Should Christians "Celebrate" Halloween
Okay, first I know this seems like a weird topic to target in July. Maybe, but I have a reason. A month ago I boarded a plane for Los Angeles. It was in LA that I spent two weeks learning from the greatest minds in apologetics, as well as being at the "Star Trek Convention" for Christian apologists. It was great. On a personal note, I walked away from my time with some great friends and a renewed (and challenged) belief in Christianity. It was during one of my lectures the topic of Halloween came up. Hence, this is why I blog now.
So, should Christians "celebrate" Halloween? By celebrate I really mean partake in it. Okay, a brief history lesson to understand where Halloween comes from. It originally was a Celtic feast of Samhaim. It was a night that Druids believed the separation between the natural and supernatural was breached. Druids believed demons and witches were released to bully humans. Those concerned with the Druids beliefs would camouflage themselves by dressing as witches and demons to confuse the spirits. In kind they would decorate and carve pumpkins and gourds with despicable faces complimented with goodies.
Halloween, aka "all Hallows eve", was originally intended to combat the Druid's superstition with the gospel. October 31st was the day prior to All Saints Day. It was a holy day to trump the superstition of ghosts. Thus the trump still exists. We, as Christians, should use October 31st as an opportunity to spread the gospel to the lost. Yes, it is a pagan holiday, however why not embrace the chance to spread truth in love.
If our kids want to dress up and get candy, great. They should. Should we as parents guide our children in their choices in costumes? Absolutely. If it is a costume that conflicts with objective truth and the clear morals of God, we should encourage a holier attire. In other words, we should refrain from witches, serial killers, or Lady Gaga.
Perhaps for those of us who will stay home, maybe those who come to our door we can provide them with the good news in love. For some options, go Living Waters website.
So, should Christians "celebrate" Halloween? By celebrate I really mean partake in it. Okay, a brief history lesson to understand where Halloween comes from. It originally was a Celtic feast of Samhaim. It was a night that Druids believed the separation between the natural and supernatural was breached. Druids believed demons and witches were released to bully humans. Those concerned with the Druids beliefs would camouflage themselves by dressing as witches and demons to confuse the spirits. In kind they would decorate and carve pumpkins and gourds with despicable faces complimented with goodies.
Halloween, aka "all Hallows eve", was originally intended to combat the Druid's superstition with the gospel. October 31st was the day prior to All Saints Day. It was a holy day to trump the superstition of ghosts. Thus the trump still exists. We, as Christians, should use October 31st as an opportunity to spread the gospel to the lost. Yes, it is a pagan holiday, however why not embrace the chance to spread truth in love.
If our kids want to dress up and get candy, great. They should. Should we as parents guide our children in their choices in costumes? Absolutely. If it is a costume that conflicts with objective truth and the clear morals of God, we should encourage a holier attire. In other words, we should refrain from witches, serial killers, or Lady Gaga.
Perhaps for those of us who will stay home, maybe those who come to our door we can provide them with the good news in love. For some options, go Living Waters website.
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