Got a question for you dad, “What’s Acceptable?” At the end of this month many people will celebrate Halloween. Little kids, big kids and adults alike will be dressing up in different costumes and outfits to venture about in an attempt to get candy or play pranks. But what’s acceptable for a christian?
What’s Acceptable?
Some of today’s popular celebrations associated with Halloween have pagan roots stemming from the ancient Celtic festival, Samhain. This harvest festival of the Druids ushered in the New Year, beginning on the evening of October 31, with the lighting of bonfires and the offering of sacrifices. As the Druids danced around the fires, they celebrated the ending of the summer season and the beginning of the season of darkness. It was also believed that at this time of year the invisible “gates” between the natural world and the spirit world would open, allowing free movement between the two worlds.
During the 8th century in the diocese of Rome, Pope Gregory III moved All Saints Day to November 1, officially making October 31 “All Hallows Eve,” some say, as a way of claiming the celebration for Christians. However, this feast commemorating the martyrdom of the saints had already been celebrated by Christians for many centuries prior to this time. Pope Gregory IV broadened the feast to include the entire Church. Inevitably, some of the pagan practices associated with the season persisted and have been mixed into modern celebrations of Halloween.
Ephesians 5:7-12
7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 for the fruit of the light results in all goodness, righteousness, and truth 10 discerning what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret.
Many Christians believe that participating in Halloween is a form of involvement in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness. However, many consider the modern-day Halloween activities of most to be harmless fun. Are some Christians trying to remove themselves from the world? Ignoring Halloween or celebrating it with believers only is not exactly an evangelical approach. Aren’t we supposed to be all things to all people?
1 Corinthians 9:22
“.. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.”?
So, again I ask, “What’s acceptable?” I know that at my church we have a Hallelujah Festival that gives the public a different choice of celebration. We have games for kids, bounce houses, a cake walk, bingo games, free food and enough candy to start our own company. We do not condemn those that choose to participate in Halloween or how they may dress for the event. We do offer the chance of getting to know our Savior and Lord, Jesus! It is our way to reach out and be a child of light and be what we need to be to others. Tell me dad what’s acceptable to you and your family? Leave your comments and let’s hear your thoughts.