Christians Can Celebrate Halloween
Jesus’ life-giving sacrifice on the cross completely crushed death, along with the terror celebrated every year on October 31?
We have already investigated researched the origin of Halloween, so we will dive right in to the Question of “Can Christians celebrate the secular part of Halloween, not the satanic, paganistic aspect of Halloween.
So, turn off their porch light to avoid Trick-or-Treaters and go about business as usual.
Dress your kids up in fairy costumes, cowboys, Indians, as a princess, or a Wonder Hero… and have a happy time of making innocent memories.
Clearly, Halloween is a controversial topic for Christian communities
As we have noted in our other Halloween videos, when attempting to answer Christians questions:
It is a matter of personal belief and interpretation, and opinions on this topic can vary among individuals and Christian denominations.
Here are some perspectives that Christians may consider when deciding whether or not
Some Christians may feel uncomfortable participating in a holiday with pagan origins or a connection to the occult
- Alternative Celebrations:Some Christian communities offer alternative events on Halloween, such as "Harvest Festivals" or "Trunk-or-Treat" gatherings, which provide a safe and family-friendly environment for children while avoiding traditional Halloween customs.
Once again, the decision to celebrate or not to celebrate Halloween should be based on an individual's personal convictions and beliefs.
Some Christians may choose to participate in Halloween in a manner that aligns with their faith, while others may opt to abstain entirely.
- Teaching Moments:Some Christian parents may use Halloween as an opportunity to teach their children about discernment, explaining the historical and cultural aspects of the holiday and emphasizing values such as kindness and community.
Participating in Halloween can also be seen as a way for Christians to engage with their neighbors, build relationships, and be a positive presence in their communities.
Whether Christians should celebrate Halloween is a matter of personal choice and interpretation. It's important to examine your own beliefs, values, and convictions and to make informed decisions that align with your faith and conscience.
Some Christians may find ways to participate in Halloween in a manner consistent with their beliefs, while others may choose not to celebrate it at all.
the decision should be made with respect for individual beliefs and a desire to maintain a strong relationship with God and your community.
“Is Halloween Evil?
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly," (John 10:10).
As a girl growing up, Halloween was generally viewed as a bad holiday. I still remember listening to the Adventures in Odyssey episode, “What Are We Going to Do About Halloween?” where they warned about the evils of Halloween as well as hearing similar teachings at church too.
We were taught to be afraid of evil things. Spirits, skeletons, and all manner of scary things were Satanic and to be avoided at all costs. Fun fact: The term Holy Spirit is mentioned at least 90 times in the Bible.
Typically, on Halloween night we would have something fun to eat and gather around the TV to watch an old scary movie. Although once, I did attend a “haunted church” hosted for the youth group by our church staff. Some years, my family would hand out candy to anyone who knocked on the door, and often a gospel tract would accompany the candy. We were pretty much like all the other Christians within our circles.
Now, in my own home, we do participate in Halloween festivities. For us, Halloween is not a celebration of fear or death — God kicked those to the curb through Jesus. We celebrate family being silly together. We celebrate the community around us. We celebrate dress-up. We celebrate sweetness. We celebrate life in all its abundance!”
We believe that Jesus can take what was intended for evil and flip it right around for good. History tells us that Halloween started out full of evil and fear, death, and torment. Those are things that my Lord has defeated. They no longer have a grip on me or little superheroes and princesses.
Sin breaks and kills — Jesus brings back to life. Fear lies to us — Jesus is the Truth.
But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:10).
Halloween Alternatives for Christians
Many Christians now celebrate Reformation Day on November 1, in place of Halloween, because it is the day Martin Luther chose to nail his 95 theses to the church doors. Some church communities choose to host a Trunk-or-Treat, which is an alternative to door-to-door Trick-or-Treating.
Members of the church decorate the trunks of their cars and hand out candy to children, it is expected that scary costumes and décor not attend. Other churches hold a Fall Festival on the evening of October 31. A fall-themed atmosphere and carnival-style booths help to mask the fact it is actually Halloween, except for all the people dressed in costume with children getting candy.
With Permission:
Excerpts from:
https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/should-christians-really-celebrate-halloween.html
Rebekah Drumsta Writer