Halloween and our Faith
The magic of Halloween can be charming as we are "visited" by robots, beautiful princesses, a scary witch, and maybe Batman or Power Ranger. But for a Christian there may also come the question: "Should we 'allow' our children to celebrate this night of witches, ghosts and goblins?" Since the Bible most definitely says to prohibit the practice of witchcraft, should we let our children celebrate this day given to the occult??
This holiday can then be divisive for parents: those who allow their families to 'trick or treat' and dress up for the spooky night..........and those who feel Halloween is not a holiday for spiritual families. It can lead to passing judgement upon the other side, bitterness and "spiritual pride". So the question becomes...is it a holiday we should avoid? Or can we let our children enjoy the customs of Halloween without compromising our faith convictions??
Where did Halloween come from? The Celts, a warrior-tribe ruling the area of the United Kingdom by 500 B.C., were the earliest peoples recorded to celebrate October 31. They viewed it as a night the spirits of the dead roamed the earth so they lit bonfires to keep them away. Ancient Romans had a similar festival (of Pomona) which was a celebration of the harvest. They too believed spirits and witches were to be found that day. The name "Halloween" comes from the Roman Catholic holiday of All Saints Day which is November 1. So "Halloween" is the evening before. Immigrants to America brought the various Halloween customs with them by the late 1800's.
I feel the celebration of Halloween should be a parent's choice but keep in mind: as long as it is viewed as a day for children to use their imagination, have fun, and overeat candy, I think it is harmless. Should we celebrate Satan and the presence of demons? Certainly NOT! Does it make us more susceptible to the occult? I don't think so! My standard answer has been: "We adults all celebrated Halloween as children and we are not Satan-worshippers!!! Why should we underestimate the ability of our children to do the same?!!" The typical American family's Halloween celebration does not approach the Biblical prohibition of witchcraft, by any means. Our "witches" of today are usually only 3 feet tall and are at our doors begging candy!
Does this mean I am blind to the fact that there ARE adults who practice witchcraft today? No. Nor am I blind to the fact that there are many who use astrology, horoscopes, and mediums. But we don't need to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" because of this. Allowing our children to happily participate in a SAFE Halloween among family and friends is worlds apart from the Biblical warnings of witchcraft. However, we need to allow families to choose for themselves and to be tolerant of the other opinion. But you can count on my having my front-porch light on and this year.........maybe I will be a witch with green hair!!
God's blessings to you all and Happy Halloween! Linda