Hey Mike, I did some research on the history of Halloween, it's relation to Christianity, and prayed to see the holiday from God's perspective. I hope that, in sharing what I've learned, you gain more insight into perhaps how God views the widely-celebrated holdiay, and how we as Christians should treat it. If you or anyone disagrees with me, it's okay! :-) Lemmie know and give scripture to back your viewpoint -- I'm here to be taught, corrected, and rebuked in love.Brief historyEncyclopedia.com says, "(hălewen´, häl-) , Oct. 31, the eve of All Saints' Day, observed with traditional games and customs. The word comes from medieval England's All Hallows' eve (Old Eng. hallow = “saint” ). However, many of these customs predate Christianity, going back to Celtic practices associated with Nov. 1 —- the beginning of winter and the Celtic new year. Witches and other evil spirits were believed to roam the earth on this evening, playing tricks on human beings to mark the season of diminishing sunlight. Bonfires were lit, offerings were made of dainty foods and sweets, and people would disguise themselves as one of the roaming spirits, to avoid demonic persecution. Survivals of these early practices can be found in countries of Celtic influence today, such as the United States where children go from door to door in costumes demanding 'trick or treat.'"One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. It was believed to be their only hope for the afterlife. The Celts believed all laws of space and time were suspended during this time, allowing the spirit world to intermingle with the living.(source)Pope Gregory IV (died 844) may have authorized the All Hallows' date to intentionally subvert the pagan celebration of October 31.For more, you can go to HistoryChannel.com's history of HalloweenAnti-Halloween- Here is a webpage written by a former witch high priest (now Saved) that speaks against Christians celebrating Halloween. (It's a short article, I promise!)- This website goes more in-depth. It gives three basic arguments against celebrating Halloween, and then goes more into detail and support for each. Much longer.- In my research, I came across a letter written by someone in a letter-to-the-editor format. He wrote, "While there may be innocent intentions, celebrating witches, demons, occult symbols, possession, cruelty, haunted houses, goblins, and ghosts is not becoming of those who should emulate saints." In the response, the editor wrote, "Yes, the costume thing may be lots of fun. But just as Christmas has become secularized and many observe it who do not believe in its true purpose -- though they are touched by it nonetheless -- so also is Halloween a secularized occult holiday, and those who observe it though non-adherents to occultism are touched by it nonetheless. Perhaps you should have your costume parties another time, and think carefully about what you are role playing."- This website says, "Have you noticed how costumes and masks are getting generally more bloody, gory, and depraved each year? Unfortunately, the gruesome and grotesque and the occult are increasingly glorified in American society, not only on Halloween, but throughout the year in horror movies and in television programs."Pro-Halloween- This website says it's okay, but must be celebrated in manner that honors God. (Suggestions given.)- How Christians Should React to HalloweenMy conclusions: I had a hard time finding a Christian site that supported Halloween. I found many, however, that supported evangelism on Halloween (though, of course, that's not the only day of the year to do so). One website even said that just because non-believers secularize Christmas and incorporate it into their lives doesn't mean we should take a worldly holiday and incorporate it into ours.There is a lot to be cautious about on Halloween. There's blood and gore, increased violence and occult activity. Costume shops sell sexually explicit and revealing wear that many can get away with. It is a favorite day for Satanists and the like.Personally, I have a Snow White costume in my closet, and if I owned a home (I live in a college dorm :-P) I wouldn't close my home to visitors. I like the idea of giving a child's tract with candy...and many Christian stores do sell candies with Bible verses and other Christian things on them.Halloween's not my favorite holiday. It's a dangerous night. And though I won't go to a haunted house or watch a gory movie or dress up like a witch, I won't close my home to visitors...every one that stops by is a witnessing opportunity.In regards to your questions about fellowshipping and attending a church that partakes in Halloween in any way, shape, or form...share your view on Halloween with others who practice it (IN A LOVING MANNER!!!) Until you raised this question, I actually had never really thought about it, and my perspective has been altered. I would not cut myself off from someone who celebrates Halloween. The occult and Satanists and Wiccans and witches and warlocks are just open in their anti-Christian stance...anything of the world is not of God. Do you not fellowship with someone who lets their child sit on the lap of the Easter Bunny? If the church has a harvest service, good for them. I'd rather be in church on a night that I know there is an increase of spell-casting and other evil activities.Again, hope I helped...sorry for the length!
