So What Do We Do With Halloween?
Posted by Martha & Greg Singleton , Monday, October 13, 2008 12:50 PM
It’s one of those areas of controversy within the church that causes discussions confrontations, arguments, and, heaven forbid (and it does!), finger-pointing and judgmental attitudes. And it’s all about the kids.
So, as Christians, what do we do with Halloween? Can we ignore it and pretend it’s not there? That’s pretty difficult when on the evening of the 31st kids in costume are banging on our doors demanding candy. I’m sure, no matter how hard you try to keep that undercover, your kids are going to notice that kind of gimmick. I found out, anyway, that it was never a good idea to try to ignore troublesome situations when it came to my own family.
Halloween, without a doubt, has pagan roots. Over 2,000 years ago, the Druids celebrated their new year on November 1. The night before was dedicated to driving out the evil spirits so that the new year would be prosperous and productive. Costumes, bonfires and animal sacrifices, even of the human variety, were common practices. In 835 AD, Pope Gregory IV reclaimed November 1 for Christianity, proclaiming it to be the official All Saints’ Day.
To address all the opinions about acknowledging Halloween would take far too much space on this blog. And, I really don’t think it’s my job to convince anyone to accept my position anyway. I would like to suggest a few alternatives, though, that could turn a typically unholy day into something that actually can bring God glory and bring your family together.
NO FEAR
Since the primary goal of Halloween is to inflict at least some measure of fear, why not redeem the time to discuss with your family what God says about fear.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
“Don’t be afraid, my people. Be glad now and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things.” Joel 2:21 (NLT)
CELEBRATE THE SAINTS!
All Saints’ Day is a great time to remember those who have remarkably lived their lives for God. Talk with your family about those in the Bible, throughout church history and even in your own ancestry.
You might, also, want to read an article that appeared in Christianity Today, written by Harold Myra. It’s entitled “Is Halloween a Witches' Brew?: Or Have Christians Been Spooked Out of Celebrating A Part of Their Rich Tradition?” http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/octoberweb-only/42.0.html
So there’s a good start! And, now it’s your turn. Is there anything your family has done that has brought positive light to a dark day in October? Let us know!
