The concept of an “Indigo Child” emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly within New Age and spiritual circles. It refers to a belief that certain children possess special, often supernatural abilities and characteristics, such as heightened intuition, a strong sense of purpose, and a mission to bring about spiritual or societal change. Proponents of this idea often claim that Indigo Children have an “indigo-colored aura” and are more spiritually evolved than others. While this concept has gained popularity in some circles, it is important to examine it from a biblical perspective to understand how it aligns or conflicts with Christian teachings.
The Origin and Characteristics of Indigo Children
Background and Popularity
The term “Indigo Child” was popularized by Nancy Ann Tappe, a self-proclaimed psychic, in the 1970s. She claimed to see auras around people and noticed that some children had an indigo-colored aura, which she interpreted as a sign of their unique spiritual identity. The idea was further developed by authors Lee Carroll and Jan Tober in their 1999 book The Indigo Children: The New Kids Have Arrived. This book suggested that Indigo Children possess extraordinary qualities that make them different from others, including:
- A strong sense of self and purpose
- An innate understanding of spirituality and morality
- A resistance to authority and conventional systems
- High levels of empathy, intuition, and creativity
The concept has been embraced by some parents, educators, and spiritual leaders who view these children as heralds of a new era of human consciousness and societal transformation.
Examining the Concept from a Biblical Perspective
The Biblical View of Human Nature
The Bible teaches that all human beings are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and are equally valuable in His eyes. While people may have different gifts, talents, and personalities, the idea that some children are inherently more spiritually advanced or possess special auras does not align with biblical teaching.
Romans 3:23 (NIV):
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This verse emphasizes that all people, regardless of their abilities or characteristics, are in need of God’s grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. The notion of Indigo Children being more spiritually evolved can be seen as inconsistent with the biblical understanding of human nature, which teaches that all are equal before God and in need of redemption.
Spiritual Gifts in the Bible
The Bible does speak of spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the purpose of building up the church and serving others. However, these gifts are distributed according to God’s will, and they are intended for the edification of the body of Christ, not for elevating individuals as being more spiritually advanced than others.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NIV):
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
Spiritual gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy, are given by the Holy Spirit to believers in accordance with God’s purpose. These gifts are meant to serve the community of believers, not to set certain individuals apart as more special or advanced.
Discernment and New Age Beliefs
The concept of Indigo Children is rooted in New Age spirituality, which often incorporates ideas that are incompatible with biblical Christianity. The Bible warns believers to be discerning about spiritual teachings and practices, particularly those that do not align with the teachings of Scripture.
1 John 4:1 (NIV):
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This verse encourages Christians to test spiritual claims against the truth of God’s Word. The New Age emphasis on auras, psychic abilities, and special spiritual identities is not supported by the Bible, and Christians are urged to exercise caution when encountering such ideas.
The Role of Children in the Bible
The Bible has a high regard for children and emphasizes their value and importance in God’s kingdom. Jesus Himself highlighted the faith and humility of children as examples for all believers.
Matthew 18:2-4 (NIV):
“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'”
This passage underscores the importance of childlike faith and humility, but it does not suggest that some children are inherently more spiritually advanced than others. Instead, it calls all believers to emulate the qualities of children, such as trust, dependence on God, and humility.
Embracing All Children as God’s Creation
From a biblical perspective, every child is a unique creation of God, loved and valued by Him. The emphasis should be on nurturing all children in the knowledge and love of God, rather than attributing special spiritual status to some based on unbiblical concepts.
Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV):
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This psalm reminds believers that each person, including every child, is “fearfully and wonderfully made” by God. It is a call to recognize the dignity and worth of all children, to nurture their faith, and to guide them toward a relationship with God.
Conclusion
The concept of an “Indigo Child” is rooted in New Age spirituality and is not supported by the Bible. While it is important to recognize the unique gifts and abilities that each child possesses, the idea that some children are more spiritually advanced or possess special auras conflicts with the biblical understanding of human nature and spiritual gifts.
From a biblical perspective, all children are created in the image of God, and their value and identity are found in their relationship with Him. Christians are called to nurture all children in the faith, guiding them to grow in their knowledge of God and in the likeness of Christ. Rather than focusing on unbiblical concepts like Indigo Children, believers are encouraged to embrace the biblical truth that every child is loved by God and has a purpose in His kingdom.