Having second thoughts about Halloween?

In trying to live as a disciple of Jesus, one thing I have noticed is that I’m more sensitive to everything. Things that didn’t bother me before now have me wondering about their true helpfulness in glorifying God with all my heart, all my mind, and all my strength. 

Some music artists I have loved and listened to for years, but now the lyrics make me cringe. Some movies I love are simply not conducive to loving God. Same for books, TV shows and many more items from the world. All of these worldly things are what do battle with the Spirit of God who lives in believers. It doesn’t necessarily mean the thing itself is harmful, but because of our predisposition to sin, we all should carefully consider what is most helpful to keep following Jesus.

In addition, there are the things that come directly from me – comments I would usually make in conversation and topics I would bring up in conversation. If some coworker gets on my nerves, I want to vent to the one person I know would get angry and take my point of view – but is this a good thing to do, when I know that person already has a stronghold in that area? Out of love, I should not give them more reason to surrender to anger just to make myself feel better.

It’s all about what is helpful. We have freedom, but it’s not an excuse to be careless. Paul says: “I have the right to do anything,” you say–but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but not everything is constructive.” – 1 Cor 10:23. So if you are in doubt about whether you should or should not do something that is not specifically outlined in the Bible, think about whether it will move you toward glorifying God or loving your neighbor.

So now- what about Halloween? I know that some people feel very strongly against it, and some people really don’t see a problem with it, but I hope this article excerpt will help that question –  “Is it ok for Christians to take part in the festivities?” I actually believe it is possible for the answer to be both Yes and No.

Please enjoy Matt Slick’s response to this question from CARM.org It is excellently written and keeps us focused on the whole point – love in Christ. “Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.” – 2 Timothy 2:14

“The Christian is not to be involved with or support the occult, witchcraft, demonism, or any other thing that uplifts the occult. To do so is to contradict God’s word, dabble in the demonic, and invite judgment from God. If a Halloween celebration is centered on demons, devils, spirits, etc., I would say don’t have anything to do with it.

On the other hand, it isn’t wrong to dress up in a costume and go door-to-door saying “Trick or Treat.” Provided that the costume isn’t demonic, I can’t see anything wrong with this.  It’s just fun for the kids.

Take a look at the Christmas tree.  It was originally an ancient fertility symbol. Yet, it has become a representation of Christmas and the place where gifts are placed. Are the Christians then paying homage to an ancient pagan fertility god? Not at all. They do not consider it pagan and are simply joining in a cultural event and giving no honor to anything unscriptural.

Think about this.  In the Bible in 1 Cor. 10:23-33, Paul speaks about meat sacrificed to idols. This meat was often sold in the meat market and the question arose, “Should a Christian each such meat?”

Paul said in verse 25, “Eat anything that is sold in the meat market, without asking questions for conscience’ sake.” This is most interesting. He says it is okay to eat the meat bought in the market place even though that meat may have been sacrificed to idols.

Then in verses 28-29 he says, “But if anyone should say to you, ‘This is meat sacrificed to idols,’ do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; ²⁹ I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s; for why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience?” (NASB). Paul is saying that if you find out the meat was sacrificed to idols, don’t eat it — not because of you, but because of the other person. In other words, eating that meat won’t affect you. But, it may affect the attitude of another who does not understand the freedom the Christian has in Christ.

Is it any different with Halloween (or Christmas)? No. Even though Halloween has pagan origins, because of your freedom in Christ, you and/or your kids can dress up in costumes and go door-to-door and just have fun. However, if you are not comfortable with doing this, then you should not. If you know of a person who would be hindered by doing it, then you shouldn’t either.”