Should Christians participate in Hallowe'en

[apothanein kerdos]

In most of the Christian campuses I've been on they've still celebrated some form of Halloween. If that many Christians, who have studied the scripture, theology, philosphy, etc see no problem with Halloween...and if that many Christians aren't convicted about it (as I'm not convicted about it).....I tend to think, "What's the big deal?"

[artsylady]

If I'm correct, it only became a 'big deal' in the mid 80's. As I said, I grew up knowing all about all the sins. My parents were big on pointing out sin and looking for sin, so I'm sure if Halloween was considered a sin back in the late 60's and 70's, I'd have known about it!

[Trinity]

I don't have a problem with it though... They should Just rename it give me candy day so people would get over it LOL

[Nicks Girl]

halloween is far different from other holidays. Where is has an BLATANTLY obvious connection to the occult, and satanism. I know that young children trick or treating know nothing of it, or the history behind it, but I still do not think it an appropriate holiday for Christians to celebrate. I've never cared for halloween, even as a young child, I HATED trick or treating.

[Guest aggiekat]

I totally agree about being a light on a fallen world. Again, Jesus light shines brighter than all of the pumpkins of the world all lit at once. Why run and hide? Do you actually think that the spirits are more active on your street during Halloween night? If all of this supposed sacrificing is going on somewhere, I think they'd more likely to concentrate their efforts over there. If this is the case, (and I'm not sure if it's just hype) we should be praying. Praying while we're walking, praying wherever we might be. Anyways, if the devil is out in larger numbers on the city streets on Halloween, what have we to fear anyway. Greater is He that is in us. So what happened with Halloween? Did God give the devil a special day He didn't tell us about? Or are WE giving him that day?

I'm curious. Do you also not give out candy? What do you do? Turn your lights off?

In any case, how would my children be exposed to the devil by dressing up and going around the neighbourhood getting candy? Would someone please explain this?

I do think that there is likely more evil done on that day than normal. Actually, our local animal rescue shelter won't let anyone adopt black cats during the month of October because so many end up sacrificed.

God didn't give the devil a day. You're right about that. We humans have given the devil a day. That's why I don't acknowledge it. I don't mind admiring the change of season, but I definately don't want to mix it up with Halloween. As for the children, I do have some reasons for why I don't like getting them involved. It's possible that in some kids, going out and gathering up a big bag of candy could promote greed, but that's not my main concern. Not all the kids who go out dress up as cute little puppies or comic book heroes. Some are dressed as grotesque demons, monsters, zombies, Freddy, Jason, werewolves... the list goes on. Frankly, those have always freaked me out, from childhood to the present. There are tons of stories and games concerning witches. Kids shouldn't think that witches are good (Harry Potter) or imaginary creatures. They're neither. Demons aren't pretend either, they're real. Halloween might give some kids the idea that evil is normal and okay. I don't agree with horror films either. And Halloween isn't all innocence. What about the kids who go around pelting their teachers' houses with eggs or tee-peeing their yards? That is NOT okay. We're supposed to respect our elders. We're supposed to love our neighbors. What actual good does Halloween do for anyone? Omit for a moment that it's fun. Sin can be fun, so that's not the best deciding factor. It may be harmless or innocent, but that's not the point either. What GOOD does it do?

As for what I do on Halloween night... I just treat it as a normal day. I have a tendancy to spend some evenings lounging in a chair at Barnes&Noble book store with my husband, enjoying a coffee and reading. I imagine that's probably what we'll end up doing that night.

All in all... the action of wearing a costume (provided it isn't just straight out evil) isn't wrong. Eating candy isn't wrong. A child can do these things and be innocent. It's the background of Halloween that gives me pause. The evil things connected with it. It bothers me, and I choose to flee the evil that hovers so nearby to that day. I do not fear Satan, but neither will I let him have his day without challenge.

Maybe if we told our kids all about Halloween once they're old enough to understand it all, they'd make a choice based on their own convictions. They can weed out the evil and go out, or choose to shun the entire practice. I just happen to prefer to keep my distance.

God bless.

Kat

[Nicks Girl]

Also, I do believe that other holidays have a pagan history, but with Easter and Christmas we can focus on the Christian aspects, since Christians have adopted those holidays. However, we haven't adopted halloween. What Christian aspect can we focus on that day?

[Nicks Girl]

Aggiecat, Great post, I agree with you.

God Bless.

[artsylady]

I also disagree with some of the costumes. I wouldn't let my child dress up as a vampire or ghost . I certainly don't like everything about it, that's for sure. But I just feel that dressing up and getting the goods are harmless fun. And I think we might do better to get out there and chat it up with neighbours when it seems like the opportune time to do it.

Nick's girl: I think it's time we adopted Halloween! Let's just take it over. Carve our crosses into the pumpkins, play our Christian tunes and hand out tracks with the chocolate bars.

[Nicks Girl]

I don't think that is the answer, artsylady.

[stevehut]

What Christian aspect can we focus on that day?

Oh, I dunno...

Is it such a bad thing to let your kids have fun and show them that you love them? Sounds like a spiritual endeavor to me...

Or least it can be.