As we see ourselves once again approaching one of the most celebrated days on the calendar...new horror movies released...every channel on TV has Halloween programs...the lawns and houses are decked out with anything that is scary, gruesome, horrific, and evil.
Most of us are well aware of the history behind Halloween, and where many of the characters and customs come from. The pagan beliefs and holidays of witchcraft, Satanism, evil spirits, animal and human sacrifice. We know that this world in which we live is evil, hostile towards God, and the powers of darkness are at work. So it shouldn’t surprise us that a day like Halloween would be so popular.
For some, who are enthralled with violence, blood, and mysticism, it is not a time where they put a mask on, but rather, they get to take their mask off and be who they really are. For others, they may not even really know why it is such a fascinating time for them, but get excited with this dark and magical time. For many, they just see it as a piece of history, excitement, laugher and pranks, just some innocent fun. However, all who do not know Jesus Christ.
For the Christian, there should be more discernment. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 “ but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” In this day of obvious darkness, we are asked in 2 Corinthians 6:14-15 “ Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?” And we must know that this type of celebration cannot be glorying to God – 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Of course, there are those professing Christians who don’t believe that it has any effect on them, and that they are not only strong enough to resist any evil effect, they have the freedom and grace to participate in them. But the Bible is not just full of helpful suggestion for the believer, but commands. Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
In Deuteronomy 18:9-14, God told the people NOT to get involved in what the pagan nation did (witchcraft, sorcery, fortune telling, detestable practices), and would not hold them blameless if they did. 3 John 1:11 tells us “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good.”
How about our children? When teaching them to dress up and participate in this dark occasion, are we “Training up our child in the way he should go?” (Proverbs 22:6). I have heard of children who were first introduced to magic games, sorcery, and gore at Halloween time. Which, for years led them down a dark path of sin. (Matthew 18:6 – “ but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”)
Allot of churches have begun offering an alternative to Halloween, such as a harvest party. Although, for most farmers, the harvest parties have long come and gone. And, unless you are directly involved in farming, it becomes quite obvious to everyone, including the children, that this is a substitute for Halloween. This way, no one feels like they are missing out. I m not so sure that this is a good alternative either, as small portions of the various Halloween activities find their way into many of these church harvest party celebrations. If nothing else, the message the celebration itself brings to the mind of the child. Every celebration is well understood by children, even we know that they have all become much too commercialized. Although the origins of some of our holidays are also questionable, we know what we are celebrating. Christmas – candy, gifts, getting together for fun and laughter...a celebration of the birth of Christ. Easter – (similar description)...a celebration of the risen Christ. Birthday – (similar description)...a celebration of the birth of someone we love. An anniversary – (similar description)...a celebration of a very special event in our lives. Halloween (witches, ghosts, magic, images of death as tombstones and headless people are displayed on lawns, bloody daggers and axes, vampires, and mayhem) - candy, gifts, getting together for fun and laughter...a celebration of what? A celebration of all that is evil!
One would think that even the unbeliever ...with all the psychiatrists telling our society that a child’s mind is so sensitive that you should not introduce them to anything negative, harsh, or violent, because it could cause last effect upon their minds. And yet somehow, at this time of the year it acceptable. But we, as followers of Jesus Christ, indwelt by The Holy Spirit, must be much more discerning aware of the evil schemes of Satan. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:11-12)
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Well said brother Neil. It puzzles me that people in our society can clearly display the meaning of such an evil celebration as Hell-oween, but if you display the real meaning of CHRISTmas or Easter you are ostracized and thought of as narrow minded or a bigot.
ReplyDeletePsalm 50:22 "Now consider this, you who forget God, Or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be none to deliver. (NASB)
What does "not celebrating Halloween" look like? Stay inside? Lock the doors? Go away for the night (which we are actually doing this year, but not because it's Halloween)? Simply acting like its not happening is not an option, because people will be ringing your doorbell and turning off the lights and pretending you're not home is cowardly.
ReplyDeleteOr.... you could use the night as an opportunity to engage the 90% of your neighbours who, for one night of the year, will have their doors open to everyone and will be out in the streets of your neighbourhood willing to talk. You don't have to wear a costume. Be yourself, most of the other parents will be costumeless as well as they supervise their little candy snatchers.
We run a Harvest Party. Every year kids come to know Christ at these parties. I agree that some Harvest Parties are poor, half-baked substitutes for Halloween (and with a lot less and lower quality candy!) but let's not throw the whole thing out just because of the night it falls on.
As for the several mentions of avoiding blood, violence, and harshness… at what age do you think it is appropriate to run your children through the events of the life and death of Christ? That is a story with plenty of blood, violence, and harshness.
The issue here is not that they be sheltered from these things, but that they see them in proper perspective, not being obsessed with them or seeing them as glamorous or entertaining.
Some very good questions.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, although my family and I choose not to celebrate Halloween, I don’t criticize those who do participate in a Church Harvest Party. However, since it doesn’t just happen to fall on the same night, but rather, is intentionally placed there, I do believe it sends a message of participation in Halloween to children and the world around us. We can tell our children that there is nothing special about Halloween...and yet, we always do something special on Halloween. In their minds, the question is answered. After all, isn’t Halloween actually a harvest party historically? (with many other details)
Many years ago, although we didn’t dress up, we did give out treats to those coming to our house. I must admit, it always made me feel uncomfortable and compromising. It was in my participation that made me feel cowardly, because I wasn’t willing to take a stand, causing possible questions and/or criticism from friends and neighbours. Half participation was an easy way out.
"When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations.” Deuteronomy 18:9
So I have no problem ignoring Halloween altogether. Doors are always locked anyway, and I just shut the outside lights off so that nobody has to waste their time coming to our door. We don’t have anyone knocking or ringing the doorbell. No pretending, but intentionally ignoring the day fully aware that the world celebrates this day. Again, for me...even when we did give out treats, there was no beneficial “engagement” going on. Many parents stayed at the sidewalk or the car where they could still see their kids, and it’s off to the next house. Many houses to visit and little time, “hurry up kids, gotta go, gotta go”. For me, there are far better opportunities to engage, discuss, or debate with others matters such as these. I could never help but believe that I was at least in a small way giving my support or some credence to a day that almost totally depicts evil.
"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful," but not all things build up.” 1Corinthians 10:23
“Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. Thus says the LORD: "Learn not the way of the nations, nor be dismayed at the signs of the heavens because the nations are dismayed at them, for the customs of the peoples are vanity.” Jeremiah 10:1-3
As far as the blood, violence, and evils of Halloween, compared to those of the death of Christ, almost makes my eyes damp. These things obviously should be taught our children as early as possible and as they are able to understand. However, what are we celebrating here? I do not celebrate the violence and evils inflicted upon my Lord, for although these things had to happen, woe to those by whose hands it came. He endured violence by the hands of men, and the wrath of His Father to pay for my sins so that I might live. But I look upon all that is being promoted, advertised, entertained, and celebrated at Halloween...and I can’t help but see a picture of all that God hates and will endure His wrath when Christ returns. So Halloween is not a day of smiles and laughter, but a day of mourning.
“but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1Thessalonians 5:21-22
I disagree on the "same night" principle on the grounds that any event that is held as an alternative to a worldly event is negated by the same standard.
ReplyDeleteI'm not arguing for half participation, I'm saying that you can view the night as a night where "bad people roam the streets in search of evil" or you can see it through their eyes: as a night when kids get candy and parents converse in the street. This at least was the atmosphere in out neighbourhood last year.
And because people are in such a mood it is a great opportunity to get to know them. I'm sure there will be opportunities to mention in the course of conversation (either that night or at a later date) that you don't celebrate Halloween and why.
I still don't think that locking the doors and turning off the lights is the way to go. You are not really ignoring Halloween this way or treating it as "just another night". If it was just another night, when the doorbell rings you would go and see who is there and what they want. Why not on Halloween night do the same thing? Come to the door, no candy in hand, and say something like "We choose not to celebrate evil but instead choose to celebrate Jesus victory over it."
THAT would be a witness to your neighbours.
I agree with your paragraph on blood, violence, and evil. My only point was that in your post it seemed you were making a case against Halloween on the grounds that it introduced children to violence, death, blood, etc. when they will already be familiar with those things (and more reverent and mournful about them) if we have already properly told them about the life and death of Christ.
This is fun. You should post more often!
Why do people celebrate halloween? Why do they celebrate the Easter bunny?, and why do the insist on celebrating santa? Well, it is very obvious. The world is having so much fun so we must in some way do it too. Oh sure we can alter it a bit, we will add the cross at Easter and Jesus at CHRISTmas. the truth is, the gospel is NOT enough.
ReplyDeleteIt is the parents who feel their children are missing out therefore settle for half truths to make the kids happy. I,m with you Neil. helen
This post is so so disappointing Neil. It's so lopsided and an unbalanced look at this issue from a biblical perspective that I find it hard to believe you can't find the flaws in it yourself. It's like you deliberately ignored the many many biblical arguments against your own view, which is intellectually dishonest. And George, I'm doubly disappointed that at your comments on it. Hell-ween? Really? Do you use the "God made Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve" line too? That's just sad and lowers the entire conversation. There's so much to respond with that I don't even know where to start, and don't really feel inclined to put in that much time.
ReplyDeleteIf you'd never read 1 Corinthians 8 before and another Christian said, "Hey, this meat was just used in a cultic sacrifice ritual. Is it okay for Christians to eat it?" I'm guessing you, like I would have, would think, "Of course not!" And yet Paul says that that's not the case at all. That's meat that was sacrificed ritually to demons. And yet kids having fun and getting candy from neighbours, that you think is surely off limits for all Christians, no matter whether the morbid aspect is intentionally avoided or not. If you (and again, George) were to say that your conscience leads you to avoid taking part in it in any way, I would have no issue with it at all. But your article claims very clearly that it's wrong for all Christians, and that's simply false. Just like your misleading comments about animal and human sacrifice. How about the fact that historical evidence points to there not having been human sacrifices in the ancient pagan celebrations (despite factually inaccurate Christian flyers claiming the contrary)? How about the fact that there is no evidence of satanic cults doing animal sacrifices in the modern day (law enforcement officials in the US have said they've found no such evidence)? How about the fact that both Christmas and Easter were also based date-wise on ancient pagan holidays and both holidays have much of the pagan imagery still carried over? How about the fact that the Halloween as it exists today is far more Americana than it has to do at all with anything from centuries past (again, actually historically)? And those Christian parents who bring their kids out dressed as princesses, superheroes and the like, who don't put up any macabre decorations, avoid their kids seeing such things, and simply make it about fun and treats, what exactly about how their spending their evening is satanic?
Your statements of these things as if they're a certainty are what bother me the most, particularly since it only feeds into the cliche "Christians are against everything fun" image.
As a broad presentation of my counter perspective, here's an article I wrote a few weeks ago: http://www.huronbaptistchurch.org/pastors-ponderings/2012/10/16/5-things-about-christians-and-halloween.html
In conclusion, Jesus had his harshest words for people that imposed legalistic rules on his people. I'd be careful about stating things with such certainty, because it sure comes across as a new law when you essentially say "Christians shalt not celebrate Halloween, even if their consciences tell them that it is within their freedom in Christ". Again I'm reminded of Paul, Romans 14:3,4 "The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand."
Bill, I am however not disappointed with your post or comment. I do not expect everyone to agree with me, knowing full well that I will forever learn by study, by the Holy Spirit showing me new insights, and by the correction of people around me. And that hopefully, from Scripture.
DeleteYou mentioned that there are many many biblical argument against my post, but failed to share them in your argument. And the ones you did use, I do hope are not the strongest ones from the twice many biblical arguments you were referring to. I did however, share a few Scripture passages to support my view. As well as, simply from a logical perspective.
Since I am the one who is in a position of defending myself, please let me do so and forgive if I come across in a way which I don't mean to at times. But in order for me to make sense of everything you are saying and suggesting, settle it in my mind and answer it, I need to peel back some of the layers of your comment separately.
The thing I always first acknowledge is the fact that I am obviously arguing against something because I most likely don't participate in whatever. For a person to argue against me and for the whatever, he most likely does participate in the whatever. We will get our sources lined up which agree and support our position. Sometimes two people or groups argue over something neither one of them have first hand knowledge about, or anything for that matter. Hopefully not the case here, but I acknowledge that possibility.
Now, I usually don't get my information from Pharisee.com. I have read various books and articles on various festivals. I often go to reasonably neutral sources (if those exist). Like maybe a government site as an example. http://www.loc.gov/folklife/halloween.html
I don't know...for not having any historical verifiable facts about the dark side of Halloween, allot of people, organizations, and historians sure pretend to know allot about it.
Now, if I have ignored many biblical arguments against my disapproving assessment of Halloween, I would very much suggest you may have ignored many biblical arguments against your approval of Halloween. Which means we may both be in danger of being intellectually dishonest. Being on the same playing field we can now get rid of that layer which does nothing for the argument.
You mention the possibility of being legalistic. I actually never mentioned abstaining from Halloween as a law, but rather on more than one occasion called for discernment. Although I would agree at times with strong opinion, but also shared more than opinion from various Scripture verses. But I find in so many cases where the legalist accusation is thrown out, it is for no other reason than to shut someone down. In most Christian circles, the last thing anyone wants to be is a legalist. So often times (not necessarily in this one) when that immediately becomes part of a response to someone, what I believe is actually being said is, "now you need to be quit on this issue and don't you dare ruin something I enjoy". The person is afraid of being a legalist and therefore shy's away from the subject, and problem solved. And if there is any doubt whether the message got across, it is followed up with a "you know, Jesus reserved his harshest words for the religious legalistic rulers of his day". Many people that use that as an argument don't even know what a legalist is or what Jesus was condemning. I also did go to your blog post and let's face it, there will be others considering you a legalist for the comment about clothing. That was getting very close to rule making and taking away from their liberty. So, in most cases I need to peel that part of the argument away in order to find out what is really being said. Because it doesn't really matter what conservative or liberal position one is arguing from, there is always going to be someone even more liberal or more grace filled that one of the two is going to be the legalist.
The two Scripture references that you shared (1Cor 8 & Rom 14). You know, we could throw almost every activity of life in there and say, "I think this activity falls into this portion of Scripture, and therefore must be left to each person's own conscience to decide". Well, I'm not saying that some things couldn't, but we will always be in danger of reading something into it that simply is not there. The only thing we know for sure is, Paul is talking about eating, eating meat specifically, sacrificed to idols. Food, a necessity of life. And no, I would not say you couldn't eat meat sacrificed to idols. Now, if you specifically, ordered sacrificed meat from someone for an event, paid premium money for it, surrounded yourself and clothed yourself with various ritualistic objects for the consuming of this meat? Well...I would have to say there is a whole different issue. I don't think Paul was giving them a thumbs up to go ahead and participate in sacrificing to idols! But somehow they got this meat, possibly really cheap because few people wanted sacrificed meat. Possibly the people who sacrificed it already had their fill and where now selling or giving away the remainder. Well, the family is hungry, is it okay Paul?
DeleteI have not provided any additional Scripture references in my defense here, but believe I had plenty in my post. These two that you have used in my assessment do not help towards a biblical argument against my post.
You mentioned historical meaning compared to the here and now. Even more so on your blog. Well, believe it or not, here and now, this very year. When I went out and looked at houses and costumes, I saw witches, vampires, ghosts, an ax sticking in some zombies skull, and you name it, it's plastered everywhere. Even on the bags of candies. That's the here and now! You can't help but see the stuff. And we're saying kids are too clueless to notice these things?
Okay, in my assessment all we really have left is the fact that it's fun! That is what it really comes down to. The only other consideration is whether it's safe, not harmful, and if it is okay to do so. You even threw in the problem of how Christians are perceived by the world as being against fun. Really? First of all, I am much more concerned with how I am perceived by God than people around me. And if those "fun" choices between believers and unbelievers are not very frequently and automatically in opposition with one another, not I, but the Scriptures surely speak to that. And of course we're going to have a lopsided argument if we are doing it from the Bible. Also, I can not find anywhere in Scripture that anything is made okay, providing it is fun. If you're going to argue in favor of anything, at least biblically, you can not do it with "fun" being the deciding factor on whether it is okay or not. The whole world is doing the things they do because it is fun. Everyone wants to have fun. Girls just wanna have fun. No, you will not lose your salvation if you don't follow my rules, but it's simply a call for discernment, not a legalistic position.
I have a little more to add, but I will do that in response to Dan, since I don't believe a biblical argument will have much weight.
It's all for the kids. They have no idea about all this other stuff you write about. They wanna dress up and get free candy. That's where it starts and stops. Have fun with it, kids grow up too fast as it is. It is not a celebration of evil. That's just silly. Relax......
ReplyDeleteHey Dan, good to hear from you.
DeleteAlthough I might not seam relaxed, I am actually quite relaxed and not stressed out over my view. But sometimes when you hear the word "relax", I feel like the words that should follow might be something like "this won't hurt a bit". At least that's what my Periodontist said recently. After a few minutes, I was ready to give her my name, rank, serial number, the names of my leaders and my mission.
I agree that many children will not know the history behind Halloween, but surely most of them are perceptive and smart enough to connect the dots around them. I have known and have heard of many children who could not even see any form of fighting or wrestling on TV without crying (mine being one of them) because they were afraid. The same as scary and grotesque looking masks or costumes, most will be terrified at a young age. The only reason they stop being afraid is the parents tell their children it's okay, it's not real, their's nothing to be afraid of, just relax. And they are taught some of these things can be fun, but that was not their original feeling towards it. It had to be ingrained in many cases.
Kids know the difference between happy times of celebrations and sad times. And they are perceptive enough to know the details around them when these moments come. I am not telling you anything you don't already know, but let me explain myself with a simple example which doesn't even need to go into the Bible, but maybe more of a psychological one:
You, or even a child, gets invited to a celebration. You don't know what it is but you go. When you get there you see the surroundings: tables and curtains decked out with white lace, flowers, heart shaped decorative designs, a huge cake with two rings on top of it, and you have it figured out long before you see the limo with "just married " taped on the back. Of course, it's a celebration of two people getting married! Various other examples of celebrations could be used.
Now, same invitation to a celebration. Except now when you get there, there are tomb stones on the lawn, a person hanging from a branch by a rope around his neck, an ugly looking witch there to greet you, along with a vampire with blood down his chin and front of his shirt, everything is dark and creepy. Now, you might know what this is, but a child would have to look at the surrounding and ask, "Dad or Mom, what are we celebrating? " And the only way a child can overcome their fear and turn these surroundings into a celebration, is because they need to be told often enough "relax, it's all just for fun".
I can not see how a young mind would not get mixed signals through this process. So it's not that they don't notice everything around them, but just get desensitized to it. And is of my opinion that this is not good. And I am not stressed about, puzzled yes, but still relaxed.
Amen to that, Dan.
ReplyDelete