Christians and Halloween 🎃

I get that our culture celebrates Halloween for other reasons.

 

Psalm 118:24 tells us "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." So, no, October 31st is not the enemy's day; it is God's day where we are to worship and obey the One who is seated on the Throne just like any other. Nonetheless, there's no denying the sketchy elements of Halloween that Christians need to wrestle with.

 

Here are some guidelines for Christians to think about as individuals and as we interact with others today. These are especially important for parents thinking about how to disciple their children through Halloween.

 

1. Keep in mind: the demonic realm is real. 2 Corinthians 4:18 talks about the "unseen realm." Ephesians 6:12 makes it clear that there are "cosmic powers over this present darkness" raging war against the spiritual forces in the heavenly places. Simply put, there are elements of halloween that undoubtedly tap into these dark spiritual realities. Acknowledging this reality, we should steer towards more of the "fall/festive" aspects and steer away from elements that lend towards demonic/evil practices.

 

2. Christians are called upon to redeem the time because the days are evil. When I think of how Christians should participate in Halloween, I believe our primary calling is to reframe it and redeem it. We re-frame it by reminding ourselves it's God's day like any other day. We redeem it by using it as an opportunity to love our neighbors as ourselves. What other time of the year do ALL OF YOUR NEIGHBORS go outside and interact? Or what other time do vast amounts of your community just come to your front door?

 

3. Never violate your conscience or pass judgment on others. Romans 14 talks about issues Christians see differently. The bottom line is: if you can't stomach it, don't involve yourself with it. Just don't pass judgment on other Christians who do.

 

Personally, our family participates in Halloween as an opportunity to be with our neighbors and be in our community. At the same time, it's an active discerning process as we're walking around. Sometimes Lisa and I will randomly start running with children in the opposite direction or distract them from something we don't want them to see. So it's not an either/or, all or nothing issue. We realize there is wacky stuff out there. Yet we also want our kids to have fun. We also want them to value the importance of community.

 

Hope you have a great "Day of the Lord" today.

 

Pastor Kyle