Question:  Dear Greg,

            What should we as Christians teach our children about Halloween?  What is the history of Halloween and your thoughts on it?

            Thanks,

            Tim

Answer:  Dear Tim,

            Christians are “all over the map” about Halloween, with one extreme seeing it as completely Satanic and demonic, not allowing their children to participate in any activity of any kind on this evening—with the other extreme being an unquestioned embrace of this observance.

            It is important for Christians to note that little if any Christian emphasis is given to Halloween.  Indeed, it is difficult to make a biblical/Christian/gospel case for Halloween.  It is a party with a heavy emphasis on the occult, ghoulish, and spirit world.  It is an evening that appears to condone behavior that would not be allowed at any other time.  There are few ethically redeeming values connected to Halloween.  Many Christian parents of young children struggle with these influences as they wonder what to allow their children to do and what to expressly forbid.

            Halloween is the eve of the Christian festival of All Saints Day.  All Saints Day was originally a day to honor heroes, especially those who had suffered martyrdom for Christ, by observing one day as a general celebration of their heroic deaths.  This practice dates to the early centuries of the church, while it was not called All Saints Day at the time.  In early years it was celebrated in the month of May, then about 800-900 AD it was changed to November 1.

            Then, a few hundred years before the Protestant Reformation another day was added—November 2—as All Souls Day.  This day was added so that departed souls in what was then believed to be purgatory—who had neither been consigned to heaven or hell—could be remembered.  As a result of the Protestant Reformation, virtually all Protestants dropped the idea of purgatory and All Souls Day on November 2.  Only Protestant Reformed churches have retained All Saints Day, as a day to thank God for all those who have died in the faith, not just heroes, martyrs, and those deemed to be “saints” (since the Bible calls all who are in Christ saints).

            The pagan festival of Halloween dates back to the Druids of England.  The Druids believed that ghosts and witches came to “life” on this evening, combining earlier pagan ideas that gods became incarnate in animals like bulls, dogs and cats.

            Today the evening of Halloween has very little to do with the next day--All Saints Day.  Of course many Christians do not even recognize that All Saints Day has any special significance.

            Halloween thus has virtually nothing in common with Christianity—nothing to commend it, and much to be concerned about.  There are elements that most Christians avoid, not because of fear, but simply because there is no need to glorify the demonic world.  Caution is especially important for parents of younger children, so that they understand what is happening—and what is not.

            Many Christian families, groups, churches, etc. try to sponsor alternative activities this evening.  Most of them simply plan a movie night, a party, a carnival-like festival, or even a costume party with demonic or violent costumes being prohibited.  These activities seem to be a good idea, as children want to do something on this evening.

            Some churches try to turn Halloween on its head by carving the cross into a pumpkin.  Some have haunted houses that depict hell to “scare” people into being Christians.  I doubt the wisdom of the latter.

            Halloween as a party that honors the demonic and occult enjoys more popularity in the United States than other countries.

            Hope this helps.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht