Responding to Halloween: A Christian Perspective
The debate on whether or not Christians should participate in Halloween is ongoing. Different people offer different perspectives, often as to what seems as polar opposite opinions, yet Christian.
There are 2 areas that I have found to be vital elements in this conversation: marketing and history. Engaging with these 2 elements should be explored to draw one's own conclusion. I have wrestled with this topic, and so I offer the following perspective.
1) MARKETING
Modern day Halloween is cleverly crafted to be enticing to people of all ages, particularly children. It aims to make money, unfortunately just like many other holidays throughout the year. I mention this because people who sell costumes, candy, and tickets to scary Halloween events don't care about you or the spiritual ramifications of the "holiday." All they care about is your money, and how it can get into their hands. They don't care that parents are dressing up in costumes that depict demonic figures; they don't care about the amount of sugar consumption your body will inherit; they don't care that your children are flirting with images of death and witchcraft.
Once they have your money, they will not be present to help you deal with the spiritual torment and fear that many have experienced because of the merchandise you have brought into your home that symbolize Satan, evil, and a dark realm. They will not be there to help you when you need help in the middle of the night to sleep because you're scared. Just remember, YOU are the one that has been lured into this market and engaged with these symbols.
2) HISTORY
Halloween did not just start yesterday. This "holiday" has a pagan past, with much of its historical practices being celebrated today. When one engages with Halloween, one must realize that there is a story behind it. And yes, Halloween is portrayed as fun and innocent, but do not be so naive as to dismiss the historical, spiritual element of its purpose.
- A few weeks ago, I preached a sermon at Arise Christian Church entitled, "Clean up your house!" I recommend hearing this powerful message about symbols that we bring into our home. Click here to download the podcast.
- Here is a video entitled, How Should Christians Approach Halloween?
Here is the article version of this video entitled, "Should Christians celebrate Halloween." A great read!
- The History Channel has some helpful videos that share the history of Halloween and its elements.
- Here are some resources from Christianity Today International.
- Here are some great articles from CBN, including a video about someone's personal use of the Ouija Board.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
-1 John 4:4 (New International Version)
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