cruel…to my astrologer, dont just make some saints ok?!
ScotK
/ February 14, 2010Glad you found us asia.
Nigeriangoatgirl
/ February 13, 2010Must be the same astrologer–Jenna. I didn't sign up for the readings. I just keep getting emails that I am a very special person. In my research, I ended up at this site. Funny thing, I was baptized Lutheran years ago!
Linda
/ November 15, 2010I have received the same e mail from Jenna….I tried looking up Arch Angel St. Bethany, and she/he does not exist. Betheny is the name of a town near the Mount of Olives. Jenna has tried for years to get me to send her money for her readings…I just can’t believe that she wakes up in the middle of the night with me on her mind…
Chidinma
/ December 21, 2010I too find this very difficult to belive. jenna is not explaining much. I have also tried to look up angel betahny and I have come up with nothing. yes, I do feel protected sometimes, but I think its all God’s special grace. if she really wants me to belive, then she should tell us more. i really want to know, but I consider myself a rational person and I want to be convinced.
ScotK
/ March 28, 2010Guardian angels are true and biblical. To turn a truth of God into a lie by adding such garbage as a St. Bethany is truly despicable and a false teaching of the worst sort.
ScotK
/ April 17, 2010Thanks for stopping by, Tracy. I couldn't agree with you more.
Ahmed
/ November 7, 2010Same thing happened to me, lets believe what we believe instead of wondering about devine angels.
Jo
/ January 4, 2011Hi everyone, I too was given this name in a reading from you guessed it………..Jenna.
Then 3 others, none of whom were Betahny.
What is going on here………….a scam?
Anyone can buy those Angel Cards at New Age Crystal Stores etc.
They are quite beautiful, but remember this, you must have a very strong FAITH to protect yourself with, before going ahead with any thing such as this.
All my best wishes to you, I wouldn’t have found this site, had I not been trying to find out the name also.
Good Luck.
Jo.
Lisa
/ January 20, 2011Wow, glad I found this site, I didn’t believe Jenna but out of curiosity decided to look this so called “My guardian angel – St. Betahny up. She is still at it in 2011……. Glad I never sent her money…. Thanks for your expertise….
Lisa
Dragana
/ January 27, 2011[Comment deleted. While I think it is appropriate for Blog My Soul to comment on the deplorable theology behind the modern age's use of angels, I don't want to participate in criticizing anyone's motives or 'business' practices. Thanks for your understanding. --ScotK]
monica
/ February 27, 2011Wow I too keep receiving emails from jenna. This past one about that angel st. Betahny. (Atleast that’s how she spelled it for me) anyone else get that spelling for bethany? Not cool jenna..not cool!
sarah
/ August 16, 2011yes i also receieved onefrom her i just deleted it..
carrie
/ May 5, 2011it is spam pure and simple…too bad
Lady M
/ May 17, 2011Thanks for the true word. I know now that. Jenna is a scam artist who trying to get people to believe in her lies. So glad I didn’t send $$$. I’ve unsubscribe to her website but keep getting her emails. M
loie
/ May 22, 2011oh my god… thanks to you guys, yours is bethany mines isaiah _ archangel of divine mercy.. ive’d look to the net and i found nothing… no isaiah the archangel either google or yahoo cant give me answers… and you all know who’s behind this stuffs…
Les
/ September 19, 2011I wish everyone would feel that believing in anything spiritual only takes the love to believe. If someone truly has divine vision, then money should not be their motivation to give you that vision. To believe, pray or worship should not cost. Enjoy your life and learn the life lesson you are here to learn. In the end its all about one simple action…… LOVE
kevin
/ November 29, 2011Thats, the women that contacted me.
Trac
/ November 30, 2011Hi All, I too have been told by Jenna my Archangel is St. Bethany. She also states i have other angels watching over me by the names of Leila and Shanti. I am so glad i looked this stuff up. What a con. How can people go on messing with others lives like that. Im glad i never sent money, i just send her emails asking her to explain certain things to me. haha, there never is a straight forward explanation. We believe what we believe, not what others suggest we should believe. So happy i found this site.
Dyamond
/ December 19, 2011Hi good morning to you all, I’ve been contacted by the same Jenna who told me of having a guardian angel by the name of St. Isaiah – Archangel and also contacted my spouse telling him that his guardian angel is St Michael. I looked it up and found no result of Isaiah the prophet being an angel. She also send me and my spouse the exact emails, the only thing that was different in the emails we both got was the numbers and names, wow! [This part of the comment deleted. While I think it is appropriate for Blog My Soul to comment on the deplorable theology behind the modern age's use of angels, I don't want to participate in criticizing anyone's motives or 'business' practices. Thanks for your understanding. --ScotK] I’m so glad i found this site to see these comments because my spouse and I were talking of God sending his angels to protect him, and that was about last Wednesday night. And then Thursday morning i saw the email which was sent to me from Dec 13, 2011 by Jenna and i told my spouse. He when and checked his email and realized he received the same as well.
Dyamond
/ December 19, 2011This is a copy of Jenna’s email.
kelly
/ January 11, 2012WOW. Good thing i searched about jenna, and saint betahny. She had me fooled. Good thing I did not pay her…. Very glad! So thanks for posting about her
I was so upset that I emailed her back asking her how she feels… screwing with peoples emotions and beliefs just to make a couple dollars!! She is unbelievable and I feel bad for the karma and all that is due to her. Thanks again!
bob
/ February 13, 2012I got the same thing about i have a guardian angel who’s name is St. uriel.Who has been by my side for the last 35 year’s Some of jenna’s Email ( Jenna post. that Angels are represented by bright rays of colored light which resemble the light matter of fact a great number of these individuals claim to have seen bright golden lights flash in the corner of their eyes and these bright lights do not go away when they close their eyes! This is just the beginning, this is the first contact with a Guardian Angel.) What i want to know is dose any one see flash of light out of the corner of your eye. Cause i do. Is this normal.? I think she is a fake. And only give’s out this Email if she know’s your age. (by my side for 35 years.) And i think lot of people see flash of light out of the corner of our eye’s. Good scam jenna.