#Boo! Some Halloween Thoughts
In the USA 25% of all annual candy sales occur during the Halloween season. Halloween, by some accounts, is a 9 billion dollar affair. What makes Halloween so popular? Perhaps it's the novelty of ‘trick to treat’ or the clever costumes or … maybe it’s just the free candy.
The conversations surrounding the celebration of Halloween have become a hot topic in many Christian circles. I’ve heard the debates and they seemed to have ramped up over recent years. Is Halloween harmless fun or something dark, evil and sinister? These exchanges may even be producing a growing division among seemingly otherwise unified believers.
Do the rhythms of Halloween 2019 fit with the understanding of the Christian faith? Paul’s writing to the Philippines reminds us to focus on those things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, etc. (Philippians 4:8). So maybe families of faith should avoid Halloween. Cool. Conversely, other Christians say God is not offended by carving a happy face in a pumpkin or giving candy to costumed children — it’s a fun family occasion that can be an opportunity to hang with our neighbors and build community. Believers from both camps may have valid opinions.
Not So Final Thoughts
We live in a spiritual world. A world capable of communicating the beauty of the divine, and also revealing the seedy underbelly of a secular age.
The origins of Halloween are well recorded. The tradition of pumpkin carving, costume wearing, or going door-to-door for candy may have little to do with the celebrations of the evening before All Hallows Day (or All Saint’s Day). Those who argue against Halloween should also be expected not to have a Christmas tree, or to decorate eggs at Easter (practices that likewise, originated in pagan tradition). Chocolate bunnies are out of bounds too.
Be on guard. Are there things about Halloween that are anti-Christian and should be avoided? With out a doubt. The darker aspects of the day can’t be denied. Attitudes, dress, and most importantly behavior, should still reflect a redeemed life.
Regardless of your opinion on Halloween, no believer should harshly judge those with whom they disagree.
So you tell me, if you are from a family of faith, are you going to participate in the costumes and candy celebrations known as Halloween, or just poo poo the annual American holiday?