Costumes at Target, taken with permission

  As Halloween approaches, Christians across the country face it with mixed feelings.  It challenges believers to decide what they think about basic issues of faith. Some choose to ignore it in the same way single 20 somethings avoid Valentine's Day.  Some embrace the goofy and the ghoulish.  Why such extremes within one faith?  

  In my last article, we explored reasons to like or dislike Halloween because of it's dark creatures.  Now we investigate the topic of...costumes.

Reasons to like them...

  The Bible addresses the issue of costumes with complete ambiguity.  No where will a person look up the topic of dress up and discover one clear definable view.  Therefore it is important to realized decisions are often based on an individuals personal experiences and life background.  

  Many followers of Christ enjoy creative imagination as much as anyone else.  After all, who hasn't gazed upon a 5 year old dressed as storm trooper or a princess and realized the innocence of childish expression. Believers often embrace unique costuming ideas because they realize that God is the creator of all things including creativity itself.  Children and adults alike utilize this day to share their silly side dressing as everything from Lego blocks to President Lincoln.  

  Even scary costuming performs a purpose for the Christ-centered family.  It becomes an opportunity to expose children (within a hopefully safe environment) to ways in which others will seek to frighten them.  In much the same way opening the curtain revealed the wizard of oz, allowing children to experiment with make up and costuming opens their eyes.  It is an effort to not allow fear to control children.  For this there is a scripture found in Luke 12:4, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more."

  Yet there is still another view within Christianity.

Reasons to dislike them...

  Where to begin?  Blood drenched, fangs out, claws extended, bust exposed, thigh high costuming ideas bring stress within the Christian realm.  Much costuming at this time of year reflects a longing to embrace the darkness within us all and even celebrate it.   If one has ever wanted to become a horror character like Leatherface or a sleazy prostitute, this is your day.  It is an outward expression of an inward desire.  If not, then why do it?  This is the feeling of many followers of Christ.  

  The struggle develops due to a knowledge of scriptures which talk of not committing murder (the action many ghoulish characters adore) as well as not committing adulterous acts with the body (a common reason for exposing many female body parts).  See Deuteronomy 5:17,18

  Some would argue that dress up is merely utilizing the imagination which God created.  However, controlling ones thoughts on topics which God (as revealed in the Bible) does not approve are paramount to the believer.  Why?  Because Jesus taught that even evil thoughts make us unclean before God.  See Matthew 15:19

  Does this mean that those who follow Christ and dislike common Halloween garb judge those who view it differently?  I can't speak for all Christians.  They are as distinctly difference as fingerprints.  But I can say that those who dislike many costumes are simply seeking to follow Christ to their best ability and follow what He called "the greatest commandment".  "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?  Jesus replied:  'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'." Matthew 22:36,37.  

....coming next...Reasons to like or dislike Halloween, #3 Candy