Halloween, a holiday filled with costumes, candy, and spooky fun, is celebrated by millions of people around the world. However, for me, this festive occasion raises these questions and concerns that leads to abstain from participating:
1. Pagan Origins: Halloween’s historical ties to ancient Celtic practices should raise a flag among Bible believers. Originally known as Samhain, this holiday marked the transition from the harvest season to winter. It is very much possible that these pagan origins suggest Halloween draws its inspiration from the kingdom of darkness rather than the kingdom of light.
2. Witchcraft and Occult Associations: Halloween is mostly associated with symbols, imagery, and practices related to witchcraft, the occult, and the supernatural. For me, these elements are seen as incompatible with what the Bible teaches and confirms stronger that the source of this current celebration is from the spirit of darkness not of light.
3. Focus on Fear and Death: Halloween traditionally emphasizes themes of fear, horror, and death. Such themes stand in stark contrast to the message of hope, love, and life given by the Spirit of God.
4. Influence on Children: Parents who are Bible believers should be particularly concerned about the influence of Halloween on their children. Even seemingly innocuous aspects of the holiday, like costumes and trick or treat, can serve as a gateway to darker and more sinister celebrations as children grow older.
Two thoughts:
Conformity to the World: In Romans 12:2, the Bible encourages believers not to conform to worldly practices. Halloween should be viewed as a secular or worldly celebration, leading Christians away into occult. The historical church used to remember those who died in the Lord in this particular way. We should do this rememberance instead of the “celebration”.
Alternative Celebrations: Some Bible believers may consider alternatives to traditional Halloween celebrations to offer a different space to their young people. These alternatives could include organizing events that focus on other themes. My challenge with that is not to include the Halloween in the party celebration.
Be wise not according to the world, but in the Spirit of the Lord.
Brother Endrit Journey 