Originally posted 10-21-11.
As a kid, I grew up in a Christian home. We went to church faithfully. My siblings and I even attended Christian schools. And as a kid, our family "celebrated" Halloween.
Although it was never a big holiday in our house, we still usually put up a few decorations and maybe even got out the old "Spooky Sounds" record and played that. We'd dress up in costumes and of course hand out candy to all the like-dressed trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood. When I was in 4th grade, our church-based "girl scouts" group hosted a haunted house for the "boy scouts". As a young adult, I even dressed up like a vampire to go to a party with some friends.
So, how did my husband and I make the decision that we didn't want our children to participate in the traditional Halloween activities?
Well, first of all, we took a really long look at the holiday itself...ghosts, witches, vampires, devils, zombies, blood, gore, incantations, fear. I realize that some kids dress up in other types of costumes, but think about it... When you get a mental visual of Halloween, what do you think of? Pretty gross stuff, huh?
Oh, but I forgot the candy.
Doesn't it seem a little weird that a holiday centered around all the icky stuff listed above should also involve wonderful, ooey, gooey, chocolatey, sugary yumminess?
I believe that when we allow something in our lives that is not of God, that does not honor Him, we are opening a doorway for negative spiritual activity to come into our lives and our homes. When that doorway opens, it can widen allowing more demonic activity in. Unless we ask God to close that doorway, it will remain open, allowing more to come in between us and our relationship with God.
That's what we believe Halloween does. It literally candy-coats ideas of Satan, witchcraft and the paranormal. Something that may seem harmless might actually might be the beginning of something devastating.
Now, let me say this, too. I am not writing this post so you think we are really "religious" people. I don't want you to think that we think we are better than those who maybe do celebrate Halloween. I'm not saying that at all.
But, do I believe that you can be a "good Christian" (whatever that truly is?) and still participate in Halloween activities? Absolutely. But I think Halloween is kind of like letting a small child play with matches. You may end up with unexpected, and definitely undesired consequences.
Many churches have "Fall Festivals" or other events so that children can still dress up (in appropriate costumes) and enjoy time with friends and get some candy, too. As a matter of fact, our church hosts a fall party in the church parking lot for the kids in our community. Every year on the evening of October 31 kids from all over the county come. Last year, as I recall, almost 3,000 kids attended.
But just in case you are rolling your eyes right now, all I ask is that you stop and think about it, do your own research, and most importantly...pray about it. I'm sure you'll come to the answer that is right for your family.
Just my two cents...
Some Bible verses regarding witchcraft and fortune-telling:
Leviticus 19:26
“Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood.“Do not practice fortune-telling or witchcraft.
Leviticus 19:25-27 (in Context) Leviticus 19 (Whole Chapter)
Deuteronomy 18:10
For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft,
Deuteronomy 18:9-11 (in Context) Deuteronomy 18 (Whole Chapter)
1 Samuel 15:23
Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
1 Samuel 15:22-24 (in Context) 1 Samuel 15 (Whole Chapter)
2 Kings 9:22
King Joram demanded, “Do you come in peace, Jehu?”Jehu replied, “How can there be peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother, Jezebel, are all around us?”
2 Kings 9:21-23 (in Context) 2 Kings 9 (Whole Chapter)
2 Chronicles 33:6
Manasseh also sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the valley of Ben-Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the Lord’s sight, arousing his anger.
2 Chronicles 33:5-7 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 33 (Whole Chapter)
Isaiah 47:9
Well, both these things will come upon you in a moment: widowhood and the loss of your children. Yes, these calamities will come upon you, despite all your witchcraft and magic.
Isaiah 47:8-10 (in Context) Isaiah 47 (Whole Chapter)
Micah 5:12
I will put an end to all witchcraft, and there will be no more fortune-tellers.
Micah 5:11-13 (in Context) Micah 5 (Whole Chapter)
Revelation 9:21
And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Revelation 9:20-21 (in Context) Revelation 9 (Whole Chapter)
Revelation 21:8
“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Revelation 21:7-9 (in Context) Revelation 21 (Whole Chapter)
Although it was never a big holiday in our house, we still usually put up a few decorations and maybe even got out the old "Spooky Sounds" record and played that. We'd dress up in costumes and of course hand out candy to all the like-dressed trick-or-treaters in the neighborhood. When I was in 4th grade, our church-based "girl scouts" group hosted a haunted house for the "boy scouts". As a young adult, I even dressed up like a vampire to go to a party with some friends.
So, how did my husband and I make the decision that we didn't want our children to participate in the traditional Halloween activities?
Well, first of all, we took a really long look at the holiday itself...ghosts, witches, vampires, devils, zombies, blood, gore, incantations, fear. I realize that some kids dress up in other types of costumes, but think about it... When you get a mental visual of Halloween, what do you think of? Pretty gross stuff, huh?
Oh, but I forgot the candy.
Doesn't it seem a little weird that a holiday centered around all the icky stuff listed above should also involve wonderful, ooey, gooey, chocolatey, sugary yumminess?
I believe that when we allow something in our lives that is not of God, that does not honor Him, we are opening a doorway for negative spiritual activity to come into our lives and our homes. When that doorway opens, it can widen allowing more demonic activity in. Unless we ask God to close that doorway, it will remain open, allowing more to come in between us and our relationship with God.
That's what we believe Halloween does. It literally candy-coats ideas of Satan, witchcraft and the paranormal. Something that may seem harmless might actually might be the beginning of something devastating.
Now, let me say this, too. I am not writing this post so you think we are really "religious" people. I don't want you to think that we think we are better than those who maybe do celebrate Halloween. I'm not saying that at all.
But, do I believe that you can be a "good Christian" (whatever that truly is?) and still participate in Halloween activities? Absolutely. But I think Halloween is kind of like letting a small child play with matches. You may end up with unexpected, and definitely undesired consequences.
Many churches have "Fall Festivals" or other events so that children can still dress up (in appropriate costumes) and enjoy time with friends and get some candy, too. As a matter of fact, our church hosts a fall party in the church parking lot for the kids in our community. Every year on the evening of October 31 kids from all over the county come. Last year, as I recall, almost 3,000 kids attended.
But just in case you are rolling your eyes right now, all I ask is that you stop and think about it, do your own research, and most importantly...pray about it. I'm sure you'll come to the answer that is right for your family.
Just my two cents...
Some Bible verses regarding witchcraft and fortune-telling:
“Do not eat meat that has not been drained of its blood.“Do not practice fortune-telling or witchcraft.
Leviticus 19:25-27 (in Context) Leviticus 19 (Whole Chapter)
For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft,
Deuteronomy 18:9-11 (in Context) Deuteronomy 18 (Whole Chapter)
Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
1 Samuel 15:22-24 (in Context) 1 Samuel 15 (Whole Chapter)
King Joram demanded, “Do you come in peace, Jehu?”Jehu replied, “How can there be peace as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother, Jezebel, are all around us?”
2 Kings 9:21-23 (in Context) 2 Kings 9 (Whole Chapter)
Manasseh also sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the valley of Ben-Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the Lord’s sight, arousing his anger.
2 Chronicles 33:5-7 (in Context) 2 Chronicles 33 (Whole Chapter)
Well, both these things will come upon you in a moment: widowhood and the loss of your children. Yes, these calamities will come upon you, despite all your witchcraft and magic.
Isaiah 47:8-10 (in Context) Isaiah 47 (Whole Chapter)
I will put an end to all witchcraft, and there will be no more fortune-tellers.
Micah 5:11-13 (in Context) Micah 5 (Whole Chapter)
And they did not repent of their murders or their witchcraft or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Revelation 9:20-21 (in Context) Revelation 9 (Whole Chapter)
“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
Revelation 21:7-9 (in Context) Revelation 21 (Whole Chapter)
Here is an interesting article on the same subject... http://womenbygrace.com/christian-life/why-we-dont-celebrate-halloween/
Photos courtesy of Grim Visions.com
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