I believe the author was very well intended and I appreciate her sincere desire to learn and help her audience. Unfortunately, it seems as her discernment and thus her article may have been influenced by a “confirmation bias” – no one really wants to discover that Halloween is evil.
Selfishly I was hoping that the Lord might allow me to celebrate one more year of “Halloween-Light” – i.e. no macabre decorations, but instead a stripped-down holiday with my children dressed in innocent costumes and going trick-or-treating. This is what we chose to do last year and my conscious was uncomfortable about it during and afterwards.
Now a year later I understand more and I am more surrendered. In my personal discernment the Lord has led me to not participate in Halloween. Instead, I’ll be taking my kids out of school that day (to avoid Halloween festivities) for a series of fall family adventures.
While the author’s arguments may be directionally accurate, it is what is left out of the analysis that concerns me. Does witchcraft have real spiritual power? What happens on Halloween in the occult? What is Satanic Ritual Abuse? What happens to these children? Can I in good conscious celebrate something connected to such mind-blowing evil? Has any saint ever supported Halloween?
Perhaps the most subtle indication that one should read this article with caution is the author’s assertion that she would allow her own children to dress as Harry Potter. (I find it perplexing that she’s okay with a specific witch, but not a generic witch.) Why would anyone who is spiritually aware dress their child as something that God directly calls an abomination in the Bible? The Bible is very clear that we are not to mix with the darkness. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14 among others) It is similarly clear that ignorance is not an excuse. (See Leviticus 5:17) Each reader must discern this Halloween decision for themselves. If helpful, gather multiple viewpoints. Above all, pray.
I personally found that this long-format answer almost implied that perhaps one does not need to pray about this decision. After all she has done all the work for you. How delightful that this spiritual question can be addressed with a tidy history lesson. Sarcasm aside, more than anything it is the Holy Spirit and prayer (and not a history less) that leads us to God’s direction. Trust that God will lead you in all wisdom. “But if any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men abundantly, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
I share this all with love and have no judgement towards anyone who chooses to participate in Halloween. It is my sincere hope that you simply pray for what is best for your family year by year.
This was so helpful! Recently my 7 yr old asked me what we celebrate on Halloween and, I’m embarrassed to say, I was stumped (I’m a convert so still new to All Saints Day). I’m thrilled to be able to give her a solid answer now.
I believe the author was very well intended and I appreciate her sincere desire to learn and help her audience. Unfortunately, it seems as her discernment and thus her article may have been influenced by a “confirmation bias” – no one really wants to discover that Halloween is evil.
Selfishly I was hoping that the Lord might allow me to celebrate one more year of “Halloween-Light” – i.e. no macabre decorations, but instead a stripped-down holiday with my children dressed in innocent costumes and going trick-or-treating. This is what we chose to do last year and my conscious was uncomfortable about it during and afterwards.
Now a year later I understand more and I am more surrendered. In my personal discernment the Lord has led me to not participate in Halloween. Instead, I’ll be taking my kids out of school that day (to avoid Halloween festivities) for a series of fall family adventures.
While the author’s arguments may be directionally accurate, it is what is left out of the analysis that concerns me. Does witchcraft have real spiritual power? What happens on Halloween in the occult? What is Satanic Ritual Abuse? What happens to these children? Can I in good conscious celebrate something connected to such mind-blowing evil? Has any saint ever supported Halloween?
Perhaps the most subtle indication that one should read this article with caution is the author’s assertion that she would allow her own children to dress as Harry Potter. (I find it perplexing that she’s okay with a specific witch, but not a generic witch.) Why would anyone who is spiritually aware dress their child as something that God directly calls an abomination in the Bible? The Bible is very clear that we are not to mix with the darkness. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14 among others) It is similarly clear that ignorance is not an excuse. (See Leviticus 5:17) Each reader must discern this Halloween decision for themselves. If helpful, gather multiple viewpoints. Above all, pray.
I personally found that this long-format answer almost implied that perhaps one does not need to pray about this decision. After all she has done all the work for you. How delightful that this spiritual question can be addressed with a tidy history lesson. Sarcasm aside, more than anything it is the Holy Spirit and prayer (and not a history less) that leads us to God’s direction. Trust that God will lead you in all wisdom. “But if any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men abundantly, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
I share this all with love and have no judgement towards anyone who chooses to participate in Halloween. It is my sincere hope that you simply pray for what is best for your family year by year.
Thank you for your historical research of this three day feast, and for your thoughtful suggestions and ideas for celebrating Halloween.
This was so helpful! Recently my 7 yr old asked me what we celebrate on Halloween and, I’m embarrassed to say, I was stumped (I’m a convert so still new to All Saints Day). I’m thrilled to be able to give her a solid answer now.