It is Halloween: What is a Christian to Do?
Can Christians Celebrate Halloween Guilt Free?
With Halloween on our heels, many Christians have mixed feelings. We want our children to be happy and not ostracized by their friends. However, we are at very best uncomfortable with participating in the traditions of Halloween. Even though I as a content producer have written numerous Halloween costume idea articles on Associated Content, including this one that has been featured for the last month, I am also one of those conflicted Christians. (You may have noticed there are few scary costumes mentioned in my articles) So Halloween is Tomorrow. What is a Christian to do?
I was fortunate enough to have Halloween addressed by my Pastor at church yesterday. He gave us a lot of great information. Here is some of what I learned.
1. Although Halloween has roots in Paganism, it started at the foot of The Cross. ("The origin of All Saints' Day began somewhere during the fourth century. People would gather to remember all the martyrs who died." About.com.)
2. The Halloween Celebration later was moved to Samhain by the Catholic Church to give Christians and alternative celebration. (Originally, Christians observed All Saints' Day on May 13. But in the eighth century, Pope Gregory III moved it to November 1. …The Catholic Church had a long-standing policy of incorporating non-Christian traditions into its holidays in order to bring people into the Catholic faith. This included moving the dates of Christian holidays to those of established non-Christian occasions. Howthingswork.com))
3. Over the years, the true meaning of Halloween was forgotten by most. (Halloween has grown into a major secular holiday in American culture. But for those who don't value devotion to the saints, the Eve has become "hollow" instead of "hallow." Americancatholic.org)
He also gave us some great ideas for things Christians can do to celebrate Halloween without guilt.
1. Remember and celebrate the original meaning of Halloween; to remember the martyrs who died for Christianity.
2. Use Trick-or-treating to spread God's love. Gift a something to the houses you go to, or have something special for Trick or treaters. This may mean buying the best candy and adding "Jesus loves you and so do I" notes to candy. This may mean purchasing chocolates with special notes printed on the wrapper (easily available online). Remind people you see to be safe.
3. You can decorate your home for Halloween in a non-threatening way. Pumpkin "lanterns" with smiles instead of scary faces is a welcome sight. Carve a Cross-, or other Christian symbol into your pumpkin.
Celebrating Halloween in any form is very threatening to many Christians, and your personal feelings and convictions should be respected. If you have mixed feelings, however, I hope I have given you some ideas you can use to help you make the most out of this day.
Published by A. Hermitt
Andrea Hermitt is an artist by nature and an educator by necessity. As a homeschooling mom of 10 years, she stays current in all things educational, and cutting edge to help her homeschool her children, and... View profile
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- Remember and celebrate the original meaning of Halloween.
- Use Trick-or-treating to spread God's love.
- You can decorate your home for Halloween in a non-threatening way.
34 Comments
Post a CommentAs a non-christian, I would be upset if my children got candy with "Jesus loves you" written on it. I would feel as if my neighbors are trying to brainwash my child into their religion with candy bribes... You need to realize people raise their children in their beliefs.... would you want a satanic followers to give your children "satan loves you" messages, and have to explain to them later what it means?
just a be safe is fine, and if you want to decorate your lawn with christian objects, thats not a problem either... I just feel the notes are somewhat strange though
Pagan roots of Halloween are so far removed, even more removed that Christmas and Easter's Pagan roots. As a Pagan family, we let the kids in on some of the Halloween festivities as long as it doesn't interfere with our religious observance, but we don't like getting into the whole gore/horror/dark stuff that so many secular celebrations promote. Contrary to popular misconception, our religion is not dark. Hollidays are what you make of them. I don't see why celebrate them at all if not interested. We don't celebrate Easter, we just have the day off so we do spring cleaning or watch movies or take a walk while everyone else does their holiday thing.
what i dont understand is why people think that halloween is fun,last time i check death is not fun,the lord are God is the light he is are life,the devil is Death,now this is just me but i dont think that celebrateing death is God's plan for us. you choose the devil=death....God=Life......God Bless
I as a child would dress up for Halloween.. but now I as a Mother I want to do right by God and my babies ..It%27s my JOB for them to now the facts %2CI%27m not sure about Halloween.. But I do know NOT to dress my child as a WITCH %21%21%21 have you not read the Bible Witches go to Hell%21%21 So in that case It%27s ok to dress as the Devil%21%21%21 Why not It%27s only once a year right%21%21%21 If you know It%27s bad why do it%3F%3F%0D%0AThats why I%27m here to find out what should do for my Family..I%27m not here to judge anyone I%27m just trying to find facts..
God said "This is the day that I made let us rejoice and be glad in it" I don't understand why people think that this is Satans day he did not make it. Question for all next year halloween will be on Sunda, whos day is it then?
Halloween a Christian holiday...that's almost too funny.
I found this interesting take of it on a forum today:
http://www.networkforgod.net/halloween-do-you-avoid-or-partake-t9.0.html
Personally, I agree with Jenny NYC. If you dressup, you're doing no wrong.
continued from below.....
our priest said it is just a fun, social time for kids to dress up and get candy. Although, we should avoid anything that will bring attention to the devil and his followers. (costumes, decorating, etc.)
My husband and I will continue to enjoy the traditions of Halloween with our 3 boys and I hope they will pass those traditions on to their children.
I really like the idea of passing out little notes with the candy that says "Jesus loves you" That's what's wrong with the world today... nobody is passing that message on to their children and as Christians, that is our job.
To those of you judging...You should really spend some time learning about where and how Halloween originated. and in doing so you will realize that Halloween is what you make it. I am a Christian and I am a Catholic. I have had fun with the traditions of Halloween since I was a child. I have never worshipped anyone or anything on Halloween. It was a fun time to dress up in a funny costume and get candy. Our church used to host parties where we would bob for apples and do crafts, etc. I have never believed it was a time to worship satan and as for the comment about satanists poisoning our children at this particular time....they are doing it, or trying to, every day not just on Halloween. Some of you really need to stop being so self-righteous and "religious". Maybe the differences in opinions here due to our different "religions", Catholics and non-Catholics? Seeing that this holiday is tied to All Saints Day, a Catholic Holy Day. Other than it beind the eve before the Holdy Day
God cares about what is in your heart not what costume you are wearing, you have faith, you belive in him he is not going to stop loving you because you dressed up like a witch once a year..you need to stop it!