Halloween - Trick or Retreat?
Will you participate in Halloween this year?
Halloween is once again nearly upon us. Articles about the occasion are beginning to make their way into my RSS reader and I thought I’d keep up with one of this site’s few traditions and write an article on the subject. My thoughts on the subject continue to develop as perhaps long-time readers will notice.
Just this morning Pulpit Magazine linked to a great article courtesy of Grace to You. The article deals well with the subject, seeking to answer these questions: “How should Christians respond to Halloween? Is it irresponsible for parents to let their children trick-or-treat? What about Christians who refuse any kind of celebration during the season—are they overreacting?”
The article spells out several legitimate ways Christians will react to Halloween this year:
- Some will adopt a “No Participation” policy. As Christian parents, they don’t want their kids participating in spiritually compromising activities—listening to ghost stories and coloring pictures of witches. They don’t want their kids to dress up in costumes for trick-or-treating or even attending Halloween alternatives.
- Other Christians will opt for Halloween alternatives called “Harvest Festivals” or “Reformation Festivals”—the kids dress up as farmers, Bible characters, or Reformation heroes. It’s ironic when you consider Halloween’s beginning as an alternative, but it can be an effective means of reaching out to neighborhood families with the gospel. Some churches leave the church building behind and take acts of mercy into their community, “treating” needy families with food baskets, gift cards, and the gospel message.
- There’s another option open to Christians: limited, non-compromising participation in Halloween. There’s nothing inherently evil about candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. In fact, all of that can provide a unique gospel opportunity with neighbors. Even handing out candy to neighborhood children—provided you’re not stingy—can improve your reputation among the kids. As long as the costumes are innocent and the behavior does not dishonor Christ, trick-or-treating can be used to further gospel interests.
I appreciate the sensitivity the authors display in dealing with what is a difficult topic. It is my conviction that this is, in many ways, an issue of conscience. I do not believe there is absolute right and wrong here—we can’t be too dogmatic about it. Each person (and, in particular, I believe, each father) must examine the Bible and his conscience to see where that leads him. It may lead him to any of these options, each of which can be legitimate. The Bible says nothing about Halloween, though certainly there are principles we can find that will help guide us. But ultimately I believe we have to trust our biblically-informed consciences and our sanctified reasoning to guide us. Let me share where this has led me.
My conviction has long been that it would be a poor witness to the neighbors if my family were to refuse to participate in Halloween; it would be inconsistent with the way Aileen and I feel we are to live within this neighborhood. This day provides a unique opportunity to interact with neighbors, to enjoy their children and to prove that Christians are part of the community and not merely people who want only to interact with Christian friends or to only interact in our own way and on our own terms. Aileen and I are fully part of the community around us and look forward to being part of the community events that happen here. And so we allow our children to go out trick-or-treating, provided they do not wear evil or occult costumes. It still feels like a bit of a compromise, and admittedly one with which I am not entirely comfortable. Yet I would struggle far more with turning out the lights or finding something else to do that evening.
The truth is that I have several convictions regarding Halloween. I despise the pagan aspects of it. I am convicted that my children should not dress as little devils or ghosts or monsters or otherwise glory in evil. But I am also convicted that it is a poor witness to have a darkened house, especially in a neighborhood like ours which is small and where every person and every home is highly-visible. We know that, if we choose not to participate, the neighbors will notice and assume that we feel somehow above them for not participating (and that we are judging them for their participation). We have nothing to fear from our neighbors or from their children, no matter how they choose to dress for an evening. So my children will dress up (my son as a soldier and my daughters as a ballerina and a princess) and we will visit each of our neighbors, knocking on their doors and accepting their fistfuls of candy. Either my wife or I (I think it’s my turn this year) will remain at home, greeting people at our door with a smile and a handful of something tasty. If the kids are deemed too old to trick-or-treat, they’ll be forced to sing a song to merit any handouts. Our door will be open and the light will be on. A contributor to an email list I participate in once concluded his defense of participating in Halloween with these words: “One night does not a neighbor make (and one night does not a pagan make), but Halloween is the one night of the year where the good neighborliness that flows from being in Christ is communicated and reinforced. We are citizens of another Kingdom where The Light is always on.” That analogy seems particularly appropriate.
This year we’re doing something else. We’ve invited all of the neighbors over for dinner before the festivities begin. We’ve got at least 40 or 50 people who are planning on coming by for a barbeque. We’re doing this simply because we enjoy our neighbors and love to spend time with them. Halloween evening can be hectic, with parents getting home from work and then rushing to prepare their children, so we thought we’d attempt to relieve one burden by taking care of dinner for everyone. It should be fun and we’re looking forward to it.
My encouragement to you today is to think and pray about this issue so that you can do what your conscience dictates for that day. I do not see Halloween as a great evangelistic occasion and this is where some of my thought on the issue has probably developed most. In the past I may have tried to convince myself that Halloween would offer occasions to share the gospel, but I don’t think this is usually the case. Nor does it have to be. I think Halloween is a time that you can prove to your neighbors that you care about them, that you care about their children, and that you are glad to be in this world and this culture, even if you are not of this world or this culture. Aileen and I feel that God has deliberately placed us here and among these people. We want to celebrate with them, even on an occasion of such dubious importance as Halloween.
Addendum - Let me add just one thing here. This year Halloween is on a Wednesday which means it will conflict with many mid-week church services. We did not realize that the two conflicted until after we had already made and spread our plans for the evening. I am generally convicted that we need to be at church when the doors are open. If you are of the same mind, this article may be more theory than practice, at least for this year. We unwittingly made an exception this year, but probably would not have if we had not already invited the neighborhood to our home that night. And yes, we feel a bit guilty about it. My pastor offered this advice for next time: “Get a calendar!” That’s not a bad plan…
Comments (69) »
1. Pastor Paul Martin
October 24, 2007
10:32 AM
I find Google Calendar works quite well… :-)
2. Jake Hunt
October 24, 2007
10:38 AM
I agree, and might could even go further: We canceled our life group’s meeting next week because several families intentionally do block parties and the like as a way to get to know their (largely nonbelieving) neighbors. Like you said, it’s an exception, but an exception in order to take advantage of a wide open door to get to know people and not further the image of Christians as people who shut themselves off to everything “normal people” do.
3. Blake Law
October 24, 2007
10:54 AM
For us, we are generally convicted we should be at the church whenever the doors are open, but we are only convicted we need to be at the church when the elders have called a worship service; namely, every Sunday morning and evening. I wouldn’t worry about missing a Wednesday group or meeting for a chance to reach your neighbors with Christian love and the Gospel, it is not a service of corporate worship to the Lord.
4. Daniel Howe
October 24, 2007
10:56 AM
I am most interested in a comment early in your post: alternative celebrations are “ironic when you consider Halloween’s beginning as an alternative”. Can you elaborate, Tim? I had always thought of Halloween as a watering down of a pretty explicitly pagan celebration, not as an alternative a la Christmas (celebrating Jesus’ birth vs. the Solstice). Love the blog.
5. Sharon Lowery
October 24, 2007
12:04 PM
Appreciate the post. I can’t see anything wrong with candy, costumes and neighborliness, however, might a darkened house also provide opportunities for the gospel? Don’t we too often resemble our neighbors instead of providing a contrast?
6. Rich Owen
October 24, 2007
12:05 PM
You probably know that Halloween isn’t such a big a deal in the UK as it is over on your side of the Atlantic, but as with most commercial trends, we follow you like moths to a bright light ;-)
Having said that, we do get trick or treaters. I’ve done the lights off thing before, but since then have prepared for Halloween by getting a stack of Halloween specific gospel tracts in. Halloween is an evangelistic dream - it is so easy to turn a conversation about the supernatural round to Jesus… or no conversation at all… AND for once, your neighbours come to you! We give them some “candy” and tract and tell them about Jesus.
Well done for having a considered opinion Tim. Wise.
7. Allen Plummer
October 24, 2007
12:10 PM
Our company purchases and displays Halloween decorations: in the kitchen, in the hallway, in the entrance way, etc. In response to the display of ghouls, ghosts, beheaded men, etc, I decided to “post my theses” on my office door to celebrate Reformation Day.
It says “Happy Reformation Day! October 31, 1517”, and has a picture of Martin Luther posting the theses. I then have the 95 theses in printed form together with the verse from Romans, “The just shall live by faith”.
I was concerned about legal implications, but talked to two attorney friends of mine who said, “Go for it”.
My hope and motive is to spark conversation among people as to what “Reformation Day” means. Perhaps this can be a witnessing opportunity for me, who knows? Hopefully someone can ask, “What does it mean that the ‘just shall live by faith’?”
8. Marie
October 24, 2007
12:44 PM
Love the Theses on the door! We post them on our door every Oct. 31, also!
9. Mason
October 24, 2007
1:26 PM
My wife and I are going to give away candy - but also use the opportunity to give away tracks and Paul Washer’s “2002 Youth Evangelism Conference” c.d.
10. Josh
October 24, 2007
1:47 PM
Tim,
What do you think about letting your children trick-or-treating at houses that are decorated in an occult manner? e.g. If there were pictures of Satan all over or something. Would you treat that situation differently?
Thanks,
Josh
11. Kevin
October 24, 2007
2:04 PM
Tim,
Timely article! I read this on the GTY site yesterday. My wife and I don’t have kids but all of neighbors do so we participate by handing out candy and Million Dollar bills. It’s the least we can do. HA!
12. Tim Challies
October 24, 2007
2:31 PM
What do you think about letting your children trick-or-treating at houses that are decorated in an occult manner? e.g. If there were pictures of Satan all over or something. Would you treat that situation differently?
Yes, we treat those differently. There’s one house on our block where the people feel the need to do all of that—they dress in occult costumes, have the scary music playing, and so on. They’re also completely inebriated, but that’s a whole different story. We simply walk by that one. It’s not that we’re really upset with the people—it’s more that I don’t care to have my children terrified and waking up in the night!
13. michael
October 24, 2007
2:34 PM
You know you have a good relationshipe with your pastor when….his comment to your missing an event is, “get a calendar…”. Priceless.
14. ChrisB
October 24, 2007
3:39 PM
I’m leaning more and more toward Halloween being a non-issue. The fact that it used to be a pagan holiday — even that it still is to 0.1% of the population — doesn’t mean it’s pagan to dress up and ask for candy.
As someone pointed out in the discussion on my blog, this is the one night a year all your neighbors are going to be out and about, and it would be a shame to miss this opportunity to interact with them.
15. Jeff
October 24, 2007
5:41 PM
Tim, we all must live by our convictions. I would be one of those who believes there is nothing redeemable in a Christian participating in this so-called holiday. Every comment so far has been gentle, and so it should be. We should have grace for one another even when we disagree. I like the suggestion of a completely darkened house. Maybe even some other method more visible to proclaim the Gospel (like a lighted sign that proclaims the cross). That is what needs to happen. I think of Eph 5:11 “And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; “
But, our children must understand why we believe what we say to them. Let this be a time of instruction to our children.
16. Mark Altrogge
October 24, 2007
5:54 PM
Great article, Tim. I especially like your idea of having all your neighbors over. We always leave our lights on and have lots of candy for our neighbors’ kids.
17. The Scylding
October 24, 2007
5:55 PM
Well, Halloween may not be so pagan in origin after all! My good friend Steve Hayes, an Orthodox Deacon in South Africa, points to the 19th Century invention of the supposed pagan origin of the event. Read his comments at http://khanya.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/%20halloween-synchroblog/
18. Tim Challies
October 24, 2007
6:00 PM
I think the fact that the origins of Halloween are so deep in the past and so disputed really proves that it’s something of a non-issue. We can argue about its origins all we want, but I’m not so sure it really aids the discussion any. It’s not like these things are static and unchanging. Holidays, like language or anything else, change and adapt. The origins of Halloween probably tell us little about how we should or should not react to it today…
19. Brian Erb
October 24, 2007
6:07 PM
Two events occur in our neighborhood around Halloween, one is a party for adults on the weekend before with a live band and a great opportunity to connect with everyone in the neighborhood.
The second is a fireworks, cider and sparklers display after “trick-or-treating” is over. Again, everyone from the neighborhood contributes to the cost of the fireworks and the kids and adults all get together to spend some time together.
I have to look at the “fruit” of this. Here is a “dark” day, which ends up being two of the most treasured and anticipated days in our little community, not because of any celebration of darkness, but because the light of friendship and opportunity to connect with everyone which shines forth.
We also have a group home in our area. It is a treat to visit the home on Halloween night as the residents really light up when the kids come to call.
I can respect someone wanting to “not celebrate the darkness” but I have to ask them why it is that Halloween is in many cases a much better reflection of giving, being hospitable to strangers, a time of connection for both children and adults, a celebration of childhood (how we love to see the little kids in their costumes) and frankly, such a time of light, while on the other hand Christmas is a time for stress (often due to relationships), selfishness (the I wants and gimme’s), overindulging, and crass commercialism.
Hmm…what’s wrong with this picture?
Also…as an aside…if my pastor had a problem with me missing a service to reach out to my community instead of hanging out with the saved…I’d be looking for a new church.
20. Joshi
October 24, 2007
6:14 PM
What a let down! Especially from guy who wrote a book on discernment. Why even make it a Christian issue or talk about it every Halloween, if all (most) Christians are going to participate in it? I don’t see any discernment here at all—other than having a peaceful mask and costume. I come from an Indian (Asian) background. Among the Hindu’s that we used to live with they had many religious festivals. Almost one per month. One of the biggest one is Diwali, it’s a festival of lights celebrating one of their Heros in their mythology. Everyone lights up there homes, pass out candies/snacks to each other and lighting up fire crackers is the highlight of the night. We as Christians did not participate in that and for good reasons. My experience of seeing American Christianity is one of total watered down, culturally compromised Christians. As someone said, western Christianity is mile wide and inch deep. It’s sad.
21. James
October 24, 2007
6:58 PM
Halloween is National Evangelism Day!! We give out really great goodie bags and include a tract directed towards kids.
22. Stefan
October 24, 2007
7:11 PM
“…And get a calendar”—that’s Proverbs 31:32, isn’t it?
23. bchallies
October 24, 2007
8:35 PM
Having a bbq is a great idea - thinking creatively with a Christian mind. Dad
24. xeres
October 24, 2007
8:40 PM
Joshi: That is totally unnecessary. While I agree alot of what you are saying, not all Christians in America are shallow. What’s wrong with Tim’s personal convictions on the Halloween anyway? I don’t celebrate Halloween but that doesn’t make me any holier than my other brethren.
You know, why don’t the churches sponser week long solidarity fast during the last week of October or have worship night during Halloween. Doing the typical ‘fall festival’ thing isn’t the only way other than isolate yourself from the rest of the world. Avoiding vice alone ISN’T going to cure all the ills, especially it is clear the it is the condition of the human heart that causes us to sin, not just the circumstances. While the environment can expedite many things, it doesn’t always cause people to sin. I am not taking this whole Halloween thing lightly at all or I am saying we shouldn’t be practical with our witness. We just need to be careful especially when just about ANYTHING can be a stumbling block yet not all have the same effect at the same time.
25. Russell
October 24, 2007
10:16 PM
Tim wrote : “Aileen and I are fully part of the community around us and look forward to being part of the community events that happen here.”
I don’t pretend to know how you live your life in your community, but my experience is that most Christians never do anything that would cause their neighbors to think they are in any significant way different.
I think the distinction between pagan and secular is pretty minimal. Your unsaved neighbors might not be God-hating witches but they do hate God. Google the top ten Halloween costumes and see what they are celebrating. It seems obvious to me that by participating you are encouraging your neighbors in their rebellion instead of exposing it.
26. David
October 24, 2007
10:47 PM
I’ve done a lot of research on this subject. If you want to read a post from the “other side of the coin”, please feel free to visit my blog, as listed.
One thing I’ll say, while many Christians have decided that Halloween is a totally harmless holiday, I’ve ventured into some of the wiccan websites and publishings about Halloween, and they totally disagree. These occultists even find it amusing that many who claim to follow Christ are so uneducated about such spiritual matters.
Our battle is not with flesh and blood, ‘tis true. I can’t help but wonder if our real enemy cackles with scorn each time this “holiday” comes around.
27. Eric
October 24, 2007
11:38 PM
I’ll have to lean the direction of David and Joshi. I think we should be proclaiming Christ to the lost every other day of the year. It seems like a (un)holiday like halloween, people are distracted and less receptive to ‘serious’ matters. If we are proclaiming Christ to the lost whenever we can, I’d venture to say we’d have less to talk about when this time of year rolls around.
This reminds me of John MacArthur’s TV appearance on ‘Should Christians do Yoga.’ He was the counter point to Doug Pagitt.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2627017857393286792&q=pagitt+yoga+macarthur&total=2&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
Why would you deliberately compromise yourself, and your children, in something that isn’t rooted in Christ? We should be raising our children/families in the laws and precepts of the LORD. Not that I have kids, but that’s my 2 cents (adjusted for inflation)
28. Staci at Writing and Living
October 24, 2007
11:44 PM
Our feelings on Halloween are similar to yours. We go to a local church’s “Trunk or Treating” and have a great time visiting with people we don’t get to see very often.
We have a relative who believes that Christians shouldn’t celebrate Christmas since it evolved as an alternative to pagan winter solstice festivals. I would never criticize a fellow Christian who chooses not to participate in Halloween (which I think is much more understandable than not celebrating Christmas), but seeing our relative’s worry about pagan origins become almost obsessive has been very eye-opening.
29. nathan colquhoun
October 25, 2007
1:06 AM
awesome. Good for you tim and glad to hear stuff like this!
30. Rich Owen
October 25, 2007
4:54 AM
The comments have been interesting, and have helped to sharpened my views on Halloween.
It is so easy to think that we can be a good witness by fitting in - appearing to be “normal” or to use something like halloween as an opportunity to entertain our friends. I’d have to ask myself - what would my neighbours and friends think of me if I were to allow my kids to trick or treat, or if I invited them over for a Halloween barbecue?
Would their impression of me be that I was distict - different and committed to Christ, or that I wasn’t much different to them? Would they be saying “Rich is ok, he is a Christian, but he isn’t in-your-face - he doesn’t take it so seriously” or would they be saying “Rich didn’t celebrate halloween with us - they gave us books about Jesus instead”.
Perhaps if we took our kids out, knocked on people’s doors and gave them some literature instead? Or maybe we could invite poeple over for food saying that we won’t be doing anything halloween related, but rather wanted to get to know them better and share something of our faith with them.
I’m convicted that we should be different, distinct and obvious - you don’t put a lamp under a bowl.
31. Daniel Howe
October 25, 2007
8:41 AM
This is the most intriguing and believable thing I’ve read yet on the origins of Halloween:
http://khanya.wordpress.com/
If the author Khanya quotes at length is correct, we (meaning my family and the many others who have opted for non-participation) are having heartburn for no reason, or at least little reason. James Jordan’s thoughts are also interesting, though less historically enlightening:
http://www.biblicalhorizons.com/open-book/no-28-concerning-halloween/
As of today I am still up in the air about what to do in a week: so far we are planning a trip to our planting church’s Ref Day party (I pastor a small church plant). That could change. I will say this: the idea that Halloween really started in the 4th century as a celebration of those martyred under the Romans, and that it was moved to late October for reasons unconnected to a supposed Celtic feast of the dead, excites me. That now we Christians may have swallowed uncritically the pagan revision of the holiday’s history angers me. What if we made it again what it was meant to be: a celebration of those who have witnessed with their blood to the work of Christ?
Let me add that I am on the same page as Joshi, David, et al. If this is a genuinely pagan holiday I want nothing to do with it. As a Christian high school teacher over the last half-decade it has astonished me how much more seriously my evangelical Latino/Latina students took this: they were frankly shocked that their classmates would engage in something they regarded as a celebration of evil. If they are right about the nature of the occasion, they are right to be outraged.
32. Don Fields
October 25, 2007
9:14 AM
Tim,
I always enjoy the thoughtful commentary and this theme almost always brings some emotional and convinced comments. To date I agree with your assessment 100%! But I also enjoy hearing from those of differing positions. Thanks for making that opportunity available.
33. Larry Geiger
October 25, 2007
10:25 AM
WWJB Where Would Jesus Be? I know, that sounds a bit like a cliche but where would he be? As to his habit of dining and hanging out with sinners, I would think that he would be right in the middle of Halloween, being Jesus. Would he be in the back of a darkened house watching TV or reading his bible? Would he be hiding out inside the synagogue? I can’t imagine that. So what does it mean to be in the middle of Halloween, hanging out with the sinners, and being like Jesus?
I will be with my son and his family eating dinner and sharing with his neighborhood. Hopefully, being like Jesus, bringing life to those around me.
34. Carla Rolfe
October 25, 2007
11:32 AM
Larry said “Where Would Jesus Be? I know, that sounds a bit like a cliche but where would he be? As to his habit of dining and hanging out with sinners, I would think that he would be right in the middle of Halloween, being Jesus. Would he be in the back of a darkened house watching TV or reading his bible? Would he be hiding out inside the synagogue?”
For some odd reason, it’s described by many as “hiding” when in reality there is no hiding going on at all, for many families that choose to opt out of Halloween festivities. Many families are doing the same thing we’re doing on that night: folding laundry, paying bills, doing/correcting/helping with homework or studying, at a mid week church service, going grocery shopping, or any other wide variety of routine things families do. Last year, my girls were at church at their mid-week meeting and I was grocery shopping at WalMart. Here’s a tip: if you like WalMart but don’t like crowds, be sure to go there on Halloween - there is NO ONE there. It’s amazing. :-)
35. Larry Geiger
October 25, 2007
12:05 PM
Hi Carla I would certainly agree with you on your choice. Romans 14:5 says “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” I wasn’t thinking of opting out as hiding. If you consider that day like every other, and you are convinced in your own mind, then I applaud that.
What I was thinking about is when we retreat to the church building to separate ourselves from others. Somtimes we go there as spiritual retreat to learn and to grow. Somtimes, I think, we go there to hide.
Perhaps we should hide our children at Harvest Festivals in the church building. I don’t know. My family has always been the kind that jumps in and engages like Tim’s family.
36. Stephen Altrogge
October 25, 2007
1:22 PM
I’m dressing up as Tim Challies for Halloween…or Doug Flutie
37. The Scylding
October 25, 2007
1:45 PM
Re – “pagan” holiday:
When last did you go to the “Wodin’s Day” prayer meeting? And are you looking forward to the next Saturnalia?
Point is, a lot of things USED to be pagan. Like most of us, for instance.
And it is funny how people will actually eat up everything the wiccans tell them, but question their Christian brothers and sisters.
Lighten up. The earth is the Lord’s!
38. Christinewjc
October 25, 2007
2:17 PM
Each year, I attempt to “reclaim Halloween for the Lord.” I have given out tracts and Bible verses attached to the candy in the past. While browsing the CBN website, I thought it might be nice to print up and include a prayer:
Last year, a fellow Bible study member shared with our group that she is involved with creating stretchy, lettered bracelets that say HOPE in block letters. She also includes a Scripture reference to one of the many Bible verses that express our hope in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. I asked her to make a bunch for me to give out with the candy on Halloween!
Halloween has never been my favorite holiday. I’ll admit that I’ve gone through several phases (and attitudes) throughout my life. But once I became a committed Christian, dedicated to serving and pleasing the Lord, I really started to hate Halloween and all that it stood for.
Anyone remember that commercial for Quantas airlines? It’s the one where the koala bear is pictured clinging to a tree. His thoughts are voiced over and we hear, “I hate Quantas.”
Well, that was me every time I’d pass a Spencer’s gifts store in October. The ugly, evil masks, faces and costumes would irk me! I’d say to myself, “I hate Halloween!” I have Christian friends who feel the same way.
But, as long as my kids (when they were younger, of course) wouldn’t dress up in any costume that was evil, ugly or Satanic, then we would still go trick or treating and give out candy at our home.
A few times we attended our church’s Autumnfest. I liked the fact that we were celebrating with fellow Christian believers during a holiday that is often claimed for, and loved, by the anti-God, paganistic, secular culture.
Some people (including Christians) don’t think of Halloween that way. Traditionally, some have viewed it as more of a time to look at what frightens us, to experience it, to laugh at it, and to come through it.
O.K.
But the pagan roots of Halloween tell us a very different story. I won’t bore you with the details, but just do an internet search and you will most likely find lots of information about it.
The question sometimes comes up in Christian circles, should the forces of evil be mocked? Should Satan be laughed at? If you have ever read C.S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, you would find that he seems to think so. In that book, Lewis includes two telling quotations, the first from Martin Luther:
The second comes from Thomas More:
I really appreciated reading the following excerpt from Dr. Rearick who was a professor at Mount Vernon Nazarene College at the time his article was published:
Please note that I am not telling any Christian believer what they should do or how they should act on the subject of Halloween. I just wanted to share that excerpt because I thought it covered a lot of differing beliefs on how one might want to look at the “celebration” of this “holiday.”
As I said before, I’d rather not “celebrate” Halloween. But since it arrives every October 31st, I choose to reclaim Halloween for Jesus Christ. The HOPE bracelets that I will give out with the candy is just one small way that I can do just that.
39. Precious
October 25, 2007
2:35 PM
I’ve always been a little curious as to why some Christians in America and Canada do not celebrate Halloween. Perhaps there are spiritual elements about it that I’m not aware of.
Coming from a Chinese family in Asia, we have so many festivals that are pagan - the mooncake festival, the dragon boat festival, the spring harvest festival, the chinese new year, et cetera, and Christians here celebrate all of them although we refrain from some of the activities.
For example, each festival begins with ancestral worship and ends with a big dinner for the entire extended family. For my family, that’s more than 70 of us gathered at my grandmother’s.
As Christians, we do not participate in the ancestral worship, but we always sit together for dinner.
It seems wrong to reject it because these are the only chances we have to get everyone together.
40. Darien Bowers
October 25, 2007
2:36 PM
Tim, I appreciate your thoughtfulness on the subject. As one who takes the “do not participate” route with my family, I am happy to allow other Christians to reach their own convictions. However, one line in your post stood out: regarding your participation, you said “It still feels like a bit of a compromise, and admittedly one with which I am not entirely comfortable.”
That sounds to me like a symptom of a conscience which is not clear. That’s why I do not participate in Halloween; I cannot do so with a clear conscience. If we can’t participate with a clear conscience, then it would be better not to participate at all.
41. John Martin
October 25, 2007
2:42 PM
Living in Arizona, we are usually blessed to have great weather on Halloween night. For the past few years, our small group has held a cookout in front of one our houses in the neighborhood. We don’t wear costumes and while we do pass out candy, many children and especially the adults enjoy having hot dogs, chili and sandwiches as an alternative to sugar!
We have plenty of lawn chairs available for neighbors to visit before, during, and after the “official” hours for Halloween. We also hand out invitations to our church’s “Fall Festival” which is held the Saturday immediately after Halloween. The festival is is essentially an “open house” for neighborhood families to visit our church, complete with choir performances, food, rides, and games.
Essentially, Halloween night has been used to meet neighbors, inform them about our small group meetings and invite them to visit our church. I, too, have struggled in the past with what is an appropriate Christian response to Halloween. Our small group cookout is where our prayers have led.
42. Brian Erb
October 25, 2007
4:59 PM
Russell, I Googled the top 10 costumes. Here’s what I discovered: several million hits… …Annies’ costumes, which I’ve actually heard of lists the top 10 by age group. Let’s see…hmm…for “women” (not kids, women) Queen Gorgo (from the 300), Elizabeth Swan (Pirates), Good Witch, Dorthy (Wizard of Oz), Princess Fiona (Shrek), Princess Leia (Star Wars), Daphne (Scooby Doo), Snow White, Nun, Pirate Lady. The trend I see is people dressing up as movie/tv characters.
Let’s check the men’s top 10: Jack Sparrow, Darth Vader, Harry Potter, Hugh Hefner, Edward Scissorhands, Spartan, Jester, Pirate, Cave Man, Davey Jones. Again, with little exception I’m seeing movie characters.
So I googled kids costumes: TOP 10 CHILDREN COSTUMES: www.newyorkcostumes.com/PR-top10-halloween-costumes.html
PRINCESS & FAIRY
WONDERWOMAN CHILD COSTUME
SUPERMAN MUSCLECHEST COSTUME
GREEN LANTERN
BATMAN
HARRY POTTER COSTUMES
SPIDERMAN
STAR WARS COSTUMES
SUPERHERO FLASH
FUNNY COSTUMES
What was your point?
43. Joshi
October 25, 2007
5:28 PM
After reading all the posts for those who are for participating in Halloween, I still don’t get the point. I mean, what is the intent of using Halloween as an evangelistic day? What is our end result of evangelizing (presenting the gospel) people during Halloween? Is it to make them leave the kingdom of darkness and come into the kingdom of light? So for the sake of argument, if a neighborhood as been fully converted to Christ would they celebrate Halloween as it’s traditionally done? They will not, and it won’t be Halloween anymore. You would have to call it something else. So why participate in the questionable event in order to change it? Why not preach against in all our churches, do an active evangelism of your neighborhood before Halloween, etc.
Like I said, I don’t get the point in participating in questionable event. Even Tim has his doubts. I think once Christians are successful in turning Halloween around, they would be the saddest of people come October 31st, because they don’t get to dress up and have fun.
44. David
October 25, 2007
6:09 PM
Here’s another enlightening article by Albert Mohler:
http://www.crosswalk.com/1293292/
45. Christinewjc
October 25, 2007
7:24 PM
Joshi,
I can certainly understand your frustration about Halloween. I have experienced the same (see my comment above) thing over the course of my Christian life.
My Christian brothers and sisters can (and, some most likely will) disagree with my conclusions. It’s O.K., though. Christians have had differing opinions about many social issues. The core belief of the gospel and Jesus’ commandment to go and teach the gospel message to the whole world is still intact; no matter what one believes about Halloween.
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Jesus is still with every single believer; even when they enter into “enemy territory” in an effort to evangelize the lost.
As Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 2:2 -
1Cr 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Jesus told us that we must be born again. If we do not engage the world, then how will we reach the lost?
I do not see it as “celebrating Halloween,” or “active evangelism” because of participation in it. I see it as reaching out to the lost with the world’s only hope for salvation…Jesus Christ.
As with any endeavor that borders upon evil, those who were once in bondage to the occult (and, have been released from it through faith in Christ) may have bad memories about it and wish to avoid it altogether. Not all Christians are called into the same types of ministry as others. However, those who know that they would not succomb to the deception involved in the paganistic roots or current rituals that Halloween, unfortunately, can bring about in some individuals lives, would be equipped spiritually to lead others towards redemption in Jesus Christ.
Your idea to do an “active evangelism” in the neighborhood before Halloween sounds good on the surface, but may, in fact, backfire. People don’t like to be told what they can’t do. They would probably be more receptive to the positive message of redemption through Christ, rather than immediately displaying objection of their pagan practices. This is something that I am continually learning in my own witnessing efforts.
It may be more difficult and time consuming, but I have found that when people discover for themselves that they have the need to repent (of sinful Halloween practices or any other sin for that matter) and turn to Jesus Christ at the cross of Calvary for forgiveness of their sins; it is then that a genuine conversion can happen. All we can do is plant the seeds of faith and share one’s need for redemption. The rest is up to God.
46. rllowery
October 25, 2007
8:30 PM
Brian,
Thank you for taking the time to post the top ten costumes. My point is that none of those things are designed to glorify Christ. Most of our neighbors are celebrating things God has warned us against.
Ephesians 5:11reads “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
What is it that your neighbors are celebrating? The costume list gives a clue, the fact that so many Christians don’t participate gives you a clue, the fact that so many Christians that do celebrate have qualms gives you a clue. The fact that so many Christians that don’t have qualms are coming up with creative alternative messages also gives insight into what our neighbors are celebrating.
I look at the ghouls, ghosts, witches, graves, fairies, skeletons and assorted other stereotypical halloween decorations and see celebrating those things as dark and fruitless.
If you look at those same things and don’t see darkness you are free to celebrate. If you do see darkness you are not free, scripture commands you not to participate but to expose it.
If I am misapplying the verse I apologize and would love to be corrected.
47. DLE
October 25, 2007
9:18 PM
I’m not going to take a side on Tim’s blog except to point out a thought I had about this battle.
Those churches with a European heritage tolerate Halloween, some even embracing it.
On the other hand, those churches that were essentially founded in America tend to reject Halloween, often strongly.
Just something to ponder.
48. David
October 25, 2007
9:43 PM
DLE, The term Halloween, or more precisely All Hallows Eve originated in Europe, through the Roman Catholic church. So, it’s not suprising that it would be more tolerated by churches with European heritage.
49. Carl
October 26, 2007
1:29 AM
After being unemployed for over a year, I finally have a brand new job that has me working nights so this particular controversy has been taken out of my situation this year. However in years past I have had no problems passing out candy to the neighborhood kids. At least this neighborhood has kids who trick-or-treat. I’ve live here for only 4 years but the previous 17 years, my wife and I lived in an apartment complex on the south side of town a few blocks north of the “projects”. The complex was surrounded by a 10 foot fence topped with razor wire giving the appearance of being in prison. Even so, our car was broken into twice and stolen once. Many times we could hear shots being fired nearby. The local police finally built a substation that helped somewhat but not always. And for 17 years we didn’t have trick-or-treaters. The small number of kids living in the complex usually ended up at the nearby mall which had indoor halloween festivities which normally went smoothly except for one year when a bunch of thugs had a mini-riot which lead to an over-cautious presence of law enforcement the following year (no incidents that year so it went back to normal in the following years).
It took us 17 years to finally be able to afford a house and we were blessed to find a home in a lovely, quiet neghborhood with plenty of kids who, on halloween, have been polite and quite frankly, loads of fun.
I’m going to miss it while I’m at work.
50. Robin @HeartofWisdom.com
October 27, 2007
12:11 PM
The Bible holds the answer to pagan holiday questions. I posted an article about Halloween on my blog and received several interesting comments. See http://tinyurl.com/ypd2ck
51. Brian @ voiceofthesheep
October 27, 2007
4:10 PM
This year we will be holding our first Reformation Celebration on Oct 31st at our church. There will a potluck dinner in the “Wittenberg” Banquet Hall, a Reformation Play, Luther Music and Scripture Reading. We will then visit the “Wittenberg Marketplace” where our SS classes will have booths setup for games and crafts based on the 16th Century time period. 16th Century costuming is also encouraged. There is a great book for you to get ideas from and organize your own Reformation Celebration. http://www.eclectichomeschool.org/reviews/individual_review2.asp?revid=372
P.S. We normally participate in trick or treating in our neighborhood and feel guilty about not being at home to welcome our neighbors, so this year we will leave a note on the door with some Reformation Day information and Candy in a Bucket (Take one Please).
52. Coram Deo
October 27, 2007
10:35 PM
Compromising the cross of Christ in order to keep up appearances with the neighbors or fit in to the world’s culture is a disgusting and ungodly practice.
Christians are called to be separated from the world unto the Lord. How much clearer could scripture be on this point?
For the life of me I can’t understand why otherwise well informed Christians are so quick to compromise, yet compromise seems especially prevalent when the “kids” are involved. This is the common denominator for many if not most of the Halloween dissemblers…”Buh, buh, buh, the kids!”, though appearances run a close second…”Buh, buh, buh, the neighbors!” What about the Infinite Creator and Judge of the universe? Which is better to offend, God or man? Which is better to fear, God or man?
Of course we can think of all sorts of reasons to lapse into sentimental theology when it comes to our kids, and maybe that’s one of Satan’s most useful weapons against the Lord’s church. Yet he who loves his mother or father, wife or children, or even his very life more than the Lord is unworthy of Him. Take up your cross, Christian!
In our heart of hearts we KNOW BETTER and that explains the pangs of conscience and feelings of compromise the true Christian feels when he follows after the ways of the world instead of the ways of the Lord.
May those who are called by the Name of the Lord boldly stand for His revealed truth and His righteousness and forsake all appearance of evil.
53. Jason
October 27, 2007
10:40 PM
to the costumed I became costumed to reach the costumed
54. B. Leaver
October 29, 2007
8:05 AM
I’m giving out Baby Ruth’s and strips of David Rees comic!
55. Modern Momma
October 30, 2007
1:09 AM
For twelve months I have lived in close community with the families in our townhouse neighborhood. I have made every effort to serve Christ through my behavior in loving them, and serving them as possible—meals for a new widow, meals for a new momma. I watch one family’s children an hour every week, tutor another’s. When an emergency arises, I have been the “safe home” for children and adults alike. None of this has been with my permission, but all by God’s prompting, and even pressing. For me to lock up the house, disappear and shut all the lights off would be anomalous. The neighbors, who see me active in the community every day, would think I was ill! They would be concerned for me. I do not think that would in any way testify to my faith. It is the daily acting out of my faith, including praying for and with these families, that is a true measure of how I serve God, not a closed-door policy one day a year.
Those people who close themselves up once a year…is your door open the other 364 days? It is a very different approach to loving your neighbor as yourself, and I just don’t get it. With a happy greeting & good treats I will love the children in this cluster with whom we daily interact and play—they should feel no shame for having fun on this exciting night that holds the energy of a mini prom! They know nothing of historical significance—only that it’s an outdoor costume party! I want to see their costumes, love them and continue the relationship we have established. It’s a bad day to be cold and hard.
Thank you for your post!
56. Phil
October 30, 2007
10:27 AM
As Christians we need to take advantage of this and every opportunity when our community members come out of their homes. It is an opportunity for us to witness the love of Jesus that we have on very few nights of the year.
I had a friend recently dress up as the Grim Reaper for a Halloween party. He went around asking people: “Do you know where you are going when I come?” Depending on how they answered, he would give them a tract.
Jesus was accused of associating with sinners. My prayer is that we would be accused of the same thing as we share his love with others.
57. Suzanna
October 30, 2007
2:57 PM
This is the day that the Lord has made…
I do not see that the Lord is honored and glorified in the traditions of Halloween, so my children and I do not participate.
I am less concerned with the origins of Halloween. Conspiracy or not, it currently is truly a “Holy Day” for the Wiccans.
If there were a Christian Candy and Christ Day in August, maybe I would do it, but October 31 is just October 31st around my house.
58. William Titchenal
October 30, 2007
5:17 PM
Here in California, many fellowships offer an “alternative” for Halloween, by calling it “A Harvest Party”, in which they say, “bring your kids, and have them dress up as cowboys or cowgirls and there will be much candy”.
I am opposed to this because: As the church we should be praying…and teaching our children to be praying for this demonic day, and the innocent people being affected by it,,, instead of teaching our children to compromise….which is very big around here. Romans 12:1-2 Paul exhorts us to .. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
A few years ago, I watched a video…and in the video was a testimony of a gentleman who was brought up in a family of satanists, who went out on Halloween night’s, and in which they would sacrifice a child….this man testified,,,that when he was a young boy, they made him marry a young girl, then sexually abused them and then made him murder the girl…as a sacrifice..It is an awful story,,,but in His message….he challenges “Christians” to forbid the thought of celebrating any activities or compromises of this demonic day, but encourages people to pray everywhere, because on this night,… Halloween, there will be innocent children sacrificed, who are raised just for this….It lined up with my personal convictions, in which we (my house) opposes any activity or compromise.
When I think about these different events….I often ask why people hold these things…..the excuse is “So the kid’s have something to do” or “So they can have fun too”,,,I begin to notice on who “runs the home”….and just like Eli the priest, his ministry diminished…remember,,, his kids ran the home..1Samuel chapter’s 2-3
My prayer is that we as the Men and Women of the Church, would stand boldly, but humbly unto death, for Christ’s sake as our earlier Brother’s and Sister’s did, as they did not “compromise” to the Romans…
This is reason #254 (I really haven’t numbered them) I believe that this nation is the second Babylon,,,,just seconds away from destruction….Because Our Gracious LORD has given us,,, here in America, so much liberty, and resources to proclaim His Truth, but we have taken these liberties and have compromised as Solomon, Rehoboam, and the many other Kings mentioned in First & Second Kings.
There is a fellowship down the street from my mothers home, where I used to go to meet with a few men to pray on Saturday nights….this fellowship has canceled there Saturday night prayer meeting, but has made room to celebrate “A Harvest Party” in place of….note, this same fellowship decided fit, also last July to cancel Wednesday night service on the Fourth of July, to celebrate the Fourth , the words told to me were “So people can be with their family’s”…..Oh ok, so now it’s family first, before Christ….Remember the words of Jesus.. Luke 14:33-35 “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” …..and that night was to be communion also….the first Wednesday of the month… is always communion….I DO NOT UNDERSTAND these actions, but it does give me understanding, on how depraved this nation is, and how this nonsense has crept into the church buildings.
I listened to a message from an Old preacher the other day,,,named Vance Havner (1901-1986), He preached a message that the Lord gave him one night a he was eating in a dark restaurant, he said he could barely see the menu, it was so dark….. the message was called “Getting Used To The Dark”, in his message he shared on how his eyes adjusted to the darkness, and after awhile he was able to see just fine. He preached of course about today’s professing Christians, who bend according to the world’s ways. It was this man also who said “If you want to be popular preach happiness, but if you want to be unpopular, preach holiness” Professing Christian’s have no business in getting wrapped up with the things of this world. Nowhere in scripture do we see Christ or the Apostle’s bending to the world’s ways….and they suffered for it. Be prepared as a Christian to be made fun of, looked down upon, and joked about….Oh but the reward will be great. The name of the video is : Halloween Trick or Treat, it is part of the Pagan Invasion series.
You can get the video, from The Word For Today, call 714-979-4422 and ask for The Word For Today…I think it is about $20,,,of course if you shop around on the internet, you may find it cheaper…. So now that you’ve heard, how will you respond? May the Lord direct all of your steps.
59. rllowery
October 30, 2007
7:28 PM
Premise: Christians should not encourage little girls to dress in provocative costumes or little boys to dress as demons by giving them candy.
Most commenters seem to disagree.
Some Christians must have a different understanding of biblical commands not to participate in deeds of darkness.
Jesus interacted with sinners to call them out of their sin not encourage it. He preached repent and believe.
The costume choices for young girls this year are making parents cringe. Several of the media reports on this story focused on the tug of war between parents and daughters. Some reported that parents caved in to the kids’ desires, others like the mom and daughter featured in the Post’s article detailed the parents’ victory for modesty.
However, all of the media outlets report the same sad bottom line. As The Washington Post stated: “Bawdy Halloween costumes … have become the season’s hottest sellers in recent years.”
The online Newsweek feature took the story into a broader cultural context. The story quoted a costume buyer from “catalog giant Lillian Vernon,” who said the sexy costumes are “simply reflections of pop culture.” The buyer, Jackie MacDonald, followed up by saying, “We don’t want to say they’re sexier, just more confident.” http://www.townhall.com/columnists/KristenFyfe/2007/10/30/skank-o-ween2007costumetrendforyounggirlsisallaboutbeing_sexy&Comments=true
Christians seem to be the only ones confused about the meaning of this holiday.
60. Coram Deo
October 30, 2007
8:19 PM
At the base of this discussion is compromise. The majority of the thoughts I’ve read here in favor of participation in the pagan “Holy Day” known as Halloween - including the original post itself - have espoused an all too typical and scripturally unfounded abuse of sound doctrine in the name of cultural relativism.
It’s not okay to become a prostitute in order to witness to Johns.
It’s not okay to become a heroin addict in order to witness to witness to heroin addicts.
And it’s not okay to compromise with the world in order to witness to the world.
It’s relatively easy to set up straw man arguments and then knock them down as evidence for why compromise with the unbelieving world is a useful or even necessary witnessing tool but in point of fact it isn’t even an option for the true regenerate Christian.
Ask yourself this question: Are guilty sinners brought to a confrontation with their need for a Savior by really nice people who give out tasty treats at Halloween and are generally swell folks who seamlessly fit right into the broader culture?
Aren’t the Halloween compromisers guilty of secretly believing the old social gospel which fallaciously teaches that if you can just get men like you - or your church - they’ll like your Jesus too? Sorry, but it just ain’t so.
And before I’m misrepresented as espousing some sort of ascetic/monastic sequestration for believers, I’m not. I’m simply stating what ought to be obvious, which is the church is to be called out from the heathen and their heathen observances.
61. Shannon Lewis
October 31, 2007
8:49 AM
Wise words, Tim. I tend towards the opposite extreme - I think that those unwilling to participate in the ‘holiday’ and be open to their neighborhood are the equivalent of ‘the weaker brother’ - those whose theology & conscience will not allow them, but can’t actually justify it with scripture without taking all sorts of stuff out of context, and having no real grasp on Biblical theology. Personally, we’re inviting a few other believers over for dinner, and we - as stuff from the same church - will be sitting on our front porch eating chili, handing out candy to the youth, and ‘tracts’ (not stupid ones - Piper makes a few that aren’t rediculous), praying for, and sharing with folks as they stop by, even inviting some in for a bite. It seems I can have a much larger impact for Christ that way, rather than reveling in my own self-righteousness by turning our my lights and hiding, pretending that the devil actually owns 1 day of my year. Here’s my blog on this, if you like: http://4whatitsworth.wordpress.com/2007/10/29/why-i-celebrate-halloween/
62. Leecia
October 31, 2007
2:26 PM
I became a Christian 36 years ago but as a child of the 50’s Halloween was hardly a blip on the holiday radar screen. I’ve watched it grow into a juggergernaut “sugar-fest” for children & excuse for debauched costume parties for some adults akin to Mardi Gras or the “Day of the Dead” celebretions in Haiti, Latin & So. America. Once again like all the other holidays, we have been manipulated by the powerful sugar industry into another reason to consume more sugar contributing to the 170 lbs. per person per year we consume. Parents teachers & children suffer the after effects of all that candy by hyped up activity for days afterwards. In a nation where 1 in 3 Americans will develope diabetes,ever increasing in children, and where obesity among Christians is higher than any other religious group don’t we (smartchristians.com) need to look at this too as we rightly make our chioces concerning the days we choose to celebrate? 1 Corin.6:12(NLT)” You may say I am allowed to do anything.” But I reply not everything is good for you.”
63. Laurie J
October 31, 2007
7:09 PM
I disagree about participating in Haloween, & interaction in the neighborhood. Your lights off will only show that you do not agree with the structure of the pagan holiday and what it represents. The enemy works in any way he can. Seems the calendar this year has provided quite a door for folks to “oooops, miss going to church” and let the enemy gain victory in keeping you and others away, when you would normally be worshipping. I will not give that foothold, or even a smidgen of a foot in the door. To me I have had a change of mindset since I first became a believer. I now do NOT think that dressing up is good, nor a way to engage with neighbors. It really shows whether one chooses to follow the bible or not……… God never says, go see your neighbor, instead of worshiping me, does He? Satan has just won this little set up, if you ask me.
Please consider simply what scripture says about honoring the Lord in Word and in deed. Also Deuteronomy 18:10-13,….. Let no one be found among you who…practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord”. Read also, Eph 5:11, “and have no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them”.
64. Running[]-[]oove
October 31, 2007
7:18 PM
I would totally agree with Leecia above, in fact, there’s a really good video you all need to watch (see it here FREE on Google video link) and understand how evil Halloween has become ever since the sugar industry started pushing this so called “holiday” on Americans. Watch the video, you’ll understand what those “in-the-know” know about this subject instead of staying ignorant.
Big Sugar: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8139449806431868725&q=big+sugar&total=812&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=3
65. Chris Moncus
November 1, 2007
1:05 AM
Very good word bro. I as well as several other friends decided to take to fellowship and relationship building side of things. We handed out candy, talked worship music, shared a meal, and even scared a few kids with my George Bush mask.
I even blogged about this topic earlier in the week.
Thanks for ideas for next year as well as the general encouragement.
66. Bill
November 1, 2007
3:17 PM
I am a little late viewing this article - it’s nov.1 and I am hanving lunch at schlotezky’s.
If I may suggest just a couple of thoughts (this issue is not going to be resolved on a web-page, opinions are strong and polarized, so a few thoughts are all I have to offer).
We must be very careful that in our discussion we are gracious and not condemning. Above all other things, we should honor God in our speech and love one another, even if we differ strongly.
We cannot use Scripture to justify what we want to think. Both sides have good scriptural intentions, would we seek to nullify Corinthians to exalt Ephesians? (or whatever your text might be)? Is the purpose of Scripture to support our positions, or should we seek to yield ourselves to the authority of Scripture (properly interpreted with other Scripture in context as the author intended).
The totality of Scripture must be weighed and evaluated. We cannot camp out on one verse or one principle… we must be willing to struggle with tension and realize that the answer is in trusting Christ, not developing our own manual of religious rules by which we usually seek to justify ourselves.
Of these tensions, in Scripture, the obeservance of days and festivals is included, as is marriage, and meat-sacrificed to idols. To some things there is no cookie-cutter approach, we must be careful to not “go beyond what is written”.
Having said that, I would like to applaud those who have spoken amiably and respectfully… also those who have spoken passionately… I have been challenged to think deeply about much that goes on that night. I am sure I will struggle with it for quite some time, but in struggling, we learn to grow and trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Just some things to consider on both sides of the issue.
those who are for alternatives or limited participation: - would you be willing to give up this holiday if the Lord told you to. If you are not willing, you cannot be certain that it is okay to keep you opinion. George Mueller (a remarkable man of faith) once said concerning prayer that he first sought to have no will of his own, then he was free to hear the Lord’s will concerning a matter. Can we say that? If we cannot, perhaps we are simply honoring compromise to a “managable” or “acceptable” degree.
In a culture that wants to market a “cleaner” and “more moral” view of worldy pleasures under the banner of a Christian label, we must be very careful.
When we use this night to witness… is that simply a way to ease a conscious or justify our compromise? If we do not make the most of every opportunity to share our faith every day of the year, why do we want to declare that we do it on this day? Also, when we only do it one day a year, is it really that effective?
To those on the other side of the fence: - Are we really being distinct and different, or are we being judgemental or self-righteous? Again, if we take a stand against a holiday, are we equally willing to take a stand in other areas of our life, or do we jump up on a soapbox and preach against things that are easy for us to color in black and white? Are we equally as adamant about rooting out the evil effects of greed, materialism, dishonesty, unforgiveness, immorality, hatred, and self-righteousness in our own hearts?
Do people at a barbeque really think, “this guy is really no different than me?” Or, is the absence of death, the distinction of dress, the genoristy of the invitation, the way he loves his wife, the way he disciplines his children, and his integrity in the workplace (among other things as well), are these things not distinct and holy, a testimony to the power of God at work in his life?
When the Bible says to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness… is Paul referencing holidays and costumes and candy, or is he talking primarily about greed, sexual immorality, impurity, and harsh speaking?
I have so many other things spinning around in my head… but maybe these things can just be a beginning. I know what I did this year, I am not sure if I will do the same next year. Then again, it may change from year to year as the Holy Spirit grows me and strecthes me, as my neighbors change, or any number of other factors.
The point is, are we willing to sacrifice and struggle? Are we willing to think and re-think? Are we willing to lay down our systems and understandings and the things that make us comfortable?
More importantly, are we willing to love as we disagree? Are we willing to accept our way may not be the only way. Yes, there are absolutes, but is this one? Is this issue one that should cost us fellowship? Is this issue worth acting in an abusive or ungodly way because or spirituality “demands” it?
Let’s simply share with one another our convictions and the reasons behind them and seek to gain understanding on how we might best honor our God in the midst of a crooked and depraved world.
67. PAUL PETERSON
November 2, 2007
12:25 PM
I appreciate everyones comments. I am unsure of where I stand on this. But where do we draw the line.
For example, my supermarket I shop at knowingly supports homosexual causes. The place I work for also supports research for stem cells. Some of the stores I shop at their founders are evil evil men.
Does this mean I dont eat, work, or not buy anything?? I am not sure..
Being in the world and of the world are different and I guess we have to determine what that means for us and for the sake of the gospel.
68. Jocelyn
November 3, 2007
12:43 AM
Halloween is fun, period. Kids love getting dressed up and hanging with friends. Some think it is just about the candy, I really like candy. Let’s be honest - don’t we all? But - let’s go out on a limb and say it is about friendship. This year, my 10yr old daughter ran up to an adult dressed as a devil saying “You don’t scare me dude, give me five”. And guess what - he did! I could not have been more proud. They got it - Halloween can be a celebration of friendship.
We enjoy walking, well actually running, up and down our old neighborhood street, laughing, screaming and just being silly. And you know what - folks look forward to seeing us. One of our favorites - she is in her 80’s - she has all the children “sign in” and takes pictures. She makes the absolute best popcorn balls I’ve ever tasted, and truth be told, is beyond happy to see my children (and me) in our silly costumes. Another family, her daughter was severely brain damaged in her teens, she is now in her 30’s - and on Halloween dressed as a witch with naturally graying hair. We enjoyed several laughs and giggles over that - no need for a witch wig!
Halloween is a celebration. Just like other holidays, it can be used for sin, or it can be used for love. I choose to believe that God gave me the choice to do either. He is hoping I choose love, and yet He forgives me when I choose sin.
In closing, I honestly believe, God hopes those of us who choose love, will spread God’s love to all. I believe God desires me to spread His love every day, and Halloween is one of His days.
69. Andy
November 7, 2007
7:02 AM
Quite apart from any Christian argument, I think it could encourage kids to use this kind of intimidation to get what they want. Actually kids these days seem to have learnt the art of intimidation, more so than when I was a kid.
If someone knocked on my door I’d more than likely ignore it. I don’t want to be party to something that tries to manipulate people into doing something. That is what it is. However, I have to point out that I’m not one for doing something just because everyone else is doing it. I like to question why?