Halloween

  • Oct 26, 2010
  • Series: The Informer

 

October is a bit of a nowhere month as the year begins to wind down. But October does bring with it the issue of Halloween.

When I was a kid nobody celebrated Halloween because it just wasn’t done, it was an exclusively American idea. But, despite the fact that the South African walled and fenced lifestyle does not lend itself to trick-or-treating, celebrating Halloween has become more and more popular.

 

 

While I think that most kids don’t think too deeply about what Halloween is all about and are just interested in the fun of dressing up and getting sweets or, more accurately; apples, salty-crax or a tin of condensed milk (because who actually remembers/bothers to buy sweets for a holiday that we have never really celebrated in our country?) we need to think about how to handle this issue.

It is incredibly controversial and there are so many conflicting and contradictory opinions. As Christians do we give sweets to kids if they come knocking? Is it ok to let your own kids participate or go to Halloween themed parties?

James Dobson says, "The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches, devils, death, and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this ‘darker side’ of Halloween. Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones. Let me add, again, that I've given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial.

 

My final word to parents on the subject would be ‘Stay true to your own convictions’".

Articles at apologetics.org seem to agree with this stand point, "Because of its occult history and symbolism, many informed Christians avoid any activity that would appear to support, promote or celebrate Halloween. Other Christians attempt to minimize the glorification of Halloween's occult roots by refusing to directly participate in costuming or activities where witchcraft, Satan, or demonic themes are prevalent. They feel that participation in Halloween and even trick-or-treating is acceptable if alternative costumes and themes are substituted or gospel tracts are given at the door. There is not total agreement among believers and churches concerning appropriate Christian responses to this pagan holiday".

However, others have accused Focus on the Family and other Christian organizations of simply and unsuccessfully trying to Christianize a pagan and satanic event. One article states, "There are no Christ-honoring Halloween alternatives. Christians are to overcome darkness with light, not find supposedly Christian ways to partake of darkness. Halloween can no more be redeemed than Satan can be redeemed. Satan's workers, however, can be redeemed and those who have been saved by the Lord Jesus Christ must reject the message that they may partake of Christianly amended works of darkness, or what is presented as the lighter side of Halloween".

This needs to be something that we continue to discuss as a church community as we seek to find a solution that goes beyond simply agreeing to disagree.