I am a firm believer in the idea that the Holy Spirit convicts believers about different things at different times. That is not to say that I think faith or Biblical truth is wishy-washy or pluralistic or a "what works for you is fine" type of thing, so please hear me out. I know that there are some things the Bible is not clear on and when we approach those topics with prayer and discernment, we can follow the Spirit's leading in our lives. While it is not a "sin" to "do" Halloween, it is a sin to ignore what the Spirit is prompting you to do (James 4:17).
That being said, this is why Halloween is one holiday we choose to sit out.
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.
There are many ways in which living in this world requires to conform to its patterns in some manner or another. But, I take this verse to be referring to the ungodly patterns of this world that do not bring glory and honor to God. I do not see Halloween as anything that brings glory or honor to God. Sure, some may say that there is nothing they do that brings dishonor or blasphemes the name of God, but I do think there is a fine line to be tread in that area. The origins of Halloween, specifically the pagan superstitions of warding off evil spirits (though I admittedly have not studied these extensively) certainly are not honoring to God nor are various aspects the Halloween decor, costumes, themes, etc. (witches, ghosts, devils, evil, etc.).
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Avoid every kind of evil.
Again, Halloween is not entirely evil. I do not think that dressing up in costumes or getting oodles of candy is evil. But, there are other evil, "spooky," aspects of Halloween that dabble in the forces of evil that outright scares me. I want to avoid all of it.
Isaiah 43:7 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (KJV) While there are many every day things we do that do not seem to directly glorify God (eat lunch, play games, read books, for example), if we are using our bodies, minds, and spirits as He intended them to be used (growth, blessing others, etc.), then I think we are bringing glory to God. I do not feel that for us, Halloween would fit into this overarching goal.
1 Corinthians 10:23 “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Oh, man, this is a good one! I think this verse really sums up my feelings on this topic (and a few others--like swearing, for example). Yes, as a Christian, it is true that you are "allowed" to do Halloween. It is permissible for us to have fun with our friends, dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, go trick-or-treating, spook and scare each other for a good laugh, but is it constructive? At this point, in our family, I simply do not think it is.
Finally, You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11). I simply don't feel the need to do Halloween (granted, I'm an adult and my kids may feel differently as they grow) to feel the joy of the Lord's presence. In fact, taking time to focus on the other aspects of this time of year do remind me of the pleasures of the Lord. I feel that God has made this path known to me and am confident in this choice for our family.
I do not look down upon my friends and family who do Halloween, especially since there is no Biblical backup indicating a firm "Do not participate in Halloween." However, I think the Bible is pretty clear about not acting as "the pagans do"(Eph 4:17, amongst others) and while I hesitate to be so bold as to say that the true roots of certain Halloween traditions and practices are rooted in pagan superstition (though according to my research, that is an accurate statement), it is at least commonly understood (or is it just obvious to me?) that these traditions are not founded on Christian faith.
Do you do Halloween in your family? Does this coincide with your family's personal belief system? I'd be curious to hear why you choose to participate or not. This is a loving atmosphere, so no bashing other family's choices (mine or any of the commenters), please!
That being said, this is why Halloween is one holiday we choose to sit out.
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.
There are many ways in which living in this world requires to conform to its patterns in some manner or another. But, I take this verse to be referring to the ungodly patterns of this world that do not bring glory and honor to God. I do not see Halloween as anything that brings glory or honor to God. Sure, some may say that there is nothing they do that brings dishonor or blasphemes the name of God, but I do think there is a fine line to be tread in that area. The origins of Halloween, specifically the pagan superstitions of warding off evil spirits (though I admittedly have not studied these extensively) certainly are not honoring to God nor are various aspects the Halloween decor, costumes, themes, etc. (witches, ghosts, devils, evil, etc.).
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Avoid every kind of evil.
Again, Halloween is not entirely evil. I do not think that dressing up in costumes or getting oodles of candy is evil. But, there are other evil, "spooky," aspects of Halloween that dabble in the forces of evil that outright scares me. I want to avoid all of it.
Isaiah 43:7 “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (KJV) While there are many every day things we do that do not seem to directly glorify God (eat lunch, play games, read books, for example), if we are using our bodies, minds, and spirits as He intended them to be used (growth, blessing others, etc.), then I think we are bringing glory to God. I do not feel that for us, Halloween would fit into this overarching goal.
1 Corinthians 10:23 “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”—but not everything is constructive. Oh, man, this is a good one! I think this verse really sums up my feelings on this topic (and a few others--like swearing, for example). Yes, as a Christian, it is true that you are "allowed" to do Halloween. It is permissible for us to have fun with our friends, dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, go trick-or-treating, spook and scare each other for a good laugh, but is it constructive? At this point, in our family, I simply do not think it is.
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| We do get pumpkins to decorate our home and make fall crafts with leaves and gourds. We celebrate the change in season and reflect on God's creation as we do with any other change of season. |
Finally, You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand (Psalm 16:11). I simply don't feel the need to do Halloween (granted, I'm an adult and my kids may feel differently as they grow) to feel the joy of the Lord's presence. In fact, taking time to focus on the other aspects of this time of year do remind me of the pleasures of the Lord. I feel that God has made this path known to me and am confident in this choice for our family.
I do not look down upon my friends and family who do Halloween, especially since there is no Biblical backup indicating a firm "Do not participate in Halloween." However, I think the Bible is pretty clear about not acting as "the pagans do"(Eph 4:17, amongst others) and while I hesitate to be so bold as to say that the true roots of certain Halloween traditions and practices are rooted in pagan superstition (though according to my research, that is an accurate statement), it is at least commonly understood (or is it just obvious to me?) that these traditions are not founded on Christian faith.
Do you do Halloween in your family? Does this coincide with your family's personal belief system? I'd be curious to hear why you choose to participate or not. This is a loving atmosphere, so no bashing other family's choices (mine or any of the commenters), please!
Catching up on my reading I've missed a few! I completely understand where you are coming from on this. I have spent time in prayer about it but have come up with no answer. I also am undecided about Santa. Part of me says that fun is good and doesn't have to have all the sinful trappings. Then I owner if I'm living like I'm of this world instead of just in it. thanks for sharing your feelings though.
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