Christians and Halloween: Good Fun or Cahoots with the Devil?

This is an issue I would really like some input on. I don’t get in to Halloween, and prefer to celebrate Reformation Day instead. Last year Haddon dressed up like Martin Luther and we took him went to a church “Fall Festival.” I know some of the pagan traditions where “All Hallow’s Eve” began, but has the practice of kids dressing up and getting candy from friends around the neighborhood severed the present day practice from its more diabolical origins?

What do you do on Halloween? I am not suggesting that Christians participate in nightmarish ghoul. Some of what goes on depicts and glorifies evil, death and gore. That’s not what I am asking about. On the other hand, is there a place for “Trunk or Treat” at church or “Fall Festivals” where kids get the fun of dressing up like Buzz Lightyear? In the end, it may be more of a Christian conscience matter (Rom 14). Do you participate at all?

Reformation Polka: In the Spirit of Reformation Day (that’s Oct 31 for all you pagans!)

A friend of mine (thanks Taj!) just made me aware of this link. It’s a You Tube video to a song called “Reformation Polka.” Vossy, I couldn’t help thinking that you would find this funny; I found it to be hilarious.

Here are the lyrics: HERE IS THE LINK TO THE VIDEO.

[Sung to the tune of "Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious"]

When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian! Oh…

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let’s start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter’s profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints’ Bull’tin board:
“You cannot purchase merits, for we’re justified by grace!
Here’s 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!” Oh…

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let’s start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
“Are these your books? Do you recant?” King Charles did demand,
“I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!” Oh…

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let’s start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting “George” as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin’s model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek! Oh…

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let’s start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

Let’s raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,
And spread the word that ‘catholic’ is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets his chance,
So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance! Oh…

Chorus:
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation -
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let’s start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

Gov. Huckabee Plays “Freebird”

I grew up in Louisiana, and knew Skynyrd before I knew the national anthem. I worked with two guys in college that grew up in the late 70’s, and the shop radio was always on the local classic rock station. Whenever “Freebird” came on the radio, all work stopped. These guys would literally stop what they were doing, take off their hats and cover their hearts. I kid you not. I was on the outside looking in, till one day I brought my guitar to work and after the shift played a little Skynyrd for them. That changed everything. From that day on, I was “in.”

With so many stories and allegations being thrown about concerning this and that presidential candidate, here’s one you might not have seen–Gov. Mike Huckabee plays Lynyrd Skynyrd. He wrapped up a rally in New Hampshire by playing “Freebird.” This is not the cheap and ugly 4 minute version that quits as soon as it gets good. No. This is the 8 1/2 minute, full on guitar solo version.

I have heard a lot of good things about the governor, but no one mentioned he plays a mean bass guitar and has a band!

Here is the YouTube link. Enjoy! As Huckabee mentioned,”Freebird” is the unofficial national anthem of the South. Those guys I worked with would certainly agree.