Halloween has become so ingrained in our culture that its origin is widely unknown. As a result, we have been deceived into thinking that the traditions we’ve adopted hold little to no meaning. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only does this day promote darknesses, evil, fear, and terror (something the evil one uses to control us in our everyday lives), but it’s also a day that is known for its unspeakable evil. From a secular (non-christian) worldview, there is no virtuous or moral case for the celebration of Halloween. From a Biblical (Christian) worldview, we're told to avoid the traditions of man that stand in opposition to the Word of God (Colossians 2:8). Fear opens the door for the devil to enter into our lives (2 Timothy 1:7) and we're told to have nothing to do with the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). We are to exalt God (1 Corinthians 10:31), not death and darkness (Isaiah 5:20). We wonder how the world has become such a dark and twisted place, but we neglect to think about our own actions. This is one of those situations that have grown out of our failure to hold the line against culture. If we believe we can celebrate Halloween in an “innocent” way, what message does that send? My intention isn't to convince you not to participate in Halloween but to merely inform you so that you can make your own sound decisions…
In early American history, Halloween was not celebrated due to America’s strong Christian heritage. Around 1848, Halloween gained popularity in America after the migration of Celtic pagans and the beginning of the national rise in spiritism.
WHO ORIGINATED IT?
The Catholic Church: Around 600 AD, Pope Boniface IV strayed from biblical teaching by dedicating the Roman Pantheon (a former pagan temple) to every little-g god, including the virgin Mary and the martyred saints. This was done on May 13, which became a feast day. Around 835 AD, Pope Gregory IV transferred the feast to November 1 and declared it All Saints’ Day (or All Hallows’ Day)—a day to pray for the souls trapped in purgatory and a day of remembrance of the dead. By the 13th century, this festival turned into a three day feast starting with Oct 31 and ending on Nov 2.
Pagans: This happens to be the same time that pagans celebrate the beginning of winter at their winter festival of Samhain. They taught that this was a day when ghosts, evil spirits, and witches roamed the earth and they believed that the festival gathered the souls of the evil dead who had been condemned to enter the bodies of animals. The Druids also believed that the punishment (purgatory) of the evil dead could be lightened by sacrifices, prayers, and gifts to Samhain.
Christians: Christians do not believe in purgatory, reincarnation or pray to anyone besides God. For this reason, Christians believe that All Saints' Day and Halloween are completely antithetical to the Bible.
SATANISM & WITCHCRAFT
Many satanic groups consider Halloween a special night in part because it became the only day of the year it was believed that the devil could be called upon for help in finding out about health, death, crops, and what was to happen in the new year.
Though they are two different movements, contemporary witchcraft and satanism share certain characteristics. Even though modern witchcraft and Wicca deny the existence of Satan, there is clear precedent that the devil is the spiritual force behind their beliefs and practices.
Additionally, pagans, satanists, and witches are known to practice human sacrifice on this day.
WHERE DID WE GET IT?
Jack-O’-Lantern: In order to ward off evil spirits, pagans took turnips or another root vegetable and hollowed them out, carved grotesque faces on them, and then illuminated them with coal, wooden embers, or candles.
Masks & Costumes: At pagan festivals people wore masks and costumes to hide their attendance or to change the personality of the wearer to allow for communication with the spirit world.
Trick or Treat: Originated from the idea that ghosts and witches created mischief on this particular night if the living did not provide food (“treats”) for them. People feared terrible things (“tricks”) might happen to them if they did not honor the spirits.
5 ISSUES TO THINK ABOUT
On any other day, dressing in costumes and collecting candy can be considered neutral practices (i.e. costume parties). However, it’s less about the practices and more about the original association and its purposes. Halloween symbolism and activities today, even if removed from their ancient practices, still retain its underlying associations and intentions.
Who are we influencing? In merely participating in Halloween, we dishonor God by associating ourselves with everything he hates. We also make ourselves out to be false witnesses by claiming we are Christians while engaging in anti-christian ideologies. (1 Cor.10:23-24, Exodus 23:1)
Are we imitating evil practices? Scripture tells us that we are not to imitate, mimick, or act out the evil practices of the surrounding sinful culture. (3 John 11)
Are we validating it? In our participation, are we giving validation to the origin and celebration of evil spiritual practices? (Ephesians 5:11, 6:12)
Are we exposing children? When someone asks a child bout Halloween there is no reply that doesn't tie back to non-christian, occult, or other evil practices. (Colossians 2:8)
Are we ignoring its dark history? It not only promotes fear, trickery, destruction, and disorder—but sorcery and human sacrifice. (1 Cor. 10:20-21)
SPOOPY FACTS!
It's the most sacred day for many connected with evil spirits and satan
It's believed to be the day the devil’s help could be invoked for a variety of things (special day for satanists)
Human sacrifice of children and adults is often practiced on this day
It has and will continue to encourage non-Christian spiritual activity in both children and adults
It's a special day to call on spirits through various practices that are often promoted as innocent fun (ex: children playing with Ouija board or participating n séances)
It's a day historically known for divination
It helps support pagan philosophies and practices such as reincarnation, animism, shamanism, and Druidism
It aids the practices and beliefs of mediums and psychic researchers through interest in things such as ghosts and poltergeists
It can unequally yoke Christians and pagans (2 Cor. 6:14)
No Halloween activity or symbol can be found that does not go back to a non-Christian source
Christian participation in Halloween is dishonoring to God
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)
Dear Lord,
Whoever has ears let them hear what Your Spirit has to say.
Amen.
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Sources: Ankerberg, Burroughs, Weldon
Halloween has become so ingrained in our culture that its origin is widely unknown. As a result, we have been deceived into thinking that the traditions we’ve adopted hold little to no meaning. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Not only does this day promote darknesses, evil, fear, and terror (something the evil one uses to control us in our everyday lives), but it’s also a day that is known for its unspeakable evil. From a secular (non-christian) worldview, there is no virtuous or moral case for the celebration of Halloween. From a Biblical (Christian) worldview, we're told to avoid the traditions of man that stand in opposition to the Word of God (Colossians 2:8). Fear opens the door for the devil to enter into our lives (2 Timothy 1:7) and we're told to have nothing to do with the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). We are to exalt God (1 Corinthians 10:31), not death and darkness (Isaiah 5:20). We wonder how the world has become such a dark and twisted place, but we neglect to think about our own actions. This is one of those situations that have grown out of our failure to hold the line against culture. If we believe we can celebrate Halloween in an “innocent” way, what message does that send? My intention isn't to convince you not to participate in Halloween but to merely inform you so that you can make your own sound decisions.
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