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Readers Respond: How Do You Treat Halloween?
Responses: 32

By , About.com Guide

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in our culture today, but because of its pagan roots, it presents a big challenge for Christian families. This poll shows that believers are strongly divided on how to treat Halloween. Maybe you feel freedom to observe the holiday, while others in your church boycott or ignore it. A number of Christians choose to celebrate through more positive and imaginative alternatives to Halloween, and still others take advantage of Halloween's evangelistic opportunities. Perhaps you can help another believer wrestling with the biblical questions of how to treat Halloween.

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People are Watching Us

I don't celebrate Halloween anymore. I did at one time, and didn't think it was all bad. But over the years it has become more evil. The thing is, it's based on a pagan holiday. Others are watching us. So we should not cause others to stumble.
—cshook123

Seeds Sown in the Future

God's Word should always be the standard or measuring line in any matter for the true born again christian. Halloween is full of darkness as in Deut. 18:10-12. Whether from ignorance or from knowledge, it surely does have a root which is FEAR, and the Bible says it's the opposite of FAITH. Those claiming the holiday originated from Christianity should check again. Catholism has pagan customs integrated in it. There is a way that seems right in the eyes of a man, but leads to death. You may say all things but whatever a man does upon the face of this earth has a spiritual significance which continues to shape their present lives and their future. Ask yourself what foundation you are laying down in the spirit realm for the future. Are you pulling down strongholds or helping to build them? 2nd Cor. 10:3-6. The temple of Solomon had a spiritual significance into the future, that is, today, we are the temple of God. 1 Cor. 3:16 How much more the things we do? You reap what you sow.
—Guest Dorcas

Romans 14

I don't get into an argument over differences of opinion. The weak in faith believe they can eat only vegetables, others think they can eat all kinds of food. One person decides that one day is holier than another, another person decides that all days are the same. Every person must make his own decision. When people observe a special day, they observe it to HONOR THE LORD. When people eat all kinds of food, they HONOR THE LORD as they eat. All of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God, whatever we do. We must not make other Christians have doubts or lose their faith. God's Kingdom consists of God's approval and peace as well as joy. The right thing to do is to AVOID eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that causes another Christian to have doubts. So, ask yourself these questions: Am I pleasing God in what I do? Will I make my friends stumble? Am I honoring God? We need to know the origins of Halloween. I say NO to Halloween! It is not a fancy dress party.
—Guest Janet

Judge Not

The Bible does not speak against Halloween. I have prayed about this and I feel no conviction at all when I dress my 4 and 6 year old up to go out and get candy and show off their little outfits. I never dress them scary or in witches clothing. I feel that Halloween is only what you make of it. You can be evil anytime of the year and I don't believe that God is upset with our children having innocent fun! If you will research...Halloween was started by Christians. The pumpkin carving and the scary costumes were used to keep evil spirits away. Pagans took this day and tried to turn it into something bad. I don't like evil costumes or satanic things, etc. I think that our little princesses and our little fairies are adorable. If you are a Christian I think that God will convict you of wearing things of an evil nature. Halloween is not of the devil unless you want it to be. The Bible says we are not to judge. Don't delight in Satan by judging others. You don't know their hearts.
—Guest TS Hudler

Christmas and Halloween

To say that Halloween is not about glorifying all that is dead, dark and dying, is the same as saying that Christmas is NOT about Christ. You can say it all you want, but it is what it is. Why would Christians want to celebrate that which is dead, dark and dying one day a year when we are suppose to celebrate life the other 364 days.
—Guest Jo Ann

Should christians celebrate Halloween?

Well, from my point of view, anyone can celebrate Halloween. And God put us on earth, to try and make our own choices. And, to be honest, I go trick or treating with my family and friends. Well, you choose whats right for you!
—TanTanR

Become All Things

The Bible states in Romans 12:2: "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." But it also states in 1 Corinthians 9:22 "To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some..." While we do not have to conform to the world we can use this secular holiday and glorify the Lord in it. I do not dress up myself nor do my children, but I do make an attempt to pass out candy and share the Word of God through my mouth and through Scriptures on my king size candy bars to ensure children will come and receive candy ... and if I reach just one child, forever all the angels in heaven rejoice!
—Guest studentofGod

Halloween is Not Godly At All

This Halloween is the first one I will not celebrate, because God chose to open up my eyes. I am still very young, but I know for a fact God is not pleased with Christians that are basically encouraging Halloween. Churches should not encourage it or make it look harmless. Because in reality your kids are trick or treating, or if you consider it innocent trick or treating, but you don't know if these people have cursed the candy. There are many evil people out in this world. And to celebrate Halloween is pure hypocrisy. God bless you all.
—Guest Leticia

WWJD

What would Jesus do? Dress up like a devil or demon? Nuff said.
—Guest Mike

I Treat it Seriously!

All of you that said you were strong Christians who celebrate Halloween are not as strong as you think. Why participate in something that represents death, horror, murder, and disgust when as Christians you are suppose to be presenting light, love, joy, and Jesus to each other? You can't be a light to the world when you blend in. Let's say I was married, and let's say I went to a strip club. My wife asks me, "Why did you go to that strip club?" and I answer, "It's just for fun." Justifiable?? I think not. Welcome to God's view of Halloween.
—Guest joseph

Yet Another Excuse for Excess

Much of what we do in the US has questionable history or has been polluted to push us to excess. This is the real issue here. Everything is about "me" and what I can get - more candy, more food, more drink - pick one and you can apply to just about any holiday we celebrate. In the end it's a heart issue, as most of what we do is, if your heart is in line with God's (and there is only one will of God, not just what works for you), you will realize where the line is and not cross. I agree that it requires our personal judgment as to our response to Halloween. I agree we need to be "in" and not "of,' but let me ask a question. If I were to go to Nevada to where prostitution is legal and join in with the excuse that I am a witness to them, most of you would condemn that act. Or if you are too squeamish as to that analogy how about participating in the drunken excess of Superbowl or Saint Patrick’s Day? Pick one of many. My point is we are very quick to claim we are there to witness.
—Guest Howard

I Have Seen the Truth

I admire those who say that they use it to spread the Word. I grew up Catholic and all these rituals were part of my life. Now as an adult Christian I have learn the Word and feel ever blessed to follow what the Lord has told us to do. To give our Lord 2nd hand celebrations is one of the biggest insults you can do to him. He has laid out what to do in these occasions, and for us as his children to disobey is wrong. A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf. Please pray for truth when celebrating these holidays and be strong when you face the world. I don't celebrate Halloween.
—Guest Rosy

Halloween is Fun and Just That!

I am a very strong Christian. However, I do celebrate Halloween because It is not real! Halloween is just something enjoyable for the kids. It's the crazy things non-Christians just had to add to this wonderful holiday. This year, my little niece and I are twin witches. And, just to let everyone know, I keep telling her it isn't real. This holiday is all about pretending and one thing children at age three love to do is pretend. As long as kids have the understanding that it is just for fun, then there is nothing shameful about celebrating Halloween!
—Guest Tina

Avoid the Very Appearance of Evil

The Bible does not say "find an alternative to evil and have at it." It says, "Avoid it," and that's what I plan on doing.
—Guest candice

Let Kids be Kids!

I am a Christian and my children have always participated in Halloween activities. For them, Halloween is simply an exciting time to dress up in costume and eat candy ... that's all! It's adults, with our own fears, who start putting ideas into children's heads about evil associated with Halloween. Treat it as harmless fun and no more than that. Let your children dress up and eat candy with other like-minded friends ... and they will have fantastic memories for the rest of their lives. That is what childhood is all about! Let kids be kids. Why take the fun out of everything?
—Guest zoizo

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