I don't want to start an argument, but the bottom line is that the Lord may very well convict some folks to abstain from participating in Halloween activities. He's done that with my family, and we would be disobeying Him if we were to partake, even for a "witnessing" opportunity. I can fully understand that some Christians really do participate in some ways in order to "be a light," but that's not true in the majority of cases I've seen. Rather, most Christians are simply afraid to look different and so they go with the flow of the culture but try to sanitize/justify their participation by saying, "Oh, but the kids don't wear any scary costumes." Hogwash. The culture doesn't notice that those people are Christians. I'm not saying that the Lord doesn't call anyone to participate in some ways, but I do think that this is one of those cases where Christians should abstain unless they are specifically called to join in. There's no reason to participate unless one is being an explicit light to others so, unless one is comfortable standing out in that way, it's better to stand out by standing up and not joining in with something that is not Christian in any way, shape, or form.
Heidi, so glad you shared this post! I just posted something similar on my blog this week. My preschooler is doing week 10 age 3 curriculum this week and we truly enjoy the above book. Thank you! Amber
Have you read this article? http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/sent-into-the-harvest-halloween-on-mission I thought it was excellent. Someday we may take this approach to Halloween. Right now, my husband and I have decided for the sake of our young children, we are not going to participate in any part of Halloween. Most halloween decorations are scary and grotesque. They are not anything I want my child to see. After serious thought and prayer we have decided it would be more consistent to not take any part in it so as not to confuse our children. I explained it to my child like this… "There are some things in halloween that seem harmless and fun. However, there are many things about Halloween that make the Lord Jesus sad. For example, the Bible says we should stay away from witchcraft and from any appearance of evil. Yet, during Halloween, there is a lot of emphasis on witches, witchcraft, zombies, and other things that we do not feel would please the Lord Jesus. So, we have decided, after praying about it, that our family is not going to celebrate halloween. However, every Christian family needs to spend time in prayer asking Jesus to show them what they should do. We cannot say what other people should do. So, you may have friends who do celebrate Halloween, and that's o.k." In closing, however, I would say that this is, in my opinion, a "Christian liberty" topic. Everyone should spend much time in prayer and Bible study on this topic. Before partaking in halloween, be fully convinced this is what the Lord wants you to do, be completely sure you are not causing another brother or sister in Christ to stumble, and understand that one day you will be held accountable for the decision you made. Be sure it is the right one.
One thing to add…I also believe that Halloween is celebrated differently depending on where you live in the US. Being in the Bible-belt we see much less of the evil that you speak of. For us it is a huge church outreach opportunity and everywhere you turn there is a church function to attend. For this reason, I agree that each family must decide for themselves.
Diana Rsays
Yeah, apparently my town has an absolute fascination with bloody zombies this year. They are everywhere! ew!
Wow i guess i am not the only one in thus dilemma with halloween. I have never celebrated it. I was brought up with the view that halloween day is a day of evil. I have looked up so much on its origins from the druids celebrating their new years and how Christianity tried to teach the people with negative views of the day to see it as a day of God. There is sooo much history. I have come to the conclusion everyday is a day of God. Halloween just like all holidays including Christmas is loosing the essence of Christianity. I believe Christians should contine to shine through the consumerism. People will dress as they please but even when we think they are not watching they are. I do not feel comfortable trick or treating. I think that it is secular but if one uses it to shine God's light even in just saying God Bless you then it changes things. I am convinced that God knows our hearts better than we do. God Bless you all, I am sure each individual will here what God wants us to do. I do hope no one is offended. This is a very tedious topic.i myself have had a difficult time with.
I don't want to start an argument, but the bottom line is that the Lord may very well convict some folks to abstain from participating in Halloween activities. He's done that with my family, and we would be disobeying Him if we were to partake, even for a "witnessing" opportunity. I can fully understand that some Christians really do participate in some ways in order to "be a light," but that's not true in the majority of cases I've seen. Rather, most Christians are simply afraid to look different and so they go with the flow of the culture but try to sanitize/justify their participation by saying, "Oh, but the kids don't wear any scary costumes." Hogwash. The culture doesn't notice that those people are Christians. I'm not saying that the Lord doesn't call anyone to participate in some ways, but I do think that this is one of those cases where Christians should abstain unless they are specifically called to join in. There's no reason to participate unless one is being an explicit light to others so, unless one is comfortable standing out in that way, it's better to stand out by standing up and not joining in with something that is not Christian in any way, shape, or form.
Tina – As I stated, this is a hot topic among Christians. Thank you for sharing your stand on it.
Heidi, so glad you shared this post! I just posted something similar on my blog this week. My preschooler is doing week 10 age 3 curriculum this week and we truly enjoy the above book. Thank you! Amber
Glad that you enjoy it! Thanks – Heidi
Have you read this article? http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/sent-into-the-harvest-halloween-on-mission I thought it was excellent. Someday we may take this approach to Halloween. Right now, my husband and I have decided for the sake of our young children, we are not going to participate in any part of Halloween. Most halloween decorations are scary and grotesque. They are not anything I want my child to see. After serious thought and prayer we have decided it would be more consistent to not take any part in it so as not to confuse our children. I explained it to my child like this… "There are some things in halloween that seem harmless and fun. However, there are many things about Halloween that make the Lord Jesus sad. For example, the Bible says we should stay away from witchcraft and from any appearance of evil. Yet, during Halloween, there is a lot of emphasis on witches, witchcraft, zombies, and other things that we do not feel would please the Lord Jesus. So, we have decided, after praying about it, that our family is not going to celebrate halloween. However, every Christian family needs to spend time in prayer asking Jesus to show them what they should do. We cannot say what other people should do. So, you may have friends who do celebrate Halloween, and that's o.k."
In closing, however, I would say that this is, in my opinion, a "Christian liberty" topic. Everyone should spend much time in prayer and Bible study on this topic. Before partaking in halloween, be fully convinced this is what the Lord wants you to do, be completely sure you are not causing another brother or sister in Christ to stumble, and understand that one day you will be held accountable for the decision you made. Be sure it is the right one.
One thing to add…I also believe that Halloween is celebrated differently depending on where you live in the US. Being in the Bible-belt we see much less of the evil that you speak of. For us it is a huge church outreach opportunity and everywhere you turn there is a church function to attend. For this reason, I agree that each family must decide for themselves.
Yeah, apparently my town has an absolute fascination with bloody zombies this year. They are everywhere! ew!
That is bad! Gross!
Wow i guess i am not the only one in thus dilemma with halloween. I have never celebrated it. I was brought up with the view that halloween day is a day of evil. I have looked up so much on its origins from the druids celebrating their new years and how Christianity tried to teach the people with negative views of the day to see it as a day of God. There is sooo much history. I have come to the conclusion everyday is a day of God. Halloween just like all holidays including Christmas is loosing the essence of Christianity. I believe Christians should contine to shine through the consumerism. People will dress as they please but even when we think they are not watching they are. I do not feel comfortable trick or treating. I think that it is secular but if one uses it to shine God's light even in just saying God Bless you then it changes things. I am convinced that God knows our hearts better than we do. God Bless you all, I am sure each individual will here what God wants us to do. I do hope no one is offended. This is a very tedious topic.i myself have had a difficult time with.
Unfortunately there are several things in parenting that are not cut and dry. But, praise God that we don't have to navigate these roads by ourselves.