A Christian response to Halloween

Explanation: Historically, there are no doubts about the origins of Halloween. The early pagans of Europe were extremely superstitious and developed many rites and traditions to placate the evil spirits. Their festivals were held between Oct 29 - Nov 2 when the veil between the living and the dead was thought to be at its thinnest. The dead spirits could wander into the realm of living and would plague or “trick” the living unless they were “treated” well.

Illustrate: Common superstitions. It is bad luck if a black cat crosses your path, open an umbrella indoors, break a mirror, etc.

Argument: Those who have been redeemed by Christ are not to be held captive to such trivial beliefs. . As those enlightened by the Gospel, we should understand that in light of God’s Providence there is no such thing as good luck or bad luck. Also, there is not a single specific day in which the “spirits” are more active or more powerful than any other.

Application: We are to live free in the light, not to cower in fear of the darkness. Just because non-believers think irrationally, is no excuse for us to think that way. Even with those who observe Halloween as a strictly secular holiday we are to stand out and be different

We can and should respond with Gospel Compassion

Explanation: As Christ-followers we can respond to this wordly celebration in several ways. No matter which we way we respond, however, our response should include the love of Christ.

Option 1: No Participation

Some believers, understanding the pagan origins of the holiday, and also recognizing there are still negatvie qualities associatied with the celebration (evil and spooky stuff abounds, most halloween parties include drinking and other risky, and often unlawful behavior, etc.) will choose simply not to participate at any level. Not participating will raise questions and will open the door to sharing your spiritual beliefs

Option 2: Limited, non-compromising position

This approach would include staying home and passing out treats along with Gospel tracts. The decorations, if any, would avoid any worldly, spooky, or evil design. As Travis Allen states, “there’s nothing inherently evil about candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood.” (accessed online at gty.org/library/articles/A123, copyright 2017)

Option 3: Provide an alternative activity

Many churches host Harvest Festivals, Reformation Festivals, or Trunk - N -Treats. These are activities designed to provide a Gospel-centered, safe alternative to participating in what is considered by many to be an evil observation.

Note the word alternative. That means it is done instead of, not a both / and.

The really important quality should be that our alternatives stand out as being different. We are here to represent the Light of Jesus, not to blend in with the darkness. We can and should invite our guests to church, initiate Gospel conversations, and pray for them.

We can and should respect the decisions of other believers when we differ on minor areas of Christian living

Explanation: Not all believers regard every issue in exactly the same way. While many issues of life are indeed black and white, there are some areas where discernment and differing approaches are allowed. Each of the three options listed above are viable, and when fellow believers choose an option differing from ours, they should not be condemned.

Examples: The approaches to Halloween are not the only issues where legitimate issues exist. Some believers do not go to restaurants on Sunday, some will not play any type of cards at all, some churches use contemporary music instead of hymns, some churches will only use live music, no recordings at all; some churches offer on-line giving for tithes; some have conferences once a year, some once a quarter, some once a month.

Argument: there are other examples, but the idea is that of Christian liberty.

Romans 14:5-10

Romans 14:5–10 ESV

One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;

Application: Remember that we are called to live in the world, but not to be of the world (). Whatever we do, we can and should do it for the glory of God.

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