Should Christians participate in Hallowe'en

[Guest LadyC]

I wonder if wiccans refuse to celebrate the secular version of Christmas because the holiday has it's roots in Christianity? Or if they refuse to leave a present from the Easter Bunny for their kids? Now I'm curious. It's kind of an interesting thought.

Many of the holidays we celebrate today have "secularized" versions created of them. I'm not entirely sure why, perhaps to give an alternative to those who don't believe in the roots of the purpose of the celebration?

I personally, do not celebrate Halloween because of it's roots. However, I was brought up wearing costumes and trick or treating. I don't remember any harm being done, because my parents taught me well.

May I ask this? Is there harm being done in celebrating the secularized version of Halloween? (i.e.: carving pumpkins, dressing up, getting candy, bobbing for apples)

If there is, I think it's best not to celebrate the holiday. But otherwise....??

just jumping in without reading the whole thread. i notice someone asked if wiccans celebrate christmas because of it's "christian" roots?

i just wanted to respond and say, actually, christmas has PAGAN roots. christians adopted the holiday as their own for the purpose of trying to disassociate the holiday with paganism by choosing dec. 25 to celebrate the birth of Christ... which more likely occurred in late summer.

[sachi]

Hi! Super Jew

While I'm not artslady, I'm going to be celebrating the freedom to have fun.

I do that every day.

I don't need to to join in on the eve designated to the lord of the dead.

And even if you go ahead an celebrate Oct 31 with the other pagans -- you are NOT a stumbling block to me.

Bless you for hanging in there in this discussion - speaking for myself only I enjoyedthe challenge

It's like a good game of tennis -

I need to go to Bible study now - my husband is waiting.

Bless you -

Edited September 15, 2004 by sachi

[Guest Liv4Him2]

What About This?

Religious Satanists do not ascribe any special significance to Halloween; they certainly do not practice human or any other sort of sacrifice on that night. Most of the suspicious signs found on occasion in communities are usually the product of teenage pranksters. Fears about Satanic covens secretly poisoning candy are purely a product of overactive imaginations- Halloween poisonings are extremely rare, and almost without exception, all cases turn out to be the opportunistic family members of victims attempting to take advantage of an urban legend.

I think that too many people believe some urban legends and perhaps subscribe to the Chicklet that said Halloween was of the devil

[dgolvach]

Boo!

[Work in Progress]

Mr. Biker and I participate in a church ministry that is held during the last week of October. It is a "judgment house" type presentation (zips up flame suit) put on by the youth in our church. It deals with a contemporary situation such as abortion, drinking, suicide, etc. Ultimately it is about the choice we make while on earth that determines whether we spend eternity in heaven or hell.

Biker and I serve as counsellors to anyone who comes forward during the invitation.

Some may see this as an alternative Halloween celebration, but we see it as being harvesters at a time when our fields are ripe with people who show up just to be entertained.

Badbiker - we have an annual Judgement House nearby and it is FABULOUS. My kids BEG me to take them, and they always bring friends. It is always packed - you need a reservation if you have a group - and it is SO good. I can't say enough good things about it. It is a WONDERFUL tool for witnessing. Good for you for being a part of it!!

[Work in Progress]

As for the names of the days of the week... That's just etomology. So a word came from a Roman root. We don't worship Thor on Thursday, the Moon on Monday, Saturn on Saturday, Mercury on Wednesday, or Mars on Tuesday. Monday is a word that is simply used to clarify which day of the week you're refering to. It's not even close to the same thing as acknowleding a pagan holiday that's been twisted around by Catholicism and commercialism to be considered "acceptable" the the masses. Like it or not, this particular holiday did start out as a day special to pagan religion. That's why we as Christians shouldn't celebrate it.

That's certainly your opinion. As for me, I believe if you are going to call something "evil" to be shunned by Christians because it has pagan roots, then you are a hypocrite if you engage in anything that has pagan roots. You don't have to worship Thor. You only have to accept and encourage the pagan roots behind it by continuing to use them. And that means you are going to have to change a lot of every day things in your life if you want to be true to your "denial of pagan roots".

[Work in Progress]

Just because you allow your child to trick-or-treat does not mean that you will be paying homage to satan.

If the children's activities are considered to be linked to Paganism, then one must logically tackle Christmas next. :x: The Christmas tree, yule log, mistletoe, ivy, Santa Claus, the exchange of presents, the choice of DEC-25, and other traditions are all traceable back to ancient Pagan customs. They too would have to go.

Thank you, Liv. Exactly. Otherwise, the argument just isn't credible IMO.

[Work in Progress]

It dates back to the Druids who would go from door to door along the English countryside and say "Trick or Treat." The "treat" they were demanding was the virgin daughter of the household who they would rape and sacrifice. If the owner of the home refused, the owner and all his household would be murdered. The murder of the whole household, maids, and pets included was the "trick."

Shiloh, there are a dozen sites on the web that give a completely different reason behind the trick or treating. I guess we will never know what happened thousands of years ago, but I don't really care. Satan and his followers are having a ball and yukking it up big time that we 'stupid Christians' believe this stuff about them. I think some people watch too many movies, but that is JMO.

[Work in Progress]

Christmas

Easter

Neck Ties

Staind Glass Windows

Neck ties? Why do we have to give up neck ties? Peaked my curiosity a bit...

They wer worn a phallic symbles

LT

WHAT?!?!??! Was that a joke?? That is NOT true. You just lost all credibility with me. (unless you were joking)

[stevehut]

I say Halloween is a harmless diversion for kids. They know nothing about evil spirits and superstition.

Let them have fun. They'll be grown up soon enough.