Do you have any suggestions about how to interact with trick or treaters who do come dressed in very scary costumes? Do you comment on it? ('How cute' probably isn't the right message...) Just ignore it? I remember one year you said you handed out holy cards along with your candy. Have you continued that tradition or do you plan to this year?
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.
I’m so excited for the children’s book! Scott Hahn’s Lord, Have Mercy was the first book I read when I was a 20s Protestant trying to figure out when I was drawn to the Catholic Church. It changed my life- can’t wait to read your adaption to my children 15 years later!
Thank you for such a succinct history of Hallowtide! I remember watching a History Channel “documentary” about Halloween years ago and it was 100% Team the Church Baptized Samhain. Even children’s books,like Gail Gibbons’ “Pumpkin Book”, which I love for info about pumpkins but not for history lessons, falls in line with this common narrative.
I will. It will be just a standard affiliate link, so for me to get credit people will have to use it to shop. So, different from the old days. But hopefully still helpful.
Do you have any suggestions about how to interact with trick or treaters who do come dressed in very scary costumes? Do you comment on it? ('How cute' probably isn't the right message...) Just ignore it? I remember one year you said you handed out holy cards along with your candy. Have you continued that tradition or do you plan to this year?
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.
The post-Dobbs essay is devastating 😞
I’m so excited for the children’s book! Scott Hahn’s Lord, Have Mercy was the first book I read when I was a 20s Protestant trying to figure out when I was drawn to the Catholic Church. It changed my life- can’t wait to read your adaption to my children 15 years later!
Thank you for such a succinct history of Hallowtide! I remember watching a History Channel “documentary” about Halloween years ago and it was 100% Team the Church Baptized Samhain. Even children’s books,like Gail Gibbons’ “Pumpkin Book”, which I love for info about pumpkins but not for history lessons, falls in line with this common narrative.
I definitely want the Beautycounter link! Will you get commission for it?
I will. It will be just a standard affiliate link, so for me to get credit people will have to use it to shop. So, different from the old days. But hopefully still helpful.
Good! I will definitely be a buyer. I had a local BC consultant but would like to support you as I can.