Halloween!

[PaladinValer]

Not superstitious, just know what's involved. It's a day that celebrates death not life so I wont be a part of it nor will I allow my kids to be either.

Halloween isn't about death either, not in its secular sense and not in its religious sense.

Learn the history; the REAL history.

 

[Amber the Duskbringer]

I don't really give a crap what folks think about me I'm just curious as to why people are so overly superstitious about halloween.

Well that's a pity. Let those who don't wanna enjoy it be. Let those who do enjoy it be. Who cares. For someone's whose attitude consists entirely of not caring or giving a crap you sure do seem to care alot and give your e-pinion on why they are so crappy.

In regards to your other posts just reverse that judgmental pendulum back and look into yourself and maybe it's you.

 

[LinuxUser]

I don't really give a crap what folks think about me I'm just curious as to why people are so overly superstitious about halloween.

People are always superstitious when they really don't know; it's easier than finding out the truth of something, that's hard work you know

 

[SplendidTree]

I honestly don't know the most about it. I think if folks want to take their kids out it is okay but I think they should wear friendly and appropriate costumes.

 

[MasterpieceMesias]

People are always superstitious when they really don't know; it's easier than finding out the truth of something, that's hard work you know

there's a saying
"Don't fuss over what people think. . . they don't do it very often."

 

[MasterpieceMesias]

I honestly don't know the most about it. I think if folks want to take their kids out it is okay but I think they should wear friendly and appropriate costumes.

friendly horror/Halloween is an oxymoron

 

[chinchillin]

Your poor children are to be pitied: Imagine,
you're INTENTionally comfuzling their poor minds with:
Pumpkin pie, then Satan, then candy, & then death!!

I hope before they grow up, someone is able to Empower them with HEALTHY-emotions , about
a really FUN-way to PRAISE God on Halloween...

seriously??!?! it's people like you who turn people off from christianity. so close-minded and judgemental :/

 

[Jpark]

I believe you were one once, and I also believe you're generalizing your own experiences and projecting them to all children everywhere. I know some pretty awesome kids.

The less candy you eat, the more for us. Thanks for that.

Where am I generalizing? I only said I dislike them.

But my generalization: young animals are more tolerable to be with than young humans (of course, the animal's parents don't have it so easy)

But I already got a jar full of candy. And I've devoured so many already...

But candy given to trick or treaters can't be compaired to food offered to idols.

I didn't quote Matthew 18 at all. Please read what I actually wrote. You were the one who said that you disliked children. I merely asked if you really meant to say that.

Perhaps.

I know but Matthew 18 talks about we should not despise children. So it was relevant.

Well, let's face it, the occult is a big theme to halloween. Look at the TV programing

I don't have a major problem with costume wearing or any of that stuff kids do. It's not really a big deal.

It's the movies (and I will never retract this statement) that make me antagonistic. Yeah I don't watch them and I'm not forced to watch them yada yada but who the heck has pleasure in that sort of thing (aside from the often intriguing mystery and suspense subgenre)?

Yes I'm talking about senseless slashers and movies featuring ghosts, entities, puppets, clowns, what is meant to be demons, etc. There was a time when the horror thing was never actually shown and the suspense was what made them successful...

 

[Calminian]

As the OP, I'd just ask to keep things civil. Good discussion so far. Try to resist the urged to make this about yourself and what people think of you. Don't take others views personally.

That said, I think the issue of Halloween is complicated, and it's a mistake to try to make it simple. On the one hand there is a very innocent aspect to halloween, in kids dressing up as characters and visiting their neighbors. That part is very endearing. And even the horror movies and fantasy occult is okay to an extent. CS Lewis and Tolken used these brilliantly to God's glory.

But there is a dark side also, and I don't think it's healthy for christians to dismiss this or ridicule those bothered by it.

Some positives are that it is an american holiday, where communities come together. Some positives are that is emphasizes the occult. My personal goal with my family is to use this day as an opportunity to explain what the Bible says about those things. That's how I want to glorify God on that day. Others will skip the day to glorify God.

Either way, Romans 14 should be kept in mind.

Rom. 14:5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

 

[Jpark]

And even the horror movies and fantasy occult is okay to an extent. CS Lewis and Tolken used these brilliantly to God's glory.

Horror ≠ fantasy

Speaking of which, let's not forget Passion of the Christ. But the one difference is, the former were spread thin, focusing on so many topics at once so that it was difficult to focus on Jesus while the latter (Passion of the Christ) focused on the spiritual battle between Jesus and Satan.

Either way, it's unnecessary to show the bad. Such depictions are distracting.

But there is a dark side also, and I don't think it's healthy for christians to dismiss this or ridicule those bothered by it.

Indeed.

Either way, Romans 14 should be kept in mind.

Rom. 14:5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Speaking of Romans,

Romans 16:19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.

Wise = shrewd (Matt. 10:16)
Innocent = lacking knowledge = not partaking in

1 Cor. 10:14-15 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; you judge what I say.

Going out and having a good time is nice and all (especially if it is with God), but thinking about occult things is idolatry. That's the distinction. Sure, occult is no problem when you're ignorant of it's existence, but what happens if children start liking Halloween everyday instead of just one day or the days leading up to it and following it?

I am certainly glad Thanksgiving comes after Halloween for this reason.

 

[PaladinValer]

That said, I think the issue of Halloween is complicated, and it's a mistake to try to make it simple. On the one hand there is a very innocent aspect to halloween, in kids dressing up as characters and visiting their neighbors. That part is very endearing. And even the horror movies and fantasy occult is okay to an extent. CS Lewis and Tolken used these brilliantly to God's glory.

I gotta ask: what part of fantasy literature is "occult" when the word means "hidden" or "obscure"?

But there is a dark side also, and I don't think it's healthy for christians to dismiss this or ridicule those bothered by it.

This Begs the Question "what is the dark side" of it?

Some positives are that it is an american holiday, where communities come together. Some positives are that is emphasizes the occult. My personal goal with my family is to use this day as an opportunity to explain what the Bible says about those things. That's how I want to glorify God on that day. Others will skip the day to glorify God.

1. I'm assuming you mean "negatives" when you mention the "occult" (which, again here, Begs the Question "what is occult about it?").
2. I'm not sure you can entirely call it American. While we have a specific secular celebration here in the US which is popular mostly in the US, there are other secular celebrations, including La Dia de los Muertos, which is heavily celebrated in Mexico (truly, a quasi-secular celebration, since it has significant elements of All Hallow's Tide religious themes mixed in). Furthermore, those celebrations have found their ways outside their respective countries: you will see Trick-or-Treaters in Australia and you will see hand-written letters to a loved one who has recently passed away in Spain.

 

[catzetier]

Halloween isn't a huge thing here in NZ, but people do take part in it - door-to-door trick-or-treating etc. My mum usually completely forgets about it, meaning we never seem to have sweets in the house and therefore have an excuse to tell the trick-or-treaters to go away, and my dad lives so far off the beaten track that he never gets visited. (Plus his front gate is a stiff spiky pest to get open!)

My church has an alternative every Halloween called the Light Party, which takes place at a local school. Kids get to dress up (but scary costumes and occult stuff like witches is forbidden) and there's a whole lot of stalls with games and activities like apple bobbing and trying to eat a dangling donut with your hands behind your back, and there's a bouncy castle, a puppet show, a sausage sizzle and quite possibly a lolly scramble. I help out with the Light Party because it's a great way to have fun without dabbling in darkness and/or bothering other people. Last year I just helped out wherever I was needed - wandering round in a Robin Hood outfit - but this year I've put my name down for face painting. I have never actually painted anyone else's face before so here's hoping it goes well!

Another Christian family I know - when their kids were still kids - had the kids wanting to partake in Halloween. So they dressed up as angels and gave sweets to their neighbours!

 

[tyronem]

October is here!

I love your feedback on the halloween issue. Should christians celebrate it?

Our church does a light party, staying away from the evil side of Halloween and instead just bringing kids in to have a nice night of fun and teach them some stuff about Jesus.

 

[JRSut1000]

Why give ANY special credence to that day at all? Do Christians have to try and be like everybody else?

 

[Freedom63]

Why make an issue over what others choose to do at all?

 

[JRSut1000]

Because Christianity has a bad name many times needlessly because people just don't think things through, that's why.

 

[Freedom63]

Because Christianity has a bad name many times needlessly because people just don't think things through, that's why.

Agreed...but mostly it is because of those Christians who are trying to tell everyone else what they need to do.

 

[JRSut1000]

I have no interest in telling the world what to do, I dont expect much from 'the world' but Christians are called to a higher standard and not to look like the world. If a brother is going astray, then it's for another brother to lead him back to the right way.

 

[JRSut1000]

And giving credence to Halloween (Oct 31) and trying to make a 'worlds' holiday something Christian... It just doesnt work that way.

 

[Freedom63]

I have no interest in telling the world what to do, I dont expect much from 'the world' but Christians are called to a higher standard and not to look like the world. If a brother is going astray, then it's for another brother to lead him back to the right way.

"Going astray"? Hmm...seems like you are not qualified to tell me my relationship with my Lord and Savior has "gone astray". Especially since you do not know me or anything about my relationship with Christ. Sorry but I am not buying such a noble motive on a discussion board while discussing a clear grey area topic with a stranger.

My higher standard...the law of love...has no problem with my Halloween activities because God knows my heart. You of course know nothing about my heart so therefor you stand in judgment. The problem with thinking you can lead another "back to the right way" is that it is based on the assumption that you know it better than he (me) does.

You don't.