Halloween is here folks! And there are spooky decorations, yummy candies and creative costumes just about everywhere you look!
You know what else is easy to be found this time of year? A debate on whether Christians should be celebrating Halloween or not.
I think it’s pretty safe to say there are various views and strong personal beliefs considering this topic. There’s some truth, and then there’s some non-truths.
Entering the debate, whether knowingly or by someone dragging you into it, can be tricky. And at times it can feel more like a political debate or a holiness contest than a sincere spiritual discussion concerning what God would have us do.
This article isn’t going to pick a side and preach on it; so if that’s what you were hoping for, well, try reading one of other articles out there.
What I will write about here are the misconceptions and assumptions people are making about each other.
For example, just a few days ago I happened to read an article in which non-participating Christians were accused of being afraid of Halloween. They were depicted as overly righteous Bible-thumpers who cowered in their houses with the doors locked and porch lights out to signal the evil trick or treaters not to come near.
As a less-than-enthusiastic-participant of Halloween myself, I found the article to be naïve and stereotyping.
I am not scared by trick or treaters. Nor do I feel the holiday contains any more evil influences than the daily challenges we all face from a sin saturated society that is hungry for sex, power, indulgence and self-centered living. I do not think God is less powerful on Halloween… His power never diminishes, and I certainly don’t think He stops actively protecting us on certain days. Because last I heard, God doesn’t take a holiday break.
So why am I not very enthusiastic? Mostly because Halloween centers on death. And as a widow, I've seen enough death to last a lifetime.
Look around, there are zombies (the walking dead), and mummies (the preserved dead), people who look like their skin is crumbling from their faces (almost dead). Go to a haunted house and what is it about? Um, ghosts (the dead who can’t “move on” from earth). And so on, and so on.
But, as a believer in Jesus Christ’s work on the cross, I’m totally stoked about celebrating the fact that death is defeated!
However, I’m also not a fan of articles that contain scathing remarks about participating Christians. Just because someone finds joy in dressing up and walking through their neighborhood to gather candy, doesn’t mean they are delighting in evil. Nor are they celebrating death by having their daughters put on a pink princess dress or their sons wearing a superman cape.
Some Christians view this time of year as a way to reach their community. Some see it as a chance to have a party and invite their neighbors, counting on the blossoming friendship to lead to a time of sharing about God. Some simply enjoy the fun of costumes, candy, and great childhood memories.
Whether you choose to celebrate or not, the world is watching, listening and gathering information about Christians. And what do people see?
Do we demonstrate how to nit-pick and argue?
Or are we showing those around us how to treat others with respect and love even when we have different opinions or beliefs?
Now don’t get me wrong, spiritual matters are not to be taken lightly and truth is truth no matter what. And personally, there is a real caution concerning Halloween because evil things really do happen on this day. But I also take caution on New Year’s Eve due to the drunk driving, just like I choose to jog during the day rather than at night.
So, to celebrate, or not to celebrate…It’s a personal choice and I’ve seen both sides defended well. But take a moment to reflect and ask God to guide you as an individual. Don’t decide what you believe based on some article you read, ask God! Remember to be wise, have fun, and don’t assume that what He says to your neighbor is what He’s saying to you.