Many Christians take a pretty hard stance against Halloween.
Does its origin date to pagan customs, or to Christian customs of sharing food and children going door to door to exchange food for prayers? Did it take a poor turn during the Reformation? Is it 'worshiping' the dead or spirits, or prayers and remembrance of 'All Saints'? Is it similar to Christmas and Santa..........or is that a whole different debate all its own that we should share later?
Or is it just fun dressing up in costumes and getting candy? Basically folks, it's just fun dressing up in costumes and getting candy.
Many of us grew up watching "I Dream of Jennie" and "Bewitched". I would have loved to make something appear out of nothing. Hey, we watched "Bugs Bunny" smash "Daffy's" head and he'd return in the next cartoon unscathed. How about the poor"Coyote"? Superheros, magic, "Harry Potter". All fun. Kids know it's not real. We knew it wasn't real. It's not about exposing kids to these kinds of shows, or to Halloween, it's about exposing them to Christ.
You can't make evolution disappear. But you can find God in science, if you know God. Folks, this is about exposing kids to God. Being grounded in your faith and sharing that within your family. If you are not 'worshiping demons' then Halloween is about dressing up and eating candy. If you are Christian, you can still enjoy Christmas, the tree, and even Santa. But you know it's about Christ.
The Bible teaches moderation (not abstinence- see Timothy), Kindness, Sharing, Faith AND not judging others. Don't turn people off to Christ, with your 'religious' beliefs.
So, lighten up. If you don't want to participate in Halloween, then don't. But my participation does not make me some how less of a Christian. I can be a Christian, even wearing a Spiderman costume for a few hours. Spiderman is pretty cool. God is great. Love, laugh, share and be kind to others, even your enemies (or those you disagree with).
Halloween, go for it, just in moderation.
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