A Scary Compromise for Christians?

This is the time of year that has often generated very interesting conversations with other Christians. A simple question of “What will your kids be for Halloween?” has led to great debates about how we should view this holiday as people of God.

According to the Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween) Halloween traces its roots from an Irish tradition that began as a harvest festival, innocently enough. Yet it quickly took a more insidious turn as the pagan (non-Christian) celebrants created bonfires to ward off the evil spirits that threatened to ruin their livestock and crops, donning costumes and masks to appease the demons. This practice later preceded All Saints’ Day (still celebrated in many places throughout the world), which is a European holy day of religious festivities. Falling the eve before All Saint’s Day, the true origin of the name Halloween comes from “All Hallow’s Even” (the night before All Hallow’s Day, which is All Saints’ Day).

Since the time my children were of the age to do so, we decided they would not participate in trick or treating or any other Halloween festivities. When questioned about this, we would always reply that there is nothing about Halloween that celebrates Christ, so there was no reason for us as Christians to celebrate the holiday. In recent years, many churches and Christian organizations have introduced “Hallelujah Parties” in lieu of Halloween celebrations. My family’s stance has remained steadfast, because even a watered-down version of this holiday is unacceptable. I’ve heard the protest of many other Christians:

“Oh, let your children be children and have some fun like the other kids!”
“Forget the history, now it’s all about dressing up and eating candy!”
“I’m a Christian, too, so my kids don’t dress up as anything scary or demonic. They get to be angels and princesses!”

The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In my opinion, compromising ourselves to celebrate things that are not of God couldn’t possibly be His good, pleasing and perfect will.

What are your thoughts on Halloween? Leave a comment!