Well that time of year rolls around again and it does stir up some controversy in the Christian circles. The big question is whether or not a Christian should participate in the celebrations of this day or abstain. It seems the non-essential issues stir up the biggest controversy.
I spent some time talking to folks here in the Los Angeles area on their take of the day. I asked them what do you think about celebrating Halloween as a Christian family and these were some of the local responses:
“I don’t see an issue with it, my kids go out every year, no big deal” ~Suzanne, Los Angeles
“We just don’t wear scary costumes” ~Alicia, Duarte
“We stay home and turn out the lights, we chose not to celebrate this dark day” ~Sam, Whittier
"Why would I want to participate in something that says satan all ove it? I am a Christian and unless I am going to share Jesus then I need to be set apart from it. Funny as a kid I thought it was okay however after I learned more about it I cannot allow my family to be a part of something so evil" ~Shannon, Arcadia
The next question I asked was do you understand the history behind the celebration? There was a resounding no, it is just a day to dress up in costume and get the kids candy. This was disheartening, if we chose to do what everyone else does we should really understand what we are doing. Is it wrong to celebrate Halloween as the world does, that I believe is an individual’s choice. However, keep in mind the Bible says we are to be in the world not conformed to the world. What do we reflect in this case to those watching and making comments like, “See you are just like us so why do I need Christ?”
Let’s look at trick or treating, its origin dates back to the middle ages. The custom of wearing costumes and masks at Halloween goes back to Celtic traditions of attempting to copy the evil spirits or placate them, in Scotland for instance where the dead were impersonated by young men with masked, veiled or blackened faces, dressed in white.
Let’s dig a little deeper, The Pagan/Occult calendar of Druids, Witches, Pagans and Satanists marks Halloween as one of their highest “holy days.” (http://www.christiananswers.net/spotlight/movies/2002/halloweentrickortreat.html)
You see what appears to be so harmless and innocent contains roots to sorcery, witchcraft and Satanism from the black cats, broomsticks, trick-or-treat, apple dunking, costumes and more. The video “Halloween: Trick or Treat?” is a great resource to understand better the history behind this day, then make a conscious decision to participate or not. Pastor Chuck Smith and Hal Lindsey do a fantastic job in explaining the history so we can understand what we are participating or not participating in.
I recently asked Pastor Ryan Krause of Generations Church located in Menifee, California (So. California for those that are not aware of the area) his Christian viewpoint on the celebration of Halloween and his response was:
“Should we allow our children participate in Halloween?
Let’s start with 3 short passages from God’s word.”
Deuteronomy 18:9-22
“When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD , and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you. You must be blameless before the LORD your God. The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so.”
Ephesisans 6:10-13
“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
2 Corinthians 6:14-16
“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 Satan? 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.”
“Halloween is a day that honors Satanism, witchcraft, demons, death, fear, idolatry, and immorality; everything God’s Word stands against.”
Keep in mind your decision to celebrate or not is just that your decision, it is not for anyone to judge you for celebrating or not. What you are responsible to do is know the facts before you engage. Keeping mindful the Bible tells us not to participate in darkness; we are to be a light in this world. So how can you be a light on such a dark and evil night as Halloween?
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