Halloween?

Curious how you all view it. I've had a change of heart in recent years. Can't get into it now, but will explain soon. That said, I've been back and forth over the years.

 

That should go over well, in today's political climate (at least in my neck of the woods). LOL! Don't get me wrong I'm a huge fan of political incorrectness.

As for me, I loved Halloween as a kid and then shunned it as an adult Christian. Saw some videos linking it to Samhain and the occult, and we just decided to skip it in protest. Also, in my reasoning back then, I couldn't find a way to put God in the middle of it. How can you have a holy day without something pointing you toward God? I can focus on God in all other holidays, just not thing one.

I changed when an epiphany hit me. What could Halloween teach us about God? ...Not the watered down harvest festivals and trunk or treats events, but the dark one? What biblical lessons could I teach my kids from the traditional American Halloween, focused on death and wickedness?

Then it dawned on me. With the infiltration of evolution and millions of years in Church thinking, most Christians are probably confused about the origins of death and wickedness. Most don't really understand the bad news that preceded the good news....... especially kids in the Church. Lightbulbs lit up immediately.

Now my kids and I participate in the traditional halloween, but look at the symbolism with very different eyes. I've used this season to explain thoroughly the bad news of the fall, which made the good news of the Cross necessary. Halloween has become creation/fall/flood season for my family. Instead of avoiding the symbols I now explain them—their origins and their eventual doom. We even look at the candy as a symbol of God's grace in the midst of a fallen world.

Not saying this will work for everyone. I respect Christians choices on these matters (Romans 14).

 

As far as the Samhain and occult connection, I think I'm on the same page as you. Did a lot of research on the history of Halloween, and I don't believe there is a connection. I think you can make the case that the catholic church moved All Saints Day to November to eclipse pagan celebrations, but there really isn't much there after that. Halloween in American morphed into something very different and very few Americans have even heard of Samhain. It was originally a prank day, after the Depression.

Regardless, I don't believe we're bound to uphold traditional meanings of symbols. We're free to pour any meanings into them we wish.

 

Its the first time I've talked about the issue here. Wasn't sure if this was a big topic here, but it certainly is on other forums. And yes, they all seem to get hostile.

I defer to Romans 14. I don't think God wants me to shame or lecture anyone over how they handle Halloween, especially having been on both sides. I hope it stays civil.

And for those who do participate in Halloween, I'd like them to consider using the Holiday as an opportunity to teach their kids about the origins of death and evil in the Creation account.