151 Comments

1. Marci

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   I think that the tone of the original article (and the assumption that those of us who don’t celebrate Halloween should) is lacking some key context.

   [I think this was unintentional, though…I don’t think you were trying to suggest that the “don’t goers” were all just nuts, but your tone was unclear in some points. Now I just pray God MY tone doesn’t go to the crapper trying to discuss a super sensitive issue like this one!!!]

   [I partly don’t want to reply at all, but I’m really disturbed at some of the assumptions being made…and the lack of representation of the honest concerns of those in the “we prayerfully considered Halloween and felt strongly we shouldn’t participate” bunch. You don’t have to agree with us, but don’t we already have a huge problem with people not ‘hearing’ the other side of the argument? It’s gone the way it has already, but I can’t help being wistful about the kinds of things that could’ve been said to bridge the gap, or at least leave things at a “we Christians will just have to respectfully agree to disagree” etc. But your reply could be that you wanted to fully explain your view, and that your post wasn’t intended to be comprehensive…and that would be a fair response too]

   And I’m not at *all* surprised at many of the responses to the article – because this is North America.

   This is North America – where a lot of Christians *STILL* believe that witches aren’t real.

   [As a comparison – of all the friends and family I know of African or West Indian descent, ONLY ONE sends their children out to celebrate Halloween. Why? Because everyone I know is from a place where they know that the demonic spirit world is very, very real. Obiah and Obiah man aren’t considered something funny at all. Not remotely. And everyone I know can tell you stories about seeing demon possession, etc. North American Christians certainly experience spiritual warfare, but in my experience, they are FAR less attuned to the signs and symptoms of it than folks from the aforementioned backgrounds. Like I said – many North American Christians still believe witches are make belief, and if they do believe they are real, they think it’s a big joke]

   Like others have said, a number of Christians who disagree with sending their kids out for Halloween are individuals who have researched it thoroughly.

   As in – people who know that every Halloween, innocent children are actually killed in ritual sacrifice in honor of the day. Every. Single. Halloween.

   [As in – all those reports after Halloween of kids missing etc etc? Ummm that’s not just a few kidnappers taking advantage of the festivities. That’s the premeditated kidnap and slaughter of children. Yup.]

   [YES. Not a typo. Not a fake story. For reals, folks]

   Christians, if I were on the mission field, and my kids wanted to be part of local celebrations that I knew regularly involved the killing of innocent children for ritual sacrifice, I wouldn’t go. Nor would I let my kids partake in any part of such celebrations.

   Even if there was a really FUN part of the celebration that seemed harmless, if children are being killed during that night? NO. My kids are not participating in any of the celebration while other kids die.

   NO
   NO
   NO

   I really believe that it’s wrong to send one’s kids, out while other kids die, during the SAME celebration.

   My mission field is right here at home. And no, I really am not okay with sending my kiddos out to party while other kids die.

   [Am I the only one who is sickened by the thought? I just think it’s hypocritical to come out against child slavery and child abuse etc all over the world…and then ignore the killings that happen right in our own back yard in North America.]

   All too often, when this conversation about Halloween comes up, it becomes blatantly obvious that the folks against Halloween actually know it’s roots, where it comes from, and what actually happens (besides collecting candy and dressing up) on Halloween….while the folks who think it’s fine as long as their kids dress up as a princess or a sugar plum fairy or a farmer start hearing, for the first time ever, what ACTUALLY happens during Halloween from the “don’t goers”.

   That’s part of why this is complicated. It’s one thing if everyone is privy to the same information….and have just come to different decisions. It’s another when you regularly discover that many of the “goers” don’t know some of the things the “don’t goers” do. And there are many reasons for why someone might know or not know.

   Many of the folks I know have, like myself, done a lot of research about the roots of Halloween; a bunch of us even watched Halloween: Trick or Treat? as a group. http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1143It’s created from a Christian point of view. It’s very informative and has live footage of occult rituals and has real witches speaking, etc to explain how the symbolism is all very Satanic. Beth, if you haven’t watched this DVD, and plan to write a response, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts about how this sort of history fits in – or doesn’t – with your stance on Halloween. This is the DVD that changed many people’s minds…I know folks who were on the fence about Halloween or flat out ‘for’ Halloween who reconsidered and stopped celebrating it after viewing.

   Most of the world is NOT mocking Satan on Halloween; most of the world is celebrating the occult. And the Bible is very clear about shunning the appearance of evil. Christmas and Easter do not appear evil in the way Halloween does: the Church has a strong center during those holidays and yes, there’s consumerism, but we have sway socially and a central message that is clear to the world. There is no such message during Halloween. So no, it’s not the same…and also, all those kiddos don’t end up dead during Christmas and Easter; Halloween is where the kiddos die. Halloween looks like evil and IS evil, through and through.

   Part of the problem with this is nostalgia – folks remember what it was like to get all dressed up and go out to swap candy, so it becomes really difficult to move away from that sweet memory and face what Halloween really is. And I hear many parents say they worry because little Johnny will feel left out if he doesn’t go out to trick or treat…well, what’s gonna happen when Johnny goes off to university???! If you have taught your child that being accepted in everything is more important than upholding the Christian value of shunning the appearance of evil, I wouldn’t be surprised if such a child fell away during university. What happens when all the boys are going out to a strip club, and Johnny has never had to stand strong, and sometimes be uncomfortable, for what he believes? What happens when all the guys are doing drugs and Johnny has never had any practice standing up for his beliefs in an uncomfortable setting?

   [And we wonder why so many fall away then.]

   The variety of Christianity being peddled by so many these days is a “feel good” Christianity. I’m not against reaching out to neighbors and having deep friendships, etc. But I’m really concerned about this idea that Christians need to sugar coat everything so that the kiddos “don’t miss out.” So all of a sudden, shunning the very appearance of evil doesn’t matter because we’re going to try to “redeem” Halloween by mocking the devil.

   Even if someone thought it were wise to mock the devil, it does not change the fact that *all of us* are instructed to shun the very appearance of evil.

   My husband and I were listening to Christian radio the other day and there was a show discussing the recent obsession with vampires and vampirism as a cult. A lot of Halloween celebrations are now bolstering this new interest amongst young people in Vampirism (the guy who was being interviewed was now saved and no longer in this cult). So suffice to say, there is a marked interest in dark spirituality, and Halloween seems to fuel and be fueled by more and more spiritual practices with which Christians should take real issue. Even looking outside, the way people dress for Halloween has changed since I was a kiddo looking through our windows at home 

   [I have tons more to say, but I’ll stop here.]

   • Marci

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     And I should be clear here – some of the things I highlight in my initial post were responses to Beth’s article; other’s were responses to common arguments I hear from “go-ers” who I know :).

   • Susan Weeks

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     More than 10,000 people of all ages will die TONIGHT, in America–from elderly street people to infants–sacrificed as witches celebrate the ‘highest’ day of the Satanic calendar. I say more than 10,000 because there are at least 10,000 witch covens presently operating in America. People have been kidnapped and held hostage for tonight’s ceremonies, all throughout the month of October.

     You all enjoy your fun Halloween parties and candy, and try not to think too much about it ok? Don’t bother to take the time (while lots of you are gathered together in HIS name) to say some prayers on their behalf. Just go right on celebrating.

     Evil is real! If you think I’M mean (an ‘unloving’ Christian), you ain’t seen nothing! Ask those lying on the altars tonight what THEY think of ‘Christians’ celebrating on Halloween.

2. Alan

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   Here’s another good read supporting Christians participation in Halloween that has actual scripture references:
   http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/when-jesus-haunts-your-halloween

   Also, as a person of Irish decent, let me say that “Samhain” is roughly translated “summer’s end.” “Samhradh” = summer. There is no pagan Celtic lord of the dead named Samhain. In fact, the Gaelic word for “November” is “Samhain.” So tomorrow will be the first day of the month of ‘summers end’ in Ireland – Samhain1.

   While we’re on such a fit about pagan words and our use of them, let’s discuss our days of the week. If we’re supposed to be so legalistic and in such bondage to the law over a holiday that has no power, why are we not throwing a fit over theses days:
   Day of the Sun
   Day of the Moon
   Tyr’s Day
   Woden’s Day
   Thor’s Day
   Frige’s Day
   Saturn’s Day

3. Mariam

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   Wow. I read throigh this article and all the comments and I have to say I feel disgusted at these responses for several reasons:
   1. Not a single one is loving. Most are judgy and holier than thou, and reeking of smugness. Especially the commenter who went out of her way to write a smiley after each comment that disagreed with Beth’s. Please get a grip- there must be other things you need to get done other than this.
   2. We are not called to judge others, yet we are called to judge actions. How dare you call someone else a heretic? Are you perfect? No. Am I perfect? No. Calling someone a heretic over an article on Halloween is out of line and unacceptable. Maybe you are unaware of what a heretic actually is?
   3. Whatever happened to respectfully stating your opinion and then moving on? Commenting multiple times is not going to “save” anyone, rather alienate them with your sanctimonious arguments (which have already been stated multiple times).
   4. I was also disturbed hearing that so many of you do not celebrate Easter, the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of our faith and why we are able to be saved to begin with.
   5. Reading these comments made me feel ashamed that if a non believer read this that they would want no part in our faith for fear of being judged in such a hateful way.

   May God help us all and help us to see the log in our eye before we try and take the speck out of our neighbors.

   • Susan Weeks

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     Most unbelievers that want nothing to do with Christianity cite HYPOCRISY as the reason. So-called Christians tell them that they are going to hell, yet LIVE JUST LIKE THEM and think that because they simply ‘believe’ in Jesus their eternal destiny will be different. (Now THAT is truly a log in one’s eye.)

     The smiley faces I posted were because I was encouraged by others who understand that God has called us to be a people who are SEPARATE from the world, who do our best to live in holiness, and who have the courage to reprove those who participate in sin and who teach others falsely.

     Any judging I do is not based on self-righteousness or my own personal standards. It is based on the word of God, which is SUPPOSED TO be the foundation for the life and actions of every Christian. I can stand firmly and confidently when I speak according to His word, so long as I myself am not living hypocritically.

     Catholic connotations aside, the Bible reference to a ‘heretick’ simply denotes someone who follows false doctrine (and certainly one who perpetuates false teaching would fall in the same category).

   • Susan Weeks

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     “Wow. I read throigh this article and all the comments and I have to say I feel disgusted at these responses for several reasons: 1. Not a single one is loving.”

     Is that really truthful Mariam? You can paint me as the posterchild for the disgusting opposition, if you like–but MOST of the other commenters were very humble, loving, and respectful in what they said. I am sorry if my comments did not come across as loving and humble, but God knows my heart.

     It is interesting that all of the response seem to focus on HOW the truth was shared, and on judging those who spoke it, rather than standing on Scripture to give a defense.

     The truth is, those who want to participate in this holiday HAVE no Scriptural defense, so they resort instead to ad hominem attacks (attacking the messenger), as though the fact the the message wasn’t couched with enough niceties and apologies would somehow let them off the hook and make it unneccessary to listen.

     Yes, apparently I have violated many people’s standards of ‘loving’ and ‘nice’ . . . (I guess I’m just deficient in terms of ‘social graces’), but I don’t think any of you have a Spirit led answer for the truth that was presented to you. Sorry I couldn’t wrap it up more prettily–but most of the other (opposing) commenters did. Please don’t paint them with the same broad brush you use to indict me.

4. Allan

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   I was very excited to see a blog with this title as I believe Halloween can be celebrated by Christians without conviction but very disappointed in the content. No one really dresses up as a dead person or a witch in order to mock it, they dress up because it’s fun to be it for a night.

   And your statement “The one thing that Satan hates more than anything else is to be ridiculed” is not true. The one things he hates most is to be rendered powerless which many times means ignoring him and not putting effort or attention his way when it’s not necessary.

   Good topic just a poor argument, especially in an attempt to represent Christians in any generality.

5. maria

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   Thank you for this post! The thing is, although you & your kids might understand dressing up in a certain way as a ‘mockery’, the average person won’t see that interpretation.

   I think that Christians should use Halloween as an opportunity to be generous and loving, like we should every other day of the year! But I personally also think we should not dabble lightly into any of the spiritual stuff, including dressing up as devils or ghosts.

6. Lexie

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   Trick or Treating is HUGE in my neighborhood! I’m talking, the fire trucks come and it’s a huge party. There are hundreds of kids/parent/etc… probably even THOUSANDS. I do no lie!

   I also ask myself what Jesus would do in certain situations. If Jesus had the unbelieving world in his neighborhood he wouldn’t shut himself up and not come to the door. He would be right out there with them. Would he be acting the same way? NO! But he would be there. He WAS there in scripture. He wasn’t tucked away with the church people, he was eating/drinking with the sinners.

   So, since I’m trying to reach my neighbors for Christ (and the ones I’m actively reaching know exactly where I live) we decorate for Fall and we hand out hot chocolate. This allows us to take a little more time and care with each family who comes to our door. It allows us to start a conversation, and let them know that we care about them. Do we always share the Gospel story in this setting? No! But I’m actively sharing my life with my neighbors and they know that. And they watch me. And they know that I care.

   Thanks for this, Beth! 🙂 ((hugs))

   • Lexie

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     I should proof read! Sorry! haha! 🙂 I’m sleepy. Yup, that’s my excuse.

7. Danielle B

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   I really hope the author reads all of the comments. And considers them seriously. Especially since she claims to represent all Christians.

   • Susan Weeks

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     Yes. And then there is this:

     ‘A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.’ (Titus 3:10-11)

     She has certainly received more than two admonitions. I’m ‘shaking the dust off’

     ANYONE can claim to be a Christian, but Jesus said we should judge (yes JUDGE) by their fruits:

     ‘A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.’ (Matt. 7:18-20)

     ‘Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.’ (Matt. 7:21-23)

     You can do whatever you want, and justify it to yourself, and find other people who will support your decision. But on judgment day, you cannot say that you were not warned, carefully, lovingly, and patiently, by MANY people, that what you are doing (and teaching others to do) is wrong. May the Holy Spirit work in your heart, to bring conviction and to grant you repentance.

8. Danielle B

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   I reeeeaallly don’t think it’s a good idea to dress up like evil characters and mock Satan. The Bible never mentions anything about Christians mocking satan. Yes, God has won the victory over death, but that does not mean we should be taunting the devil. As Christians we should never have the appearance of evil but only think on “that which is pure, holy, lovely, of good reputation,” etc. We should be so busy worshipping Christ that we have no time to mock the devil. The devil doesn’t deserve our time and enjoyment. But Christ truly does deserve our time and our best.

   We like to have a Reformation Night. Eat candy and snacks and watch the Luther movie. This way we are focused on Christ, not on the devil.

   • Leah Cook

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     Just thought I would share a quote from Martin Luther himself…

     “One must always do what Satan forbids. What other cause do you think that I have for drinking so much strong drink, talking so freely and making merry so often, except that I wish to mock and harass the devil who is wont to mock and harass me.”

     In a letter to Jerome Weller at Wittenberg while Luther was away from home during the summer of 1530

     • Lana

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       Luther is not God. Nor I’s that biblical. Where is the scriptureal reference?

9. Emily @ Live Renewed

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   I think this is a great post – thank you Beth for sharing and for graciously dealing with all of the unloving, unkind, un-Christ-like backlash! Our family participates in Halloween by our kids dressing up in fun and funny costumes and going trick-or-treating. I’m not sure I would say that we “celebrate” Halloween, but we definitely participate and have fun – and I think that is the point of this article that so many people are missing.

   And to the point of What Would Jesus Do? I believe that He would go out with and participate with people on Halloween, shining His light into the darkness. He sat down and ate dinner with tax collectors and prostitutes, he touched lepers and healed on the Sabbath, and was condemned by the Pharisees. Jesus was not safe – He was scandalous. He was condemned by those around him who claimed to have the “right” interpretation of Scripture and be the “most” faithful. I’m afraid that truth has been lost on too many Christians today.

   • Danielle B

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     Eating a meal with unbelievers is one thing, but I do not believe that Christ would go around dressed up as a witch, a ghost, or anything like that. You don’t need to participate in the evil to shine the light of the gospel. It would probably be more like a preach-the-gospel-on-the-street-corners moment, not an eating-with-unbelievers kind of moment.

   • Lana

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     But we are not Jesus. He was not only spiritually strong in the Father, but THE strongest of everyone ever on earth. He was perfect. He had no sin. We, on the other hand, are full of sin, battling Satan every day, every moment even, and sadly, often giving in, unlike Jesus. I believe that few people on this earth are strong enough spiritually, to be hand in hand with evil and not be effected negatively by it. Especially children, who are very impressionable. Who can say that skulls, blood and gore, and headless horsemen etc, is not evil? You may not use those sorts of things in your family, but they symbolize the day. And those sort of things may be seen while participating, at your responsibility.
     It’s unbiblical to associate with evil:

     2 Corinthians 6:14-18

     “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Beliala? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
     I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.
     Therefore, Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And, i will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

     Thee are many, many verses on this topic.

     • Lana

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       Oh and one more thing I’d like to mention about un-Christ like backlash…do you remember how Jesus acted in the temple with the money chargers? Jesus hated evil. He hated it. Nothing personal against the people who wrote this, it’s about fighting evil. The associations that go along with October 31 are evil.

       • Lana

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         And for the most part it seems people are trying to be respectful, quoting scriptures, and giving there interpretations. How is that backlash?

       • lisa

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         I was raised in a home where everything ,and I mean everything was evil or ” The Devil”. We did not celebrate Halloween because it was ” The Devils day “. We did not do Santa Clause because if you mixed up the letters in Santa you got Satan . We did not eat Lucky Charms , or watch the smurfs because that would be participating in witch craft . I believed that at any second the devil could grab me and take me to hell. I lived in fear , I lived in a prison where everything was a sin and the devil had power over everything . Now things are different . My family does celebrate Halloween. It is simple the eve of All Saints Day . It is a celebration of those that have victory over the grave in Christ . We do dress up and give out candy . We even go to parties . Being a Christian is no longer about what I dont do or what I am opposed to . Rather its the freedom that I have to love others and lead them to Jesus . How many times a year do hundreds of people knock on your door? Thats what got me . We always hand out candy , a book or track that invites people to church and tells them how to have a relationship with Christ . Its not about mocking the devil . Im no longer afraid of him , I mock him every day when I pray , just the fact that I am saved has mocked him . He has no power . Christians are notorious for letting him win. No day belongs to the devil ! Im tired of being yelled at by other Christians for handing out candy or sitting my kids on Santas lap . How is that leading a lost person to Christ ?

       • Susan Weeks

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         🙂

10. Mommy of Three Handsome Princes

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    I will not leave a long winded response to this. Enough people already have. This is an issue that I wrestled with for years. When in doubt about anything in life I try to just think to myself, “What do I think Jesus, Himself, would do in this situation?” And over this subject I have personally concluded this- Yes I know we are all children of Christ, But if Jesus had a literal biological son or daughter I seriously doubt that he would dress them up as witches, or ghosts, or anything of the sort. I also don’t think that he would make it a cute sugar coated event to mask evil. I don’t think that he would partake in evil and say it was just to make fun of it. Jesus was bold and unwavering against Satan… not dressing up and sticking his tongue out at him. In short… If you have to come up with an excuse to make it be okay then it probably isn’t okay at all. -Just my personal opinion.

    • Susan Weeks

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      🙂

11. Jan J.

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    Our family does not celebrate Halloween. I don’t think kids dress up to mock the devil – I think they dress up as what they want to be or to be scary. My first daughter was terrified of that day and had nightmares about costumes and decorations she saw. At 16 now she still hates it. It definitely has pagan beginnings and I just don’t feel comfortable celebrating that day, but we have nothing against our friends who DO celebrate it and don’t think less of them. The church where my girls go to AWANA closes down Sunday Evening services to do Trunk or Treat, saying they can witness this way. But I was horrified when I heard that! To me saying candy is more important than church is not a good witness! I could never be a member because of it (and the fact they close down for the Super Bowl!!!), but they are great folks and I am so thankful for their dedication to the teen AWANA program as most churches around here stop at middle school.

    I had no doubts about the Halloween decision, but it was a bit harder to not do Christmas, which I felt was the correct action as a parent. I had no problem not doing Santa – even my daughter as a small child said, “Mom they make Santa sound like God – he knows when you’ve been sleeping and when you’re awake – only God knows that!” I ended up compromising here, and we exchange gifts and enjoy the music but don’t decorate except the girls put up an Advent calendar or a couple of figurines every year. We also don’t celebrate Easter but don’t make a big deal about it or any of the other holidays we don’t do – we are not judging, we are just doing what we feel is right – or well what I as the lone parent (adoptive) think is right. We are definitely in a minority, but isn’t that what the scripture says we should be!?

    Even if you celebrate nicely with no scary costumes and call it Fall Festival it’s still on Halloween and others are dressing as vampires and witches and zombies – I can find no way, even the suggestions above – it can be a Christian holiday or one I feel we as a Christian family should be associated with. It’s definitely not for us but every family has to decide for themselves what is best for them.

12. Tina Davis

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    I do not believe your article handles the opposing view well. I felt like a target while I was reading, since I do not celebrate Halloween, and that other believers are being encouraged to disapprove of my decision not to participate, but not actually being given my point of view. I don’t think that was your intention as a sister in Christ, at least I hope it wasn’t, but it seems like it’s difficult enough to stand in this world without being attacked by believers as well. I’d like to share some of my perspective…

    This is the day that the Lord has made….

    It is the Lord’s day, to be sure, and so we should rejoice in a way that brings glory and honor to Him. This is how it should be with each day. Many believers who have chosen to NOT celebrate Halloween on October 31st, are not saying, or rather not treating, the day as one that has not been made by the Lord, nor are the saying that we shouldn’t rejoice and be glad in it, but instead they are choosing to NOT celebrate man’s superstitions/traditions (both Pagan and Religious, since it stems from both) unto the Lord for worship, which could be likened to an abomination if we really think about it scripturally. The day is His, but that doesn’t mean that we have to join in with the celebration of Halloween and somehow redeem that tradition as unto the Lord. The day is separate from the celebration, they are NOT one in the same.

    It has religious roots….

    Yes, there is a religious/superstitious tradition attached to it, though not a Biblical one, but the history actually goes beyond the Catholic church. Halloween was based in Constantine’s effort to preserve Pagan celebrations. In this case, the Pagan celebration of Samhain the Pagan God of the Dead…which may be why the Catholics pray for the dead. It is an error from which the church needs to repent. The Bible tells us to flee evil. There is also a lot of occult activity, glorifying of evil, crime, etc., likely because of these demonic roots, which just can’t be honored unto the Lord. Some may think they are mocking satan, and I was taught as a child that that was what it was all about, but I believe it is he who mocks on this day as many dress up to give glory to evil and to practice evil, while others follow along. We are not bound by the superstitions of Halloween’s religious roots, and we are certainly not bound to redeem the worship of Samhain, as Constantine did, for the worship of the Lord. We are not to follow religious traditions of men as if they are God’s ways.

    Many people do not understand the true meaning (most don’t)….

    Most believers who choose not to celebrate actually do know the history, and really have thought this over, really have prayed about it earnestly, and are completely aware of the roots of Halloween, and yet are still convinced that Halloween probably should not be celebrated. They look at their children each year and say that they do not believe it is right and they do not allow them to participate. They have the courage to stand and go against the grain and understand that the cost may just be that others, the world, will not understand and condemn them…and maybe even other believers.

    We have liberty in Christ….

    We are free to NOT celebrate Halloween, we are free from the legalism and pressure from within the church, and without, that would say we should. We are free from the condemnation of others because we would dare say it’s wrong and have decided to go against the tide as a people set apart for God. We are not bound to this day just because it’s what the world chooses to do, or because Christians have grown complacent and worldly so that they can justify it and allow their children to participate, and it’s not ignoring it, it’s choosing to NOT ignore it by NOT participating, and walking in the light as darkness surrounds us. We have liberty and grace in the Lord Jesus Christ to be yielded to Him completely, and to be a light in a world that is bound by evil, by tradition, by culture, etc., and so there is no need to glorify evil or feel that if we don’t participate we are somehow being left out or that we’re weird.

    ‘And if they don’t, they should.’…

    I think that believers should be able to obey their own conscience, to be convinced in their own mind, and to worship God in spirit and in truth apart from any traditions, superstitions, paganism, etc. that some feel need to be transformed into a celebration for the Lord. We do not have to follow the culture, or redeem pagan worship, or even religious traditions. We are free. We should be able to do all of this without condemnation or judgment, without being accused of being legalistic or judgmental, and with great love and tolerance by our brothers and sisters in Christ who may disagree.

    Do not cause little ones to stumble…

    I think there is one other aspect to this, and I think it’s very deceptive, and that this day is geared toward little children as if they are targets of satan. Are we really fine with encouraging them to dress as wicked goblins, or to participate in a celebration where other children/people are wearing wicked costumes? Isn’t this calling evil good and teaching them that it’s okay? I think we need to train up our children in the Way, according to God’s ways, and I just can’t see Jesus encouraging His disciples to go out and dress their children up as characters, or demons, or witches, or even as other things and take them walking among these wicked things up to spooky houses to get candy, especially knowing those of the occult are right there celebrating too and that many are just up to criminal things in general. I just can’t see that as something the Lord would be pleased for us to encourage our children in this. I would appeal to all reading to really just thing about this and to love the Lord with your mind.

    .
    …

    • Danielle B

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      Well written, fair and non-attacking, presenting a true biblical view.

      • Tina Davis

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        Thank you, Danielle, for reading! It was likely too long, and I thank you for reading what was on my hear last night.

    • Susan Weeks

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      Well said Tina. 🙂

      • Tina Davis

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        Thank you, Susan! I appreciate you taking the time to read the whole thing!

        • Susan Weeks

          at

          🙂 Indeed I did. I am encouraged by others who have the courage and conviction to speak truth, even in the presence of so many who apparently don’t want to hear it.

    • Christine

      at

      Very well thought out and well written. I agree completely. I wish that everyone who reads this blog post would read your response. The Bible tells us that we are to be set apart from the world and not embrace all of its practices. I pray that no one is led astray, taking to heart the advice that “Christians should celebrate halloween.”

    • Leslie Puiras

      at

      I agree with this response. We dont celebrate it either.

13. Amanda

    at

    Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

    No day belongs to Satan, all days belong to God. For that reason, we won’t let Satan reign in our house. For that reason, we are claiming the day as a special day to Praise God.

14. Natalie

    at

    Maybe you should have just left the comment section closed. :/
    So glad that NOTHING I do or don’t do can make me any holier or MORE righteous to my savior.
    God bless!

    • Brittney

      at

      Actually, that isn’t true. Even within the New Testament we are called to a higher standard. We are to strive to “be holy as He is holy”. It’s not about legalism or being saved by works. It’s about not being a lukewarm follower (God says He will spit out the cold and lukewarm) and holding everything we say, do and believe up to His word. I live my life as best I can to please and bring honor to Him. I’m no where near perfect and am beyond thankful for His great mercy and grace in my life that I don’t suffer punishment (the wages of sin is death) for my sins, but instead can turn to Him for forgiveness. Christs sacrifice, selfless and great sacrifice, is by no means an excuse to live in the flesh. We are still instructed and commanded to strive for holiness. I for one am glad that He has told us what things he finds pleasing so that I can strive to please Him. I for one am great full that He is continually refining us and helping us to become more righteous. I want and desire to be righteous as He is righteous!

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      Well said Brittney. God DOES take note of our actions. Jesus righteousness is not a cloak we can hide behind and sin and be unnoticed by God. We ARE to be righteous and holy. We ARE to set ourselves apart from the world.

      ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.’ (James 4:4)

      ‘Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.’ (1 John 2:15)

      ‘Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

      For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:’ (1 Peter 4:1-4)

15. Leah Cook

    at

    A History of the Holiday

    The Celts started the holiday 2,000 years ago, calling it Samhain (pronounced: “Sow-in”). The Celts celebrated the New Year on November 1 and believed that the night before was a transitional period from a time of harvest, light and warmth (summer/fall) into a period of death, darkness and cold (winter). They believed that the spiritual and physical realms overlapped during that night and that spirits could then walk the earth. They put on scary masks and lit bonfires to scare away evil spirits. To guide the spirits of their dead relatives home, they put candles in their windows.

    In 43 A.D. the Romans conquered the Celts, and Samhain became combined with two Roman holidays. The first holiday, Feralia, was a day to honor the dead, and the other was to celebrate Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees (some think this is where “bobbing for apples” comes from).

    By the seventh century, Pope Boniface the IV declared November 1 as “All Saints Day” or “All Hallows.” This is why October 31 is called “All Hallows Eve” or “Halloween.” By the year 1000 they had big parades for “All Hallows” where they would dress up as saints, angels and devils.

    In England, poor people would go door to door around this time to ask for food. They were given what were called “soul cakes.” Over time that evolved to kids dressed as Batman coming to your door and saying, “Trick or Treat,” which originally meant “Give me a treat or I’ll play a trick on you.”

    So, since there are both pagan and Christian elements in Halloween, should we celebrate it?

    A Biblical Example to Consider

    Paul gives us an answer in 1 Corinthians 8:4-13. In Paul’s day, people would offer sacrifices to idols and then sell the meat in the marketplace or eat it in the temple. Some Christians opposed this practice under the following line of reasoning:

    There is no God but Yahweh.
    Since there can be no other gods, sacrifices made to any “god” other than Yahweh must be made to demons.
    We should not have anything to do with demons.
    Paul agrees with this logic and does not want Christians eating idol meat in the pagan temples because he doesn’t want them associating themselves with demons. However, he does allow meat sold in the marketplace to be eaten, even though it was offered to demons. How can that be? Shouldn’t we stay away from this meat since it started out as pagan sacrifice? How can Paul allow Christians to eat meat sacrificed to demons?

    Paul’s answer: Because good things belong to God and can be redeemed for His glory.

    There is no demon meat – just meat that can be eaten in celebration of Jesus. Jesus made meat, and it is a good gift. Don’t get rid of the meat. Rather, get rid of its demonic association and redeem the meat for Jesus.

    Application

    The same principle applies to Halloween. Jesus created joy. Jesus created celebratory events. Jesus created laughter. Those things should be redeemed and used for Jesus. Now, there are obvious things you don’t want to take part in or that are sinfully beyond redemption. Dressing up inappropriately, taking part in anything demonic (Ouija boards, séances, etc.) and sexual, drunken debauchery would all be wrong.

    But to simply laugh with friends, dress up and eat candy is not wrong. However, don’t violate your conscience. If you are uncomfortable with taking part in Halloween, then feel free to abstain. God doesn’t want you to do something you cannot do in faith (Rom. 14:23), but don’t judge those who do participate out of a good conscience. Although you “can” celebrate Halloween, it doesn’t mean that you necessarily “should” or “have to.” Allow the Lord to lead Christians in their own consciences regarding this holiday.

    • Grace

      at

      This was an excellent example!! and very well written.

    • April S.

      at

      Yes 🙂

16. Julie (thegirlwhopaintedtrees)

    at

    I won’t comment on the actual article, since enough people have done so, but I do have one more use for the candy – we save it and use it to decorate gingerbread houses at Christmas. We don’t eat the houses because they stay out all of December, so it’s the perfect solution for us.

17. Ashley

    at

    I admire you speaking up on a very sensitive topic that many people have strong convictions about. We personally do get involved in our neighborhood on Halloween. We have neighbors over for dinner and we take the kids trick or treating together for the same reasons as outlined in the following link… This is hands down the best post I have ever read for a Christian on Halloween: http://troublefacemom.com/2012/10/31/on-halloween/

    • Beth

      at

      great article! thanks for sharing. xo.

18. Sharon

    at

    I’m so encouraged that others have learned to forego not just Halloween, but also Christmas and Easter too. I just learned this a couple years ago and my family has made the decision to avoid these days and instead worship God in the ways He requested and commanded. I’ve been mocked and ridiculed by the church in large part because they claim I am living under the law… Obviously we are doing this to honor God and to be saved. But if His law honors Him that’s what I want to do. And to me it is clear that that includes skipping Halloween, Christmas and Easter. We often feel alone in our choice to obey in this matter not that we care, but its nice to see others with the same convictions posting here. To those who don’t agree, I urge you to pray about it, be open to obeying God at any cost, and read His word for guidance. The Holy Spirit will lead you if you are seeking truth.
    God Bless you all.

    • Rena Pierson

      at

      Sharon, my husband and I can totally relate! We have come out of the organized church system, since this is one of the many ways that most churches compromise with the world. We stand alone with in our families also. Try not to be discouraged, we are out here!

      • Melissa

        at

        This is so encouraging for me and my family. We also don´t celebrate Easter or Christmas and it has also been hard for us, but it feels good to know that there are others that want to please GOD above all others.

        • Susan Weeks

          at

          We are out here. This is a move of the Holy Spirit, in the hearts of people who are willing to completely devote themselves to Him, and seek Him for truth, through his word. You are not alone Melissa and Sharon. 🙂

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      🙂

19. Susan Weeks

    at

    I see in some of the posts, that people are asking why some people get uptight about this. I will give two reasons:

    #1. The children are being deceived and opened to demonic influence.

    ‘But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

    Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!’ (Matt. 18:6-7)

    Judgment is pronounced on whoever casts a stumbling block, or causes a little child to sin.

    #2. Because what YOU do, if you claim to be a Christian, reflects on EVERYONE who claims to be a Christian and on Christ Himself.

    How often do you hear scathing remarks by atheists about how CHRISTIANS have killed millions of people in the Inquisitions (because the Catholic ‘church’–who really did the murdering–claims to be ‘CHRISTIAN’)?

    When I tell someone I’m a Christian, will there be an open door to share the truth . . . or will they instantly close their ears because they see Christians as hypocrites and fools, because of all the sin, compromise, and hypocrisy among so-called ‘Christians’ today?

    Similar to what Paul said to hypocrites, in his day:

    ‘For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.’ (Romans 2:24)

    Of the popular counterfeit Christianity of today, this is also true:

    ‘Woe unto you . . . hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.’ (Matt. 23:15)

    The churches today tell people that they are going to hell because they don’t BELIEVE in Jesus, yet they partake of sin alongside them! Are we really so spiritually blind as to believe that nonChristians will go to hell because of their sins, but so-called Christians–who sin just like them–will go to Heaven simply because of what they BELIEVE, IRRESPECTIVE of how they live?

    If a person TRULY has faith in Christ, they will walk as He walked and live as He taught. They will hate sin and fear God.

    • Kathy

      at

      Excellent post. I do hope Beth will open her eyes and heart and see the truth.
      Walking in spirit is the opposite of fulfilling the lusts of the flesh.

    • J.L.

      at

      I would ask that before you put down the CATHOLIC CHURCH, you do some research and possibly even meet with a priest to have your questions answered. It is very easy to just take what you have read or heard somewhere and convey it to others. This doesn’t do anyone any favors, though. It simply spreads false information and accuses our brothers and sisters in Christ falsely. And being CHRISTIAN we have a duty to help others along their journey to Christ, not put them down.

      • Susan Weeks

        at

        Catholicism is not a ‘church’. In fact, throughout history, Catholicism has been the biggest PERSECUTOR OF The Church.

        If you are truly concerned for the welfare of your Catholic friends, you will tell them the truth and help lead them AWAY FROM the pagan Catholic death cult. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, do your own research.

        (I should get my answers from a Catholic priest? I might as well ask Satan for his views on witchcraft!)

        Tip–you can start by looking into the role the Jesuits played in the Civil War and the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

        • Beth

          at

          Susan, I am warning you one more time. I am not deleting this comment, only because I want people to see what I mean when I speak of this later. Your hateful spirit has no place here.

          I do have many thoughts that I’d like to write down, percolating in my head. It’s been a rough few days in my house, however, and I’m not sure when I’ll be able to get to that. My little ones and my man come first, I’m sure you understand.

          You’ve been goading me and pressuring me to provide scriptural proof of my position, and I’ve not done so as of yet. Do you know why? Because good Biblical interpretation involves more than simply throwing verses out without providing context or understanding of what the original Greek or Hebrew text actually said. However, since you enjoy random verses so much, here’s one for you:

          From John, chapter 13… “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

          Your comments have not exuded love. Not at all. They exude hate and judgment (by your own admission!). By this verse alone I would have to conclude that you are not a Christian. Hmmm. It’s amazing what ‘courage’ the anonymity of a screen affords us. I have to wonder if you would have said the same things, in the same way, if you were sitting in my living room, drinking tea with me.

          Peace & love.

        • Mariam

          at

          Wow. You are seriously mistaken and clearly need some prayer. If being a Christian looks like that, I don’t want any part of it. Because this is not the Christianity that the Jesus that I love and worship brought to the world. God help you.

20. Alan

    at

    To all those who are condemning this article, throwing around Romans 12:1-2 and Col. 2:8 – What do you folks do at Christmas? At Easter? Do you not realize that many of these holiday traditions, and the days themselves are equally rooted in paganism? Do you practice your own advice then?

    • Kathy

      at

      I do not celebrate those holidays either.

      • Rena Pierson

        at

        I would add Jude 9-” But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” and also remember that when Christ was tempted by satan in the wilderness, He rebuked Him with scripture. It is not our not our “jobs” as Christians to make a mockery of Satan. We are to be obedient to Christ, His Word and to produce good fruits of the spirit. This is just an excuse to self justify being disobedient to scripture and to join yourself to the practices of evil. And @ Alan, no I do not participate in Christmas, Easter or any other pagan holidays.

        • Susan Weeks

          at

          🙂

    • Alan

      at

      As an addendum to my own post:

      I agree with taking this holiday and any holiday back. My family celebrates with a “Fall Ball” party where we do stuff celebrating the end of summer (which, being in Texas, is truly something to celebrate), and thankfulness for the harvest of stuff we’ve gathered (we’re homesteaders). We’ve eliminated the scary costumes and darker decorations, but we still celebrate something.

    • Alan

      at

      As an addendum to my own post:

      I agree with taking this holiday and any holiday back. My family celebrates with a “Fall Ball” party where we do stuff celebrating the end of summer (which, being in Texas, is truly something to celebrate), and thankfulness for the harvest of stuff we’ve gathered (we’re homesteaders). We’ve eliminated the scary costumes and darker decorations, but we still celebrate something.

      My issue in my original comment is that so many despise Halloween due to its pagan roots, yet adore Easter and Christmas.

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      Yes Alan. Since I have learned the are pagan, I no longer celebrate any of them.

    • Brittney

      at

      I do not celebrate these holidays either. He makes it clear in his word that he does NOT want us to worship him with pagan holidays and rituals. Aside from all the scriptural reasons for this decision.. I asked myself whether or not God himself would join me at the table for his “birthday” if it wasn’t really his birthday but in fact that of the sun god. Then I again looked at scripture and realized that though my heart was good intentioned, I was actually giving Him a “gift” He clearly did not find pleasing and I was giving it continually.

      • Susan Weeks

        at

        🙂

    • Alice

      at

      We don’t celebrate Christmas and Easter too. We were taught by our parents and grandparents that these festivals had pagan roots and we stuck to it. If we don’t enlighten ourselves and our children now, one day Halloween will become a Christian festival too. We need to take the initiative today. I am very much saddened by so many so-called Christians in this comment chain supporting this. I grieve for you and pray for you. May God speak in your hearts.

      • Susan Weeks

        at

        🙂

    • Melissa

      at

      In our family, we have never celebrated either of these holidays. Thank you for bringing this up, though. Hopefully, it will prompt people to research other holidays and stop celebrating those that don´t have anything to do with upholding God´s sovereignty and just displease HIM.

      • Susan Weeks

        at

        🙂

21. Melissa

    at

    I also respectfully disagree. Mocking the Devil is not something to take lightly. He´s still a real spiritual creature that is very powerful, and just because we have God on our side, it doesn´t mean we should take advantage of that. I also don´t understand how dressing in our children in costumes mocks the Devil.
    Jesus did say that ´We´re not part of this world, as he was not´, so even though there are things we need from this world such as work, money, food, etc. We have to also have to show with our actions that we are different and celebrating Halloween doesn´t seem to me as something that sets you apart, rather the opposite.

    • Alice

      at

      Rightly said. It is not our duty to play with or mock the devil. “Can a man take fire to his bosom,
      And his clothes not be burned?28 Can one walk on hot coals,And his feet not be seared?” Proverbs 6:27,28

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      🙂

22. Susan Weeks

    at

    Warning, this is probably going to sound harsh. But please brace yourself and pray that God would show you whether or not this is true.

    #1. You are under deception. Here is the root of it:

    ‘What is the means by which the demonic realm is vanquished? In a word: mockery.’

    That is not Scriptural. In the Bible, mockers and scoffers are in the devil’s camp. Over the last couple of years, my discernment has increased. One thing that I have come to ‘see’ is the abundance of mocking spirits. Yes indeed, there’s a lot of mocking going on, but it’s the gullible so-called ‘Christians’ that are the ones being mocked by the powers of darkness!!

    #2. See where creeping compromise leads?

    ‘Yes, Jesus’ birthday has been sacrificed on the altar of consumerism by so many, and yet we don’t give up on it. We redeem it. We call it what it is, and we celebrate the Truth’

    If Christians hadn’t consented to celebrating ‘Christmas’, there would be little argument to make in favor of celebrating Halloween. But one compromise is built on another.

    #3. The way you describe it, I can see that you are 100% into celebrating Halloween in the traditional manner. By the time I got this far in the article, I saw that your so-called mocking had ceased. I don’t see any mention of you handing out tracts, or letting your neighbors know that you are celebrating Halloween to mock Christ’s victory over sin..

    ‘Host a costume party for a few friends with homemade (waaaay healthier but still yummy!) indulgences, and also hand out candy to the neighbour kids that come to the door.’

    #4. Now I have a pretty good idea where the deception (#1) originated:

    ‘Our church is trick-or-treating this year for canned goods for their food bank.’

    (Disguise sin with a cloak of humanitarian generosity, as the (freemason) shriners do.)

    I know I’m taking it out of context, but this verse comes to mind:

    ‘Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, YE MAKE HIM TWOFOLD MORE THE CHILD OF HELL THAN YOURSELVES.’ (Matt. 23:15)

    This counterfeit Christianity is growing worse and worse. You have been taught wrong. If you ARE a true follower of God, I would urge you to pray hard about this, and about where you are attending church. Commit yourself to reading the Bible every day (or listening to it on MP3s) and the Lord will clear the fog of false teaching and show you the truth.

    • Lana

      at

      Well said. 🙂

23. Marissa Froese

    at

    I know that I commented last year when you originally shared this post so I’ll keep this brief. Plus I haven’t read most of the other comments so this is just my interaction with your post. In many ways I can totally see your perspective and can even agree. I’m not a hide in the basement kind of person and never will be so while I’m not to interested in trick or treat, I always want to be lovingly present in my community which I desire every day. I guess my main thing that I chewed on for a while last year and have been again this year is that I cannot think of anywhere in scripture where Satan is mocked in a humorous sort of way, defeated many times yes. Victory claimed yes, but always in a way that seems to acknowledge the depth of sin and just how far he fell. What do you think? What do you see in scripture that supports the idea of mocking and making fun of Satan?
    I feel too that I’ve experienced the raw ugliness of evil to a point where while Christ ultimately has victory and I cling to that, I can’t laugh or make satire of the damage that the power of Satan has done in my life and the lives of those I love. Does that make any sense? See, I can tell my kids that in the end Jesus wins, that his death and life covers us so that we don’t need to fear but I can’t tell them that evil doesn’t touch our lives now because it does, it has in their short lives. Anyways, like I said, in some ways I really do agree with you but I’m afraid that Halloween is not a day that I love.

    • Lana

      at

      Really good post! 🙂

24. Paula

    at

    Romans 12. 1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. DO NOT conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will.

    Halloween would definitely displease the Lord. You will either serve God by your actions, or serve the devil, one or the other. The devil blinds those who call themselves Christians, yet practice Halloween. Even if it is Trunk or Treat so they will please him. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

    Not the Devil.

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      🙂

25. Wendy

    at

    Hey…I have been studying on holidays because I was told christmas, easter and most holidays had pagan roots. That made me want to know, and understand what the Bible said about “pagan traditions”.. I wanted to know if I was offending God. If you do your research, you will find that God does not want us to HONOR him in these ways at all….The pagans used these days to honor other gods with baby and human, and animal sacrifices. It’s really horrible what these people did, and through the years we have been keeping their traditions, but we have “Christianized them” I see now that by doing this…we are no different then the others…Are we not supposed to be different than the world, so people will know we are “In Christ”? Basically, I feel like people always try to justify what they are doing because they really don’t want to stop (I know I didn’t), it is fun…I get that….but…now that I know that GOD HATES THIS…I cannot do it. It’s not about US anyway….It’s about GOD, and what HE wants…Right?
    John 4:24 says: For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.”

    So here is what got me…Think of the person you love the most….and you go out and get them something that they HATE for a gift….You wrap it up and put a pretty bow on it, and then you give them the gift….You tell them, You have to love it, after all It came from my heart and I wanted you to have it. It’s what I wanted to give you….(even though you know you are giving them something that they HATE and it is NOT something they want). We are basically telling God that we will honor HIM they way We want and justify it…not the way HE wants. I urge you to please read up on these traditions. Do your research and see what you think. I was shocked and immediately prayed to ask God to forgive me for offending him. I had no idea.

    Deuteronomy 12:29-32 ESV /

    “When the Lord your God cuts off before you the nations whom you go in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, take care that you be not ensnared to follow them, after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods?—that I also may do the same.’ You shall not worship the Lord your God in that way, for every abominable thing that the Lord hates they have done for their gods, for they even burn their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.

    Colossians 2:8 ESV /

    See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

    Here is a good video to get you started if you want to watch….there are two parts, after the first one plays, you need to look for the second one.
    http://youtu.be/5Mfb9gcB3lM

    I know people want to defend what they are doing. I did it too. This is not stuff I have made up….It’s there….go check for yourself. I want to only help others know.

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      Awesome, loving response. 🙂

26. Monica

    at

    So glad to have read this post! Both my husband and I grew up celebrating Halloween, and although we don’t have children yet, our children will too. We do and have always seen Halloween as just a holiday. Nothing more nothing less. I also think many Christians avoid a holiday in which they could really be lights, and share the gospel with others.

    • Lana

      at

      “We should be lights,” while celebrating halloween? Following this advice, we should be okay with letting our older kids hangout at bars or at parties because they maybe they could minister, or as I have often heard from friends, that maybe they could ” help” someone. Unless you are super strong, spiritually, even as Jesus was, then you should definitely not “hang out” with the world.

      • Susan Weeks

        at

        🙂

      • Monica

        at

        I think there is a difference between handing out candy and bible verses/tracts and having “older kids” hang out at bars.

        I just think that Christians who lock themselves up on Halloween night, are giving Satan power over a day. It’s just a day, and although it may have pagan roots (like all holidays), most Americans don’t celebrate Halloween because it’s pagan. They celebrate it because it’s festive, and a fun tradition. Instead of cowering, and fearing a holiday, I intend to be a light for Christ. That could mean a lot of different things, but what a great way to spread seeds than handing out bible verses/tracts with candy, or even throwing a more Christ centered Halloween party as a way to touch the lives of children and perhaps even their parents?

        I also find it interesting you would say you should not “hang out” with the world. My husband is a diesel mechanic and almost all the men he works with are unbelievers. They drink, smoke, curse, etc. They are great guys, although they aren’t in the right place spiritually. According to you my husband should avoid hanging out with them because they are of the world, and potentially keep them from learning more about the Lord?

27. Noelle

    at

    I very much appreciate your article and am so sorry for all the negative comments you are getting. People need to realize that it is a holiday that Americans celebrate and it is an excellent opportunity to witness. There are so many ways our church home groups are involved in reaching our neighborhoods during this time, making connections with families, and showing them God’s love. Locking yourself up and boycotting doesn’t show God’s love to anyone

28. Maria

    at

    I agree with most of your articles, but not with this one. We must celebrate Christ’s victory by praising and uplifting His Name daily (not just Halloween) And we are called to fear The Lord and to hate evil or even appearance of evil. We as Christians must take a stand for what is right! I know it’s a hard and lonely place to stand alone for Christ! Christ has been there too! I do agree , though, that we should stand alone in love and without judgmental or critical attitude.

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      🙂

29. Kathy

    at

    And we wonder why “few will find it” ?? This is why. Justification of celebrations like this wicked evil holiday. That is why. Satan is so good at tempting the flesh. Of course, that is his “job!”

    Matthew 7:13-14
    Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      🙂

30. Crystal @ WisdomSeekingMommy.com

    at

    I just published my post today about Seeking Wisdom for how to deal with the Halloween debate. It is something we each need to pray about for our own families. I do agree that this is a time we as Christians can celebrate that death and evil and sin have no hold over us. Instead of feeling gloomy and bad we can remember that the victory is won and sealed and praise God for it!

    I do have one issue with your post though – the whole idea of mocking Satan and demons. In Jude 1:8-9 it is written that even the archangel Michael would not rebuke or mock him. I think we need to be very careful about this.

    Prayers for you and your readers as you work through this and many other issues we have to contend with in our culture!

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      Yes. Why not go out and mock Satan by committing fornication and shoplifting? This idea of engaging in something God sees as wickedness, in order to celebrate His victory over sin . . . well, it’s faulty logic.

31. Sherri

    at

    This gentleman explains it way better then I ever could…

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKryRrx65sc

    and this article…

    The Five Scariest Things
    You Can Do This Halloween
    The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. (Proverbs 8:13)

    By Doug Phillips

    Our country is in the grip of a fear crisis. The tension because of this fear is almost palpable. There is fear over elections, fear over the economy, and fear over hundreds of other issues ranging from the environment to terrorism.

    The one fear that America is missing is a fear of the Lord. As a people, we no longer fear God. Because we do not fear God, we no longer hate evil (Proverbs 8:13).

    Instead of hating evil, Americans toy with it. We toy with holidays like Halloween that were conceived in evil and that promote the “cute-ification” of evil, whether that evil takes the form of witchcraft, sorcery, ghoulishness, or some other form of malevolent imagery paraded before our children. We laugh at the very things that the Lord describes as “abominations,” and we find ourselves obsessively fascinated by, and attracted to, all things dark.

    Yet we do not fear the Lord.

    Those who “hate evil” are very scary to a secular society that fears man more than God. They are scary because they dare to declare that there are absolute standards by which society must be governed. They are scary because, if they are successful, industries like Hollywood that make billions of dollars by promoting ungodly fear will lose their influence. They are scary because such people will not be swayed by political candidates who use fear as a tool for manipulation.

    With this in mind, I offer you the five “scariest” things you can do this Halloween:

    The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to not make light of evil. Halloween was conceived in evil and has remained a celebration that uses children to promote a fascination with darkness and superstitious fear. Simultaneously, it makes light of things that the Bible describes as evil. Stand against such things, and the world will find you very scary indeed. The fear of the Lord makes men turn from evil (Proverbs 16:6).
    The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to not be fearful. The media wants you to be afraid of everything from overpopulation to global warming. The politicians want you to be afraid of the economy and political instability. God wants you to do what is morally right, trust Him completely, and never be gripped by an ungodly spirit of fear. You can place your trust and hope for this nation in the King of Kings. Jesus said: “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him” (Luke 12:4–5). Believe this, and you will be light to the world.
    The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to completely skip Halloween and remember Reformation Day. It was 495 years ago that Martin Luther nailed his world-changing 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg church. These theses included rebukes to ungodly fear and superstition. 504 years ago, sometime near October 31, a baby named John Calvin was conceived who would dedicate his life to eradicating an ungodly fear of superstitious beliefs and proclaiming the gospel of grace. His emphasis on reformation, revival, and the sufficiency of Scripture had such far-reaching implications for nations like the United States that he has been described by Christian and secular scholars alike as the true founding father of America. The Reformers did something that was very scary to the world of their day. They stood against all forms of dark superstitions which grip the minds and souls of men. It was their emphasis on the fear of the Lord and the wisdom of Holy Scripture that was used by God to liberate untold numbers of men and women. But to remember the Reformers instead of Halloween is very scary to the world. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
    The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to refuse to watch or allow your children to watch any of the toxic Halloween and horror films emerging from Hollywood . America’s fascination with ungodly fear has made horror the most popular and fastest-growing film genre among youth. When parents allow their children to toy with this genre, they promote ungodly fear, and they contribute to the fear-factories in Hollywood that prey upon the youth of our culture. Say “no” to Hollywood horror and you will be dangerously scary to the media elite. “Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence .… ?” (Jeremiah 5:22).
    The scariest thing you can do this Halloween is to get on your knees as a mother and father and pray that the Lord will send you many children who will fear God, not man — children who will especially shun the glorification of witchcraft, the bondage of ungodly fear, and the “cute-ification” of evil that is promoted through holidays like Halloween. Cultures that toy with evil end up being cultures of death. The Christian response is to be a people of life. That means babies. It means fearing God by honoring His command to “be fruitful and multiply.” It means remembering that the Scripture describes children as a “blessing” and a “reward.” Raise children that fear God more than man, and that will be answer enough to our Halloween-and darkness-obsessed culture; for if you trust God over your womb and commit your children to a holy education, you will be very scary to the modern world. “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord” (Psalm 34:11).

    • Rachel

      at

      Amen. Anyone who has ever lived outside the US where it is about as big as Christmas would know it is a holiday celebrated by witches and those into voodoo. Christian churches and communities get targeted on this evening because like the solstices it is like a celebration day for them.

    • Kathy

      at

      Great post! Thanks.

32. Laura C

    at

    Much like with everything else in life the Bible is used to justify everything. I could make a good case out of if we aren’t with God we are against him therefore all holidays are evil including Christmas, or I could own human slaves and they should obey me or if you send your kids to school instead of homeschooling them you aren’t following the Bible, tsk, tsk.

    That’s when we forget the message of Christ which is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and love our trick or treating neighbor as ourselves. Oh and the Gay ones too. I think that Jesus if he walked amongst us today would be out sharing God’s love and salvation. So maybe along with some candy you hand out an invitation to church or a Bible tract.

33. [email protected]

    at

    Thank you for sharing your perspective and reasoning for how and why your family handles Halloween. I grew up with a mom who was very much driven by the winds of whatever was currently hot in church trends, so I had a rather confusing and scary upbringing on anything to do with demons. We couldn’t play with Cabbage Patch dolls because they were possessed, for instance (same went for Troll dolls). With regards to Halloween, it varied. Some years, we went to church Harvest Parties (some let you dress as anything wholesome, others only let you come as a Bible character). Some years, we hid behind closed doors, blanketed windows, with the lights low and no music or loud noises, because we were told that if anyone knew we were home, they might do something evil, like burn our house down, or kill our cats. We only went trick-or-treating once, that I can remember, and while it was fun to dress up and see all the other costumed children out and about, I was terrified the whole time that someone would leap out of the bushes and drag me or one of my younger siblings off to do horrible things to us – because that is what I had been raised to expect. Terrifying!

    I’m six years married, now, and my husband’s family (who are all domestic missionaries and children’s ministry workers) love using Halloween as an opportunity to reach out to the unsaved community with love and fun and treats. I participate in our Trunk Or Treat, and I understand where they (and you) are coming from…but I’ll admit, I still struggle with a great deal of fear, surrounding this holiday. I agree with you (though we won’t allow scary or yucky costumes or decorations, in our family – it makes all of us uneasy), and I appreciate you sharing as you did. It helps.

34. Kathy

    at

    Simply – you are trying to justify going against what the Bible teaches us. The devil is good at taking evil thoughts and acts and rationalizing them for those of the flesh (love of self). Anyone truly following the Lord would certainly not even consider this, but would likely spend Halloween evening in prayer. There is a difference (big difference) in a believer and a follower.

    Christ made a distinction between professing with your mouth and living with your heart: Matthew 15:8, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” He said such worship was in vain (v. 9). Jesus said we must die to our old lives and be “born again.” Until we die to our old way, there can be no conversion (newness of life, new creature, Rm 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15, Col 3:10). Most just want to incorporate being a Christian into their existing life. Sort of like a membership with a get out of hell free card benefit.

    Mark 8:34, “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Jesus said, “Whosoever will.” What hinders you? The narrow path is not crowded; the invitation is open to all. What is the cost? – Trading your love of self for the love of another (Jesus).

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      🙂 Truth.

35. Michelle

    at

    I was once wiccan. I spent 5 yrs of my life celebrating pagan holidays. Which is one reason why I can not celebrate Halloween. This holiday was taken from the pagans to bring more people into the church. In no way did this holiday once belong to Christian. I also believe we confuse non believers by celebrating this holiday.

    • Kathy

      at

      Good for you! Too many are agreeing to “Christianizing” these pagan celebrations. It is nothing more than following one’s own desires. There is constant war between the Spirit and the flesh. The Spirit and the sinful nature are two hostile forces opposed to each other: the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other. So walking by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) means fighting in a war between the Spirit and the sinful nature (Galatians 5:17). The connection between verse 16 and verse 17 indicates that those who live by the Spirit are not neutral in this war. They are committed to fight on the side of the Spirit against the desires of the sinful nature.

    • Jessica

      at

      as a use to be wiccan , do you not believe that Christmas was the same ?? taken from a non christian holiday? where trees were hung upside down ??? and lots more?? truly I am honestly wondering, cause I have heard this a lot and was wondering does that make you skip over that day too?

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      Amen!

36. Amanda

    at

    Thank you, thank you, thank you. All month I keep hearing or reading about Christians telling other Christians they are bad for celebrating Halloween or that ” Christians should not have anything to do with Halloween” Um I’m pretty sure Christians are also not supposed be judgmental of each other. So it irks when someone is trying to make me feel bad about it and being judged by them. I’m sorry no person will be my judge.
    On a lighter note my family has a big party every year the Saturday before Halloween we invite all the neighborhood kiddos, family, and our friends ( lots of whom are Christian ), and we typically stay home and watch a family Halloween movie on actual Halloween night.
    Thank you again for your post.

    • Alan

      at

      Actually we are permitted to judge each other. It’s the unbelievers we’re not supposed to judge. 1Cor 5:12-13

      • Susan Weeks

        at

        Correct. 🙂 Paul scolded the Corinthians for NOT judging matters within the Church.

37. Brittney

    at

    Respectfully I strongly disagree. We are called to be set apart, to flee from evil. Choose life not death… No where in the bible did God condone “redeeming pagan holidays”. In fact he told not to even utter the names of false Gods and to flee from pagan practices. You say the Devil is mocked when we dress as demons and devils? That by laughing and knowing our victory is mockery and makes God happy? That’s not the God in my bible. I guess when I’m considering whether to take part in a holiday (like Easter which is actually spoken of in scripture [ishtar] is a fertility holiday. Egg dying began because eggs were a fertility symbol and dipped in the blood of sacrificed infants. Or Christmas, also pagan read Jeremiah it actually speaks of the now modern Christmas tree origins.) I look to scripture. Does scripture actually back up that Halloween is a good holiday that christians should like, let alone love as you’ve said? I just don’t see it… And honestly that factor is missing from your post. This certainly doesn’t look “set apart” but rather confusing, which as someone else said, isn’t of God. We are to be a peculiar people.

    • Brittney

      at

      Please excuse my typos. One last thing… We are not redeemers. Something is not redeemed simply because we say it is. God is the only redeemer and he warns us not to get wrapped up in evil and pagan practices to protect us. It is not our job to redeem but his, it is my job to stay in His light and away from the darkness.

      • Susan Weeks

        at

        🙂

38. Josie

    at

    This is a FAIL on so many levels. Read your Bible please.

    • Amanda

      at

      did you read yours?
      The part where it says
      Matthew 7:1″Do not judge, or you too will be judged”
      or this part?
      Romans 2:1″You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things”.

      • Brittney

        at

        You’re right, we aren’t to judge. But we are also not to misrepresent Gods word. We are supposed to use discernment and we are supposed to hold our brothers and sisters in Christ accountable. We are warned that those who teach will have a harsher judgement. Nothing I’m this post can be backed by scripture. As a Christian to another Christian we are instructed to bring Gods word to the forefront. So am I judging her? No. Am I using my discernment a judgement to see the scriptural holes here? Yes. And in love for my sister in Christ is will ask why she isn’t using scripture to teach that we should love this? Why does scripture contradict everything here?

        • Kathy

          at

          I was looking for the “thumbs up,” or the “like” icon to click on.
          Good post! Thanks!

        • Susan Weeks

          at

          Amen Brittney and Josie. 🙂

          We are not to judge HYPOCRITICALLY

          (note the second half of Romans 2:1 that you posted, Amanda: ‘. . . at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment DO THE SAME THINGS”–these people were judging hypocritically.)

          and we are not to judge by our OWN standards. But we ARE to judge according to God’s Word. God’s word on this is very plain:

          ‘Abstain from all appearance of evil.’ (1 Thess. 5:22)

          and

          ‘But ye are a chosen generation, a royal PRIESTHOOD, an HOLY nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you OUT OF DARKNESS into his marvellous light:’ (1 Peter 2:9)

          and

          ‘Follow peace with all men, and HOLINESS, WITHOUT WHICH NO MAN SHALL SEE THE LORD:’ (Heb. 12:14)

      • Lori

        at

        The judgment spoken of in those verses is that of someone who is condemning another for a sin that he also has. The point is that if you are a gossiper, you shouldn’t go around condemning other people who gossip.

        I do not see anyone who is in favor of Halloween being a naysayer here (which would be the appropriate application of the “judging” verses to this situation).

        We are, however, to judge righteous judgment (John 7:1). In other words, we are to compare what we are considering with the Scripture and see how it holds up.

        I do believe that we should abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thess 5:22). Halloween certainly appears evil…that seems to be the main point of it…being scared, etc. The other holidays mentioned (Christmas & Easter) have “good” appearances. I’m not denying that they have pagan foundations; I’m just saying they don’t appear evil as Halloween does. Also, the main point of Christmas & Easter is about Jesus, His birth & resurrection respectively. I don’t see anything of Jesus in Halloween.

        You can be as effective witness and light to the world by not celebrating Halloween, perhaps even more of a witness. Christians should be different from the world. If the world sees us doing as they do, how will they ever see the change in us that Jesus makes?

        Everyone is entitled to their own thoughts and beliefs about the matter. I’m just sharing what I believe the Scripture teaches. We all are responsible for our own decisions and I condemn no one for their stand. Disagreeing does not equal condemnation.

    • Beth

      at

      Thanks for that helpful suggestion, Josie. I went back and read my Bible and found a bunch of verses and passages and themes about love and respect and speaking gently and bridling the tongue. There are several comments here that disagree with my perspective that state their views with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Yours is not one of them.

      • Brittney

        at

        I have to say Beth, I’m saddened that you are not responding to the many requests for scriptural backing to what you’ve taught/shared here. I’m sure you’ve read the many responses, but I haven’t seen any responses where you have said “yes I came to my conclusions with scriptures xyz” . Obviously it is scriptural that death has been defeated, so I’m not talking about that. But what that means for us as christians. Particularly where God would be happy to see dressing as evil creatures and how that would be mocking them. i believe each day is His, not each holiday. I will rejoice in His day today by not celebrating this pagan holiday. Im not trying to be a righteous pharisee pretending to be holier, i just am trying to do what I believe God expects of me. to hold everything I do or see to His word. Anyway… I do hope you will respond with Gods word, rather than mans (like the articles quoted). Many blessings to your family,

        2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

        James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

        1 Peter 1:15-16 But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, Since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

        2 Peter 2:19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.

        Deuteronomy 18:9 When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations.

        Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

        1 Corinthians 10:21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.

        Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

        2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” …

        • Beth

          at

          This post has nearly 10K views and well over 100 comments, plus tons more on FB. I am not interested in proof-texting my position with out-of-context scripture thrown around. I am hoping to address this further in a post, if I am able.

39. lyss

    at

    Okay, so I get your point about making it a Christian holiday for your family (although, like Stacy, I have to say I respectfully disagree…btw, she did a post on halloween, too), and if you let your kids dress up and get candy from their grandparents, who’s to say that’s bad? But to say that by celebrating it you are mocking the devil, I totally don’t get. Unless you wear a sign that says “I’m a Christian, and I’m making fun of the wickedness that everyone else is celebrating”, people will think that you’re celebrating a wicked holiday with them! You say that people dress up in scary costumes to “mock them, not to try to be them”. But how can that be true? Your child who is dressing up like a firefighter, is he dressing up to mock firefighters? No, I dare say that he’s going to pretend he is one! If I dressed my child like the devil, he would be pretending to be the devil, not mocking him.
    Maybe it’s not so bad in Canada, but where I am, the scariness and wickedness of Halloween is rampant. It’s gone far beyond jackolanterns and spiderwebs. Everywhere you look(even the grocery store!) you see the evilness of it. I hear of way too much sin happening on halloween to want to be a participant…

    • Alice

      at

      I agree. Trying to dress up and mock the evil? The joke is on us. Because no one will know you are mocking, but you. You will be sending a wrong signal.

      • Susan Weeks

        at

        I agree. The devil will be mocking YOU for your gullibility in buying into this rationale.

    • Michelle

      at

      I agree with this as well.

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      🙂

40. Lana

    at

    I think this is playing with fire. When we really want to do something we will find ways to reason it out. When you say you are mocking the devil by laughing while wearing ghost costums, perhaps he is the one smiling. He makes us take tiny steps in the wrong direction when we least expect it, even when we consciously think we are the ones in the right.. Whatever the history of Halloween, I know from personal experience that there is A LOT of evil, things you never want to imagine, that goes on during this day, and by allowing children, especially young children, to participate even in jest or fun, we are giving the devil an inch, and exposing them to unnecessary evils.
    Saying that this is celebrating Christ’s victory just seems so wrong. Sorry if this makes anyone offended. I don’t mean it too. Christ is The Lord of clarity, not confusion. All the decorations, food, etc. that goes along with Halloween, let alone the “other stuff” that goes on, all shout creepy, scary, evil, or just plain weird. Also, the Lord is a God of light. NOT darkness. By letting our children play around with this, even if we try to explain our reasoning to them, we as parents are really saying that we don’t truly stand by everything we say we believe. We are blurring the lines that biblically should be black and white, to gray. It’s confusion, and therefore God is not a part of it: Corinthians 14:33a “for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.”

    3 John 1:11 “do not *imitate* what is evil.”

    1 Thessalonians 5:22 “reject every kind of evil.”

    2 Corinthians 6:14-16 “what fellowship can light have with darkness?”

    Also, Philippians 4:8-9

    • Alice

      at

      Well said Lana. Nice quoting of references. We need to be careful with this, especially with children, because we are setting an example. They are obviously going to learn these from the world, we don’t want to be the ones teaching them, even if we try to turn it around for good. When they grow up and reason, they should remember what we as parents taught them, and how we restrained from such evil things. And they should be able to tell their kids about it. By that time, we can only expect greater damage, but at least our kids will have learnt. Like I said before, by celebrating this, even in a good way, we knowingly or unknowingly identify with others and subsequently grieve our maker.

    • Michelle

      at

      Very well said. Thank you for adding scripture.

    • Susan Weeks

      at

      Yay Lana. And there is this too, that people may not realize . . .

      ‘Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any LIKENESS of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them . . . for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS UPON THE CHILDREN UNTO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION of them that hate me’ (Deut. 5:8-9)

      Does the celebration of Halloween not bow the knee to all that is evil? Is it not replete with images of things that dwell in hell, and those that do wickedness upon the Earth? If, as many of us contend, we are engaging in sin by celebrating Halloween, then does not the rest of this verse apply? Are we bringing a curse upon our children and grandchildren, to the third and fourth generation? Are we opening the door to demonic influence in their lives, and in our homes? I say, YES!!

41. chrisitne

    at

    I totaly agree, as Christians we have the right and autority to redeem halloween and claim it back as a day that God has made. Having said that i must also say I respect anyone who choses to honor God by simply avoiding this rather secular holiday.
    I have wavered back and forth on how or if we will celebrate october 30th. But one tradition I came across and that i love and stick to is carving jack-o-lanters. It can be a fantastic devotional for the whole family. The idea we go by is to view the pumpkin as the unsaved person, full of “yuck”. When you place a life in the hands of Christ he will carfully clean out all the old “yuck” He will give you eyes to see, ears to see and a mouth to speak. Then He will place his light in you to be a light for all to find there way in the dark. I absolutly LOVE that!! And am happy to pass the idea on to other Familys trying to find God in this holiday. He is there. Its our job to help others see that 🙂

    • [email protected]

      at

      Wow, I love that idea of the pumpkin carving being an analogy of regeneration! We’re going to do that with our kids, when they’re old enough to understand (we only have one at the moment, and she’s only 18 months old – we aren’t even carving this year, just stuck a couple of pumpkins on the front porch because they’re pretty). Of course, my adorable husband had to say “Yep, He cuts off our heads so he can get to the yucky stuff. Right? Right??” 😛

42. Amanda

    at

    I loved this post! It’s very similar to how we handle Halloween at our house. Our kids are still toddlers so we go to our church’s “Harvest Festival” instead of trick-or-treating because it is easier with littles, but we’ll probably move to trick-or-treat when they get older. I think Halloween presents a great opportunity to teach our kids about the presence of evil and Satan in the world, and how we have victory over that through Jesus. Thanks again for a great post!

43. Darcee N

    at

    Yay! Thank you so much for this post. All month I have been reading how unchristian it is to celebrate Halloween. My family and I are Christians. Good, God fearing, practicing Christians who love the lord. We celebrate Halloween but we Do not dance with demons or practice witchcraft. We celebrate in fun wholesome ways. We attend our Christian church Halloween party, go to pumpkin patches, make caramel apples and the kids dress up as princesses, animals, and other non-demon costumes. We have so much fun and my family has so many wonderful memories from Halloween with countless pictures for the kids to look at through the year. It is also a day of celebration in my house because one of my daughters was born on Halloween. Maybe I hang out with the wrong crowd but We have never thought of Halloween as evil as we have never celebrated in an evil way. We don’t live in the past, we live now in the present and I count Halloween as an American Holiday.

44. Leah Cook

    at

    Our family has been meditating on this very subject this year! We completely agree with you Beth and I was SO happy to read this post!! Here is a fun video on the subject.

    http://dougwils.com/s7-engaging-the-culture/some-halloween-history.html

45. Alice

    at

    I respectfully disagree too! We Christians are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” 1 Peter 2:9 God asks us to praise Him who redeemed us out of darkness, not identify with the people who are in dark. We need to love the people of the world but hate the worldliness in them. We need to express our faithfulness and true identity, which is in Christ Jesus alone. We can use this as an opportunity to tell the gospel to the children knocking our doors. You may or may not moderate this post, but the truth is, this is not for us. Please do not identify with them. One day Halloween will become a Christian holiday just like how a once pagan festival became Christmas! Beware Christians.

    • Beth

      at

      With oodles of love and respect, I must ask – did you actually read the whole post?? I never said that we should “identify with the people who are in the dark” nor did I say we should not hate evil or worldliness.

      I actually said the opposite – we should celebrate the victory of Christ over evil. Do you disagree with that? I said that we should mock the devil because it’s what he hates most.

      The entire point of my post is to show that Halloween actually has a different meaning than Christians typically assume… and that it is one worth celebrating (Christ’s victory over evil). If you disagree that Christ has claimed victory over evil, then I’m not sure we’re even talking about the same faith, really.

      I’d love to hear more of your thoughts! Thanks for chiming in! 🙂

      • Alice

        at

        I indeed read your entire post. I agree that we have to celebrate Christ’s victory over evil. We are indeed talking about the same faith. I totally understand what you are saying. While you are saying that we can use this day to celebrate a faith, (mocking what the other do), what I am trying to say is that, in doing so, knowingly or unknowingly we will be identified with them. We pick another day, say Easter, to celebrate Christ’s victory over death. That is fine. But on Halloween, when the rest of the world is celebrating evil, our responsibility is to stay silent and pray for them or share gospel who come to our doors. That is what I meant when I said, do not identify with them. Although we try to make a different point, we will not be heard, not on this day. We need to live a separated life! Hope I didn’t offend you in any way. Think about it.

        • Jessica

          at

          While I agree with the we should celebrate and just do it in a clean uplifting knock the devil in the head kind of manner, i do not agree that its the rest of the world celebrating evil. halloween to us (esp. americans) is similar to el dia de muerto. in the hispanic world. and while we all stop and think about All hallows eve being evil, 1. if its based on a GOOD thing why not STAND UP AS CHRISTIANS AND TAKE THE DAY BACK! WHY not, have us come together and have Good sweet nice non bloody, non gory, non evil costumes instead of thinking we need to just not participate? I mean if thats the case shouldnt we all give in about Christmas? its being taken over more by materialistic things, which are also ungodly. I am Christian, We are believers in this house, My kids Are young and DO get to celebrate halloween, and i have strict rules since they are all boys, we do sweet charming things. the first year my twins were a pooh honey bee and a pooh honey pot. this year twins are tigger and pooh and baby brother is eeyore. we have attended fall fest, and will trick or treat (which we do in a safe manner at a mall or back home where we are from in down town) we are all allowed our own opinions, i just wish we would stop and think about Taking a day back. I mean , if the rest of the world can gather to take over walstreet, or they can have a milk in kind of thing for breast feeding moms, and Gays/lesbians can have a kiss in at chick-fil-a, why cant we actually stand together as Christians and take back this day? adn if not the 31st then lets go for the 30th or something. but not to back down and cow-down,

          • Michelle

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            All hallows eve/Halloween isn’t based on good. Especially since it comes from a pagan holiday.

            • Jessica

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              there are lots of holidays we celebrate as Christians that are truly falling on pagan holidays,

          • Alan

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            I agree with Jessica. Christmas is loaded with pagan elements. It’s not even Christ’s real birthday, for crying out loud. Holly, Christmas trees, mistletoe – pagan origin. Not to mention the materialism, stress, and depression caused by this pseudo-Christian holiday. You never see first century Christians in the Bible celebrating Christmas. Apparently it wasn’t that important.

        • [email protected]

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          Alice,
          Easter like Christmas and Halloween is a pagan holiday as well that is meant to worship the fertility goddess. The eggs and rabbits are symbols of fertility. If one wants to truly celebrate Holy holidays then we would need to go back to the Bible and see what GOD says. And He says that we are to celebrate Passover and the other feasts. Easter’s date is decided by the spring equinox, while Passover is not. Sometimes they are the same dates but not always. We can only truly celebrate the rising of Jesus our LORD if we are celebrating the Passover not Easter.

    • Susan Weeks

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      🙂

46. Lori

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    Beth, I really wanted to thank you for this post. I chose to allow my children to just be kids and enjoy this fun night. But we do not dress up as anything demonic. When a family member tried to give us a witch costume this year, we just said thanks, but no thanks. And then I had a great talk with my daughters (4 and 6) about “why”.

    I love the perspective that regardless of those celebrating it as a night of gore and evil, it pales in comparison to All Saints Day (which I had never “celebrated”, but will use as a day of prayer and reflection on those I love who have passed on, one of which was a beloved aunt just this past Saturday.) I had never considered that before. I understand if Christians opt out, but I sure hate to see people get so uptight with those that don’t.

    Enjoy your posts!

    • Beth

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      Thank-you so much for commenting. Yes, I really, really love your last sentence about hating to see people get so uptight. I believe it’s a matter of conscience, and if people want to opt out, then that’s ok, but I wish they would see that it’s not evil to participate, either, when you understand it as a celebration of Christ’s victory.

      • Melissa

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        I would just like a post that is actually supported by Scripture. I see a lot of the people not agreeing with the post supporting their comments with Scripture. After all, isn’t that what matters? Following God´s Word?

47. Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents

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    I love ya, Beth….but I respectfully disagree. 🙂

    • Beth

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      And that’s totally ok 🙂 But I would definitely love to hear more of your thoughts, if you’d share them! xo.

      • Stacy @Stacy Makes Cents

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        🙂 I shared them on Saturday….but I hate leaving links in comments. 😉

48. Belle

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    I love your take on it and since I have teenagers in the house, I’ll be following the links with them when they wake up today.

    I personally went to college with many witches. The real kind. And I now currently live on a college campus that for many years (and may possibly still) has had an active coven in the woods behind my house. We knew better than to go out at night as it was actually physically dangerous on certain nights. I never once lived or walked around in fear as greater is He who is in me than he who was in them however, spiritual forces were at work and in play and I saw no need in being a part of that. As I expected them to properly respect MY holy days, I gave them “space” and did not mock nor “call them out” in any way but I did speak the truth and was appropriately bold. (Hahaha, and caused quite a bit of a stir by openly acknowledging that He was and IS more powerful and I was not in any way daunted by what they considered to be their own power.)

    Being a theatre major, I love dressing up for any reason and for any excuse and have allowed my children the same privilege. We have a big dress up box. At random moments by children have gone out in public as whatever they chose to be (though growing up my daughter never understood why I wouldn’t let her “dress up like a teenager” and go out…. it looked too much like she was dressing as a hooker if you must know the truth -hahahah.) So it was not, is not, unusual for my children to show up at the grocery store dressed as an army guy on the 4th of July or as an ’80’s singer when going to Wednesday night youth group or a love bug on Valentine’s day. And we always hit up whatever church is doing a trunk-or-treat.

    My children have always known why we personally have opted out of the holiday (we also opt out of the easter bunny and santa clause… we like to keep the main thing the main thing) but we fully recognize that others make different decisions and that’s okay too. We’re trying to teach our kiddos to pray and seek for themselves what the Lord would have them do at each turn in their lives. He reaches different people different ways. If we lived in a neighborhood, we might pass out candy or host a party…. who knows?

    It’s always good to have a different perspective! Thanks for the links. Homeschool families love new research! 😉

    • Beth

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      To clarify: I’m not in any way suggesting that we mock people around us who are caught up in evil. Both for personal safety reasons, and because that’s just not Christ-like. The only one that I’m ok with mocking is Satan, because it is precisely what bothers him the most – to be told he has no power over you.

      I love that your kids dress up randomly – that’s so fun. Your house must be a pretty awesome place to be 🙂

      • Belle

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        OH! No, I didn’t think you meant that at all! Many others have however and I have to be careful to explain very carefully why we choose what we choose. I encounter many folks who do not realize that satan IS real and that he does indeed have (less) power.

        We do have our share of fun but I am so inspired by your blog and your energy!!! 🙂 Young mommas like you keep old mommas like me motivated! Keep up your awesome encouragement!

    • Alice Birchfield

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      Thank you. You said exactly how I feel about the topic.

      • Alice Birchfield

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        Belle

49. Trisha

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    I love your post! We typically trick or treat on our street and then head over to our families house (much like it sounds you do). Up until last year we’ve done a bit more trick-or-treating around my parents neighborhood, but the costumes have gotten scarier and the girls costumes have gotten sparse. As a mama of 4 boys, I’m not OK with that. So, last year after visiting a couple of neighbors we went to a local church for their “trunk-or-treat” and then headed to my parents and spent the evening partying with them :). My hubby just wrote a post on halloween this week too all about how Christians can redeem halloween.