To trick or treat or not to trick or treat...THAT is the question! Well, not really, but you get the idea. How can we be Christians and still do (or should we do) Halloween?
The Session: A Christian view of Halloween
Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
From Halloween: The Meaning, History, and Christian Response BY JESSICA WOLSTENHOLM
Historical Holidays That Contributed To Or Associated With Halloween
· Halloween’s origin can be found in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced saw-en,)
· All Souls’ Day (Also known as All Saints Day) was mainly to honor the saints and pray for the lives of the recently departed who have not reached heaven yet. Some of the Halloween traditions can be seen in the festival surrounding All Saints’ Day. There were traditions of ringing bells for the souls in purgatory; poor people.
How do Christians respond to Halloween?
- Some Christians reject Halloween.
There are many Christians today that look at Halloween as a pagan holiday during which the devil is worshipped and evil is glorified.
Many churches have replaced Halloween with Fall Festivals that are more family-friendly and allow a safer environment and a fun alternative to trick-or-treating. Some choose to celebrate Reformation Day instead because they believe Halloween must be rejected as a pagan holiday.
- It Can Be An Evangelistic Opportunity
Practice hospitality—have the best candy so that your house will be the house people come to, and linger!
Get creative—have spiced cider and pumpkin bread for the adults so that you can engage your neighbors in conversation.
Reach out—Halloween is a great “excuse” to go to your neighbors’ houses and get to know them.
Be prayerful and present—ask the Spirit to lead you and give you wisdom.
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