My family doesn't celebrate, honor, give credence to, attention to, or spend money on, Halloween. Why not? -you ask- because we're Christians, I say. We'd rather do all the above for the one who redeemed us from our voracious appetites for evil, Jesus Christ.
Now, if you're not a Christ follower, go ahead, indulge in Halloween. I don't expect you to live under biblical authority (although, even unbelievers are blessed when they adhere to biblical precepts), but, if you'd rather not, I won't hold it against you.
On the other hand, if you are a Christ follower, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb through and through, I'm curious to know why you would choose to bring attention to, exaltation to, and spend your money on, that which God says to avoid? Just curious, that's all - really - I'm not looking for a fight, or trying to judge your motives or heart, (only God can do that), but I'm always fascinated at the responses Christians give when they try to justify celebrating Halloween every year about this time. It's like Mike Tyson in a spelling bee - lots of mumbling, studdering, and sweating!
So go ahead, throw a punch, I can take it. Just stay above the belt because I'd like to have more kids!
Whatever you choose for your family, just remember this - the cross of Christ unites us, and therefore, if you disagree with me, I'm cool with that, and as an expression of my solitude with you, if we ever meet I'd be willing to to let you buy me a cup of coffee as we chat about how wrong you are on this one! Peace...
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To see a short video about the origins of Halloween, visit my wife's blog, A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, by clicking here! She has quite an array of opinions being expressed...
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10 Intelligent Responses:
Very well put. Our family used to participate in Halloween until about five years ago when my Dad said we are not doing it anymore. I found out why and completely agreed. There is no reason to be celebrating death and evil when you are a Christian. The book of Ephesians says we are dead to sin and alive to Christ. In circumstances like Halloween, why revel in something where Christ is not glorified? If we are truly Christians, alive in Christ, there is no point whatsoever in participating in the devil's holiday where sin is completely rampant.
In Christ,
Joshua :)
Here is my answer.
http://lori-alifetimeoflearning.blogspot.com/2010/10/should-christians-celebrate-halloween.html.
It is possible to participate in Halloween without glorifying evil. I do have to say that if you are very concerned about pagan symbols, prove it and ditch your Christmas decorations. Celebrate only the Biblical holidays and feasts. I have many friends who do just that.
So, this entire conversation intrigues me. I read you wife's post yesterday...
I've been rather crabby today contemplating the whole thing... I love to dress up with my kids, I love to design costumes and get creative. As a child we were NEVER allowed to do the witch or goblin thing and never wanted to and that still stands today and I totally get what you guys are saying and I totally get what Lori is saying to because (run on sentence alert!) sometimes I get frustrated at all the hoopla Christians make about "keeping Christ in Christmas" when really, Christmas is this traditional thing we have made up really to mask a pagan tradition... there is nothing about celebrating Christmas the way we do in the Bible. I think it would be INCREDIBLE if we would celebrate the Biblical feasts as a church... as the norm and not the "weird" exception.
Sorry, I am all over the place here. I hate Halloween decorations and want to slap (sorry) Mom's that let their kids go out looking so disgusting... but I am torn because there is an aspect of it that "seems" so innocent.
You know, as you become a stronger Christian you can be a little shocked at how conservative you are becoming. Years ago I would have never said I was homeschooling my kids... and here I am. Years ago I would have been really defensive about my fun love for costumes and the creativity... and here I am mulling it over.
Long winded. Sorry.
Thanks again for your blog.
Hoping someday Hubbies schedule works so we can attend Homebuilders!
Joshua,
Thanks for the comment and sharing a bit about your family. A dad's job is to make decisions that honor the Lord for their families. Good for him!
Lori,
First of all, you're a Cardinals fan, so whatever you say is taken with that knowledge. ;-)
I hear what you're trying to convey, and nobody would argue against the innocence of your heart. Knowing you, I know you only want what's best for you kids and wouldn't want then dishonoring God.
I honestly think your comparison between Christmas and Halloween isn't a valid one. One holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and the other is all about blood and gore, and the demonic realm. I too, use to indulge in Halloween, go to haunted houses, and think it was all about fun, but as I grew in Christ, I found it hard to reconcile with scripture.
Like I said in my post, I'm just sharing what my family does, and if you disagree, fine, that's why God gives grace. See you soon!
Angela,
My family, too, loves dressing up. In fact, next weekend we'll all be in costume attending a Reformation Day Faire in Peoria, IL., so we're not against dress up, make believe, or anything like that. We usually attend several events a year when my family dresses up, so we can appreciate your love for doing so with your children.
My issue with Halloween is what it represents. As a child, me and my siblings would dress up, go trick or treating, and spend a week overdosing on sugar too, so I see that side of it. And yes, who would say that a little girl dressed as an Angel is wrong--nobody would--very innnocent.
You make some great points about maturing as a Christian, and becoming more "conservative." Might we use the word "discerning" or "wise" rather than conservative? Who I was 5,10, 20 years ago, and who I am now, is night and day. I never wanted to be this man, but I guess God had other plans, so he moved my heart in this direction.
Funny how life works, isn't it?
June and I would love for your family to hang out some time!
Well Steve, at least spiritually you are batting for the right team. As for your baseball picks.....
Next year will be the year of the Cub, Lori! :-)
We have not celebrated halloween since 99. I will say this past halloween my husband took them to his work. He is a nurse at anursing home. my little ones wore their princess dresses and they visited with the residents. I was glad when the day was over but torn if it was right or wrong.We also don't put up Christmas decorations and have not "celebrated" it since 99. We have the past couple years gone to my parents to see everyone and have a nice meal with them all. We do put up white lights and winter decorations as that is alot of fun.
Mommadawn,
My family still celebrates Christmas because we find redemptive value in that holiday, but can't find any reason to still give attention to Halloween as this day is simply about honoring evil.
Thanks for commenting!
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