halloween

[LiberatedChick]

Maybe dress as an angel and scare all the devils away..LOL..

Heh Heh...I like that.

I think I'll get some sweets in...don't get many trick-or-treaters here but just in case...plus if none turn up me and hubby can eat them.

 

[whitedove7]

I personally do not celebrate Halloween because I feel it is a holiday that honors the devil. I would also warn others to at least investigate the background of the traditions of Halloween, so they can make an informed decision on whether or not they should celebrate.

Amen to that!

 

[blessedblonde]

I am going to give out candy to all the little children, because they are all precious. I do not believe you should dress in devil's costumes though. Maybe dress as an angel and scare all the devils away..LOL..

I agree, good idea!

 

[blessedblonde]

I celebrate it, and I'm a true Christian.

Halloween is what you make of it. If you make a big fuss about it, then thats what it will be to you. For us, its just another day, but with candy and costumes.

Matthew 7:3
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?

~ ~

I agree.... I don't see anything wrong with Halloween. My kids love dressing up. They are going to be Batman and Scooby Doo... I dont see anything wrong with that. I love seeing all the kids dressed up and giving candy.... We have a really good time with it... we even go to church functions for celebration!

 

[maylu_roll]

1) im an aussie we dont celebrate halloween anyway

2) i dont belive it poses any threat to Christianity though why exactly is halloween celebrated?

 

[AlaskanAngels]

My kids do halloween they look at it as fun, I do know a good book is Lets shine Jesus' Light on Halloween, it is about jack-o- lanterns costumes ect ect, Also we hand out faith pops they are alot of fun, A friend of mine last year had a halloween party with a Noah's Ark Theme the kids all dressed up like amimals it was cute,

 

[Treasurer]

Halloween has absolutely nothing to do with God.
Halloween is a part of this world.

1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life , is not, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

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...

We are actually called to a higher standard, than those whose eyes are still closed, whose hearts are still hardened, and ears dull of hearing. We are not called to be like the rest of the world, or make our faith turn into something it is not-a part of this world.

But I already know it isnt me who can change hearts and minds. I used to dress up and celebrate halloween; thanksgiving, christmas, st. patricks day, st. valentines day, all of them. But you know what? I dont even need to know their past, their heritage of the holiday, I can see them for what they are, by the fruit they produce, just like scripture tells us we can tell them. Just open your eyes, your heart, let God show you their fruit, they are dripping in it.

This is my path. I know it is not everyones. I live with my adult family who doesnt share my views either and want to celebrate these holidays. I am the only one in the house who chooses not to.

God Bless

 

[fishstix]

Halloween has absolutely nothing to do with God.
Halloween is a part of this world.

1 John 2:15-16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life , is not, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

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...

We are actually called to a higher standard, than those whose eyes are still closed, whose hearts are still hardened, and ears dull of hearing. We are not called to be like the rest of the world, or make our faith turn into something it is not-a part of this world.

But I already know it isnt me who can change hearts and minds. I used to dress up and celebrate halloween; thanksgiving, christmas, st. patricks day, st. valentines day, all of them. But you know what? I dont even need to know their past, their heritage of the holiday, I can see them for what they are, by the fruit they produce, just like scripture tells us we can tell them. Just open your eyes, your heart, let God show you their fruit, they are dripping in it.

This is my path. I know it is not everyones. I live with my adult family who doesnt share my views either and want to celebrate these holidays. I am the only one in the house who chooses not to.

God Bless

Are there any days that you do celebrate? Easter perhaps? Good Friday?

 

[snoochface]

Your computer is part of this world. The internet is part of this world. The shampoo you use on your hair is part of this world. None of it has anything to do with God. Doesn't stop you though, does it?

[bible]romans 14:1-4[/bible]

Those who are more legalistic are not to pass judgement on those who exercise their freedom as Christians. Those who exercise their freedom are not to pass judgement on those who are more legalistic. Paul calls one camp those of "weaker" faith and the other camp those of "stronger" faith. The key word in both is "faith". Both are accepted by God.

He is the only one we will have to give an accounting to, and if the Spirit convicts us (or doesn't) and we act accordingly, we're on God's road.

 

[Treasurer]

I said dont mix it with your faith.

Good friday is our faith. Has everything to do with Jesus. Passover is our faith, has everything to do with our faith.

Shampoo is true earth based, but are we not taking things to extreme here. I dont claim shampoo has anything to do with my faith. Just washing my hair.

Some people were trying to mix halloween with their faith. I cant say I agree with that. Why do we feel we need to?

Every year this is something christian ask. Why do we ask if we really dont want to know?

There are things that belong to God, and things that belong to this world. We need to be able to decern between the two.

 

[whitedove7]

Halloween has absolutely nothing to do with God.
Halloween is a part of this world.

That is so true. Why celebrate a holiday that is a high holiday for the cults. I've worked with a lot of people that were abused by cults and I know what happens to babies on those nights.

I want to point out a much darker side to the Halloween observance. Halloween has its roots in demon inspired paganism, it lifts up Satan, and serves as a vehicle through which evil practices are exhibited.



The origin of Halloween goes back more than two thousand years to a time before the days of Christ, to the practice of the ancient Druids in the area which later became known as Britain, France, and Germany. The celebration honored their god Samhain (lord of the dead). The ancient Celtic sorcerers considered November 1 as being the day of death because it was the end of autumn and the beginning of winter for them. The celebration marked the beginning of the season of cold and darkness and decay. The time of falling leaves seemed to be the proper time to celebrate death, which is what Halloween was to them--a celebration of death--honoring the god of the dead. The Druids believed that on the evening before November 1, the spirits of the dead returned to their former homes to visit the living. If the living did not provide food for the evil spirits, all kinds of terrible things would happen to those living in the community.



When people today dress up as the dead, and knock on doors, and say Trick or treat," they are following the tradition of the ancient Druids. (Before Christianity was introduced to the countries of northern Europe, the celebration of death was not called "Halloween." The church had instituted a holy evening called "All Hallows Eve," designated as such to honor the saints of church history. Most historians believe that October 31 was eventually designated as the date for "All Saints Eve" in order to counteract the pagan influences of the celebration of death which was observed by the pagan people of the various European communities.)

Today Halloween is largely a secular holiday which becomes an excuse to get dressed up in asinine uniforms, and to have spooky parties. True followers of witchcraft however, still preserve the early pagan beliefs and consider Halloween a sacred time to invoke the help of Satan in performing their dark trade. A visit to Salem, Massachusetts on Halloween night will confirm the seriousness with which witches and leaders of the occult take the holiday. Each year more than 40 events are planned for the expected crowd of 50,000 visitors who come to the city during the Halloween season. And so, even though Halloween has become prominent in our land only during the last several generations, its origins are ancient, and its associations with witchcraft and sorcery are very real.

Halloween is filled with darkness and paganism, and it is saturated with the influences of Satan. Satan is a very real person. Jesus used personal pronouns when referring to Satan (John 8:44). To accomplish his purposes, Satan uses many "devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). He has his own synagogue (Revelation 2:9); his own gospel (Galatians 1:6-9); his own ministers (2 Corinthians 11:14-15); his own doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1); and his own communion service (1 Corinthians 10:20-21).



Halloween is not just a fun day. For witches and worshippers of Satan Halloween is serious business. Halloween is a time when Satan makes light of his own operations. He presents himself as a hoodlum--a kind of cartoon character rather than who he is--the real arch-enemy of God. Witchcraft today embraces dozens of unbiblical beliefs and practices, and has many thousands of adherents. The Old Testament and the New Testament make repeated references to the practice of witchcraft, and God always condemns all such practices. Note the following references:

"Do not turn to mediums or wizards; do not seek them out, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus 19:31). They used divination and augury; and they sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord...therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them out of his sight" (2 Kings 17:17- "Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery...those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).

The initiation rites for those involved in witchcraft and the worship of Satan are indeed very gruesome. Two girls described their experience. They had to go to a graveyard in the dead of the night, step on and walk across a large wooden cross, and renounce any belief in Christ; and then they had to drink the blood of animals that had been skinned alive. Surely these are gruesome anti-christian activities. Halloween is the chief holiday of Satanists, and those who practice witchcraft. To participate in the celebration of the pagan festival called Halloween, is to give an open invitation to the forces of Satan to gain more influence on our lives.



All the symbols of Halloween are evil. Note briefly each of the following symbols:

Jack-o'-lanterns--were originally carved images of demonic beings and thus have been in league with Halloween celebrations. The carved out pump-kin was lighted with a candle to scare off ghosts and witches and goblins and other supernatural forces wandering around on "the night of the dead."

Black cats--have long been associated with witchcraft and miscellaneous superstitions related to sorcery and Satanism. Ancients believed that black cats had once been humans who had changed into animals because of evil deeds which they had committed.

Bats and owls--have been related to Halloween since early times. The pagan Celts believed that bats and owls were able to communicate with the dead.

Skeletons, skulls, and corpses--belong to Halloween because it is really a festival celebrating death.

Trick-or-treating--is nothing less than extortion. The concept of "You either give me a treat, or I'll play a trick on you" is hardly in keeping with the Integrity and second-mile honesty which Jesus taught. (Historically, food and drink were often left on outside porches in the hope of appeasing the demonic night creatures who were roaming around seeking shelter. Mischievous children capitalized on this practice, and disguised themselves with a costume and mask to scare off the ghosts--and then they themselves would steal the food set out for the spirits. This is the origin of the "trick or treat" custom.)

Halloween has been a time dedicated to ghosts and ghouls and goblins and monsters and senseless vandalism. Malicious people have hidden drugs in candy and rarer blades in apples. Getting involved in Halloween celebrations cannot be consistent with the Brethren peace position. Also, police departments in various parts of the country have warned people to guard their animals on Halloween night, because frequently dogs and cats and other animals are mutilated as a result of the ritualist slaughter of animals in sacrifice to Satan at Halloween time. Actually, Halloween not only has the appearance of evil; it is clearly associated with the wicked practices of the god of this world.

Those who get involved with Halloween celebrations, must remember that what was once the accepted practice of European pagans, has now become the accepted practice of many American church members. Many church-goers despise the vandalism and destructive behavior often associated with Halloween, but they go along with it as a necessary once-a-year evil. What was once modified from the pagan Festival of Samhain to the Christian All Saints Eve has now been further modified to become a semi-pagan ritual honoring ghosts and goblins and witches. Many youth fellowships sponsor Halloween parties in church recreation halls and award prizes for the most outlandish costumes. They usually have some group singing and a short devotional to make the evening seem more sanctimonious.

What's wrong with Halloween? Everything about it is wrong. It does not have one single redeeming virtue. Halloween is a festival which glorifies the devil. Those who go by the name "Christian" should have nothing to do with Halloween celebrations. It is time that we expose Halloween for what it is--a ritual for the occult.

We should never make fun of Satan's power. Celebrating Halloween can encourage children to take lightly the forces of darkness (Jude 8-10). God's people are not to be conformed to the world. We are not expected to Wit in" with the practices of our society (Romans 12:1-2). How seriously do we take the words of Jesus about being "in" the world, but not "of it? (See John 17:14-15).

It is proper for children to have good times. "Having fun" is not what is wrong with Halloween. Parents and church youth leaders should provide plenty of family and group activities for children and youth. If there must be an activity on October 31, you can plan an evening of Bible study on demons and sorcery and death. October 31 is a good time to study the Reformation period of church history (Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on October 31, 1517). You can spend an evening reading a youth version of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. You can have a Harvest Festival, gathering foods and grocery items and delivering them to the poor and to those who may have had a variety of misfortunes.



Another alternative, which could be a worthwhile event, is to plan for an "All Saints Eve." The first weeks after a death in the congregation, the bereaved family receives much attention, but a year or two later, many widows scarcely hear their husband's name mentioned. People who were once a major part of a congregation's life are easily forgotten (except by the family of loved ones). Perhaps on an "All Saints Eve" the pastor (or an older member of the church) could give some vignettes of numerous departed saints from the congregation, and point out specific characteristics of that person's life and faith that are worth remembering.

It is our prayer that Brethren across the land will resolve to stand apart from the crowd, and dare to stand alone for the truth like the young man Daniel did when he was carried into the land of Babylon many years ago (Daniel 1:8-20). Let us decide to no longer participate in a pagan holiday which commemorates the activities of the powers of darkness.

Again, I've worked with a lot of people coming out of cults and this is one of their highest holidays of the year. I wrote this as to bring awareness what happens on that night. You can decide yes its ok or not but I just want people to be aware of the ugliness of Halloween and that there are truly people that are witches and do things to sacrifice to Satan on that night.

 

[Confused and alone]

if you wish to say halloween is a part of this world then so is Christmas because both have pagan bases in how they came about. Christmas was really celebrated on a pagan holiday to avoid being tortured for faith. All things that we use and celebrate have a root in this world even birthdays so to be apart from this world and live here is rather impossible.

To back up Blue Impulse Most kids see only sugar and fun its people that are overy blocked headed or stubborn about their faith and that feel this holiday is Satanic that cause the problem its a personal choice not a corporate one. To each his own and thats that.

 

[Treasurer]

I am certain it is insanely difficult to keep pagen religions from corrupting God's faith. God had to go to great lengths in the old testiment to keep pagen religions away from his people to keep it from seeping in. Like wiping killing off the people to the lands they came to. God was very specific about what they could keep after they won a battle, and it was to keep his people pure.

It had nothing to do with the wealth of the plunder, but the harm that could come from what sin the people had in the land.

Even the laws God had for his people were to protect them. Like keeping themselves from the gentiles and not marrying outside of their faith. That would keep from introducing false gods into his people. The mixing of faith. Two worlds that dont belong together. It is poison.

So with things like that in mind for us, we do that today. We have mixed bad things that have absolutely nothing to do with God, into his faith, what we should be believing. And yes we have polluted the waters of Passover, Ressurection, the Day of Crucifiction, Christ's Birth, days that are sacred to us as believers of Jesus Christ. And for some reason we have mixed them with other things, and I personally have no clear clue where they came from.

What do you think Jesus would say if he was here with you on that day you are celebrating? Do you think he would like the way you are celebrating that day? Do you think he would participate in it? If he came to your home and had a message like he did to many homes who had celebrations or parties what do you think his parable would be to the people?



I really dont like to get involved in these topics. Pretty much they are unproductive, people are not really interested in a christian perspective. They want to hear it is ok. So they can go out, buy some candy, get some costumes, turn on the outside light, and celebrate like the rest of america. (or whatever topic they happen to be on-they pretty much just want someone on their side).

I guess that is why kings liked the false prophets and not prophets like Elijah. Because with the false prophets they got to hear what they wanted to hear, with men like Elijah they got the truth. It wasnt always pleasant, it wasnt always easy. But it was always the truth.

But you dont have to listen to me or anyone else, but you do have to listen to God. So I leave you with this advise, read God's word, pray. If you want wisdom and understand, if you want knowledge and counsel, he will give it to you, just search for it like you would for the greatest buried treasure in all the world. He will give it to you. God's word is more valuable than anything you will ever know, and it is greatly to be desired.

 

[BondmaidenOfChrist]

My family does not celebrate halloween because of it's deep roots in satanistic rituals, instead we just stay home and watch a movie.Or sometimes go to a harvest party.

 

[Slayton]

Hm someone mentioned black cats are evil? *loads shotgun* I sure will miss fluffy...
Anyhoo my opinion if anyone cares! If you think halloween is evil or bad in anyway it obviously would be bad for you to celebrate it..that simple. If you dont think your supporting the devil by eating candy and seeing scary things like a little kid in a ballerina costume then go ahead and enjoy your halloween. It can be evil and im sure evil things are done on that day..but im also sure someone is doing evil rituals on my birthday, but im still gonna get my cake and have a good birthday! If you havent guessed...I dont think halloween is wrong.

 

[ReformedChapin]

Whats funny is that if this holiday had been made up 20 years ago with NO connection to anything Pagan at all, we wouldn't be here arguing about it.

Saying Halloween is bad because some people once practiced bad things on October 31st is like saying that paper is bad because the Egyptians invented it, and they worshipped multiple gods.

Asking if Jesus would participate is like asking if Jesus would go hang out at the mall for fun. The answer is no, probably not, but then again there are lots of things He wouldn't do either.

If thats the standard, then I assume you also do not: do anything for your own pleasure, participate in anything with any pagan association including Christmas, use the term "Easter" which comes from a pagan goddess "Eoster" (pagan goddess of the rising light), or many other things that are truly rediculous to even ponder.

Its interesting that the people who ramble on about the evils of Halloween will have hundreds of things in their own lives which they will ignore the same standard of living. Halloween is only come down upon so hard because they can single it out so easily without looking at our own lives.. people can say "Look at this, I don't do it, its evil" but at the same time people will NOT say "Look at this in MY life, I *do* it, and its evil" even though we ALL have these things in our lives, as *sinners*.

*shrugs*

~ ~

One of purposes of Christianity is to reduce sin as much as possible. It's obvious that we all sin probably multiple times a day, some things we probably we don't even notice. The question is weather halloween is a "evil" holiday and if it is are we sinning purposelly. I posted this question because I always get mixed answers, this thread is an example of that. This thing is as confusing as the " is drinking wrong" question. This is the problem I had first with christianity before I was christian, scripture can be interpreted diffrently which causes a lot of problems.

 

[Tishri1]

Can we as christians celebrate halloween? Some christians say yes while others say no? State your opinion and why..

Take a look at this
http://paganwiccan.about.com/gi/dyn...msu.edu/user/rohdemar/earth/sabbats/yule.html

I think it shows who owns that Festival...yuck

 

[ReformedChapin]

Take a look at this
http://paganwiccan.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?once=true&site=http://www.msu.edu/user/rohdemar/earth/sabbats/yule.html

I think it shows who owns that Festival...yuck

that talks about christmas?

 

[Tishri1]

hey where did that come from? I was reading an article on Halloween and this one gets posted huh how can that be?

 

[Tishri1]

did you read that article? wow!

well i will find the other one and try to post it again....