So I’m going to ruffle some feathers. I mean some serious ruffling. Get ready because this is going to be messy.Around October 1st I begin to hear the questions.
“Do you Trick-or-Treat?”
“Do you allow your boys to dress up?”
Sounds to me that people are still unsure if they can have fun with this day.
The answer I give doesn't matter because the next sentence I hear is “It's a pagan holiday.” For so long I didn’t know the definition of pagan. I knew it didn’t sound good therefore I didn’t wanna be one. I’m sure that my definition of a pagan will different that someone else’s definition.
I remember growing up as an Appalachian American (Beattyville, KY) I would go trick-or-treat every year until I was 13 years old. Now it seems, at least here in seven cities area, that if you do such a thing you might as well grab the pitch fork or a broom because you support evil.
If I see kids having fun on this day should I feel sinful? I have to admit I do smile when I see a little baby (boy or girl) in a pumpkin suit. Within the same hour I feel some tension when I see another young boy wearing a hockey mask while carrying a dull axe. I could really stomach this Halloween Day a little better if it wasn’t for the gruesome evil looking pictures or costumes.
I’m sure some really bad things intentionally happen because of the background of this night. I can agree that the consumer attitude has taken this day to new heights. A majority of the Christian community gives me the signal that it’s evil and you take any part of it you are contributing to the evil. I would like to ask a question back. Weird thing is that the churches or communities that speak of the evil are the churches that usually put on Harvest Festivals, Hallelujah Hayrides and the Biblical character costume parties. Oh, you can't dress as the devil. I know the agenda for these events is to give an alternative to the trick-or-treaters.
Question: If churches add a different flavor to this day are they participating in the spirit of the event? I mean the kids are really after the thrill of having some fun and getting some candy. There are groups that take this day to the extreme.
So if I’m told by churches that Halloween is a pagan day then what about Christmas and the man in the bright red suit? What about the Christmas tree? Were these things started by pagans? This is all considered American culture.
Right now I’m thinking this way. Now I might change my next year around October 13th. All things are legal but not everything add value. If I think something is bad and do it anyway then I’m wrong. I think JaNonda the boys and I will hand out some candy. Cousin Bubba might show up and hand some out too. Then we will take a drive to Ruby Tuesday's and grab a chocolate tallcake. This is something we started about 3 years ago. I’m wondering what others think? Please, don't post a 3 page comment on the origination of the day. I think we all get that picture.
- If you don’t participate do you make it a point to boldly point out why you think Halloween is bad?
- Do you think it is wrong to participate in this American culture event?
- If so how far do you go?
8 comments:
ooh this is a good one Pastor Chuck! I get flack the other way around. I (my girls and I don't dress up) but for the past 3 or 4 years I have teamed up with my neighbor and have given out candy and had quick crafts for the kids to do to draw attention to Christ. We compliment folks on the costumes because these kids and parents are out to have fun and impress. We hand out hot cider to the parents and then ask if they have a place of worship? If they do then we say "Right on" or something to that nature. If not we give them a "business card" and invite them to our church. We make sure that we have really cool prizes too. Like glow sticks, they are a big hit! Anyway, my point is after doing some research and knowing some people involved in the bondage of witchcraft that we wouldn't dress up and participate in Halloween in that way. Saying that, I make sure that I tell people that, my view is not the official ruling of New Faith or even some of my best friends. Or even my spiritual mentors. We are each on a journey. This year I am not doing anything but taking my girls to dinner and a movie.( I ran out of time this year it seems) Some people will judge me for participating too much some will judge me for not participating enough. this journey is mine. I am learning that while serving all people in love, the only one I have to please is Jesus!! ( I am working my way through this one. thanks for being so transparent
My mom is a minister and my siblings and I grew up trick-or-treating.
When my kids were of an age to do so, I belonged to a church that wagged their collective fingers of judgment and shamed me into taking this treat away from my kids.
Finally, I decided to make up my own mind. It's one night of fun for the kids ... I know who I am and this one day doesn't change that. Of course, both my kids are at an age where it's not even an issue anymore. shrugs
I'm giving out candy to the children that come to my door. I'll "oooh" and "aaah" at the appropriate times and then it'll be over.
its nice to hear a differnt opinion
have great week too!i really like that entry!
I'm looking forward to seeing my neighbors! We're never home so we get a chance to say Hello!
hope you guys had a woooooonderful halloween.
"American culture event" that hits it right on the nose. Halloween may have started as a pagan event, and there are those who are practicing pagans/wiccans who still practice Halloween for what their "religion" originally intended it to be, but in today's world it does seem that it more a way of culture and commercialism than Christianity v. Paganism or God v. Devil.
And for the churches who do put their spin on this night with whatever event they plan, maybe they should look into the origins of Halloween -- because way back when Christians dressed up in costume blend in so the "evil spirits" couldn't single them out. Hmmmm.. makes you think
My only complaint about Halloween is that Amy makes me give the candy away!!!=)
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