The Christian debate over Halloween
Halloween has become controversial for many Christians, due to its pagan roots and ghoulish imagery. To me, it’s not a big deal one way or the other. But for parents with young children, it’s a weightier issue.
No one doubts that the origins of Halloween derive from superstitions and rituals that are decidedly non-Christian. On the other hand, no one celebrates Halloween with the awareness—let alone intent—of glorifying actual demons and witches. So does something’s original meaning matter if no one sees it that way anymore? Many answer “yes,” but then the question is: how much should it matter? Must you therefore bar your kids from enjoying what is otherwise generally good, clean fun?
It gets even more complicated. Halloween also has Christian (Catholic) roots, and some celebrate it thus. Others acknowledge the holiday’s distasteful origins but see it as an opportunity: for evangelism, and for teaching children the redemption of God through trivializing and mocking icons of evil. As with so many other cultural issues, informed and prayerful judgment is needed—and it may not be the same conclusion for every believer.
Links:
- Wikipedia entry on Halloween’s history
- “Christians cannot view Halloween as just another innocent childhood ritual.” (Beliefnet)
- “Christians should celebrate Halloween with gusto!” (Christianity Today)
- A “redemptive” approach to Halloween (Christianity Today)
- The famous “Chick tracts” portraying Halloween as inherently evil.
Please keep in mind that a part of the issue for a Christian is the need to not associate ourselves with the appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22. Each Christian must ask themselves the question “Does my participation in Halloween associate myself with the appearance of evil?” “What doe smy participation in Halloween do to my testimony?”
Thank you for bringing these issues to the public’s attention.