The History of Halloween: Why it May Be a Better Idea to Celebrate Fall and Leave the Halloween Holiday Alone

According to an article posted Lieutenant Colonel Check Yee of the Salvation Army, (http://www.salvationarmyaac.com/) celebrating Halloween can be theologically, spiritually, culturally, and physically unhealthy. In a nation where health is constantly promoted, why do so many people refuse to take into consideration the damaging effects of Halloween?
Most would admit that they are uneducated and ignorant when it comes to the topic of Halloween. Many would respond that it is simply a silly holiday with fun treats and costumes. However, the celebration of death is anything but silly. It is dishonoring, dangerous, disobedient, and can even be debilitating.

The Colonel's article pointed out that so many seem to "enjoy being scared by the forces of Satan, et not scared at all about the final judgment." In other words, if you want to fear something, fear God. Fear the fact that one point we will stand before Him and give account for what we have done. If we actually feared that, I think ghosts, ghoblins, witches, vampires, mummies, and skeletons may more or less lose their ghastly appeal. The colonel also pointed out that the world is dysfunctional enough without highlighting and giving glory to death and destruction.

Also, the Holy Bible is clear on the matter. The book of Matthew quotes Jesus Christ as saying, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." Scary? It should be. The Lord Himself knows we are creatures inclined to fear, it is an emotion given to us by Him in order to fear Him.

What about the history itself? Where does Halloween come from and why is it so celebrated? According to an article posted on By Faith's website, (http://www.byfaith.co.uk/paulhalloween.htm) Halloween is derived from an ancient Celtic festival in honor of the god of the dead. It was the night civilians believed the barrier between the dead and the living was broken. It was also a time to ward off evil spirits that may visit the earth at this time.

The introduction of "trick or treating" was actually posted by the church in an effort to divert thinking and preoccupation with the dead. The efforts failed however, Halloween is still satanic, pagan, carnal, and damaging. It is of course portrayed as "harmless fun." Trick or treating itself is nothing more than extortion to prevent vandalism. Its also damaging for the already obese and tooth decaying generation.

Should Halloween be celebrated? The answer is certainly not, especially if you are a Christian. It is rooted in witchcraft, the worship of demons and the celebration of the forces of evil. Leviticus 20:6 states 'I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them'.

Halloween is really not worth celebrating. Why give glory to Satan when God is the one who really deserves it?

So what are some healthier alternatives to celebrating Halloween?

How about a fall festival? Go visit a pumpkin patch, go ahead and carve the pumpkins. There is no need to carve ghastly apparitions or scary witches in the pumpkins. Carve your name or your child's name, a lovely fall scene, or a silly character.
How to dodge trick or treater's? Go ahead and give them candy, but why not include a typed Bible Verse attached to that sucker or candy bar? My favorite was always the dentist who gave out sugarless gum and a toothbrush!

Remember that Halloween is not worthy of being celebrated in any way. Autumn, however, is. Why not celebrate the turning of a new season and an abundant harvest into a fall gathering. Bob for apples, play family games with the neighbors, listen to praise music and thank the Lord for protecting you!

One last thing, protect your children's teeth and health by NOT allowing them to go trick or treating. They may resent you for alittle while, but try to provide a healthy alternative. Have a costume slumber party and serve fruit and vegatables as well as some fun sweets.