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?
Joslin,
I am sorry I don’t know what I hit.
My wife and I don’t necssarily dwell in this area becuase I think there is not enough for us to celebrate. My wife hit the nail on the head the other day, she said,”What is there to celebrate why is it even a holiday ? Unlike other holidays there is no real meaning to it such as Christmas, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or Thanksgiving. All of these have some kind of real meaning to them Christmas we celebrate Christ birth, Veterans Day we celebrate the brave men and women who have served in our countries wars and so on.” She is so right and brillant I might add, That is perfect, what are we actually celebrating in Halloween. What is the meaning, children getting candy!
So if you get what I am saying we don’t do anything we don’t pass out candy, we don’t give our children all hyped up for a day that is meaningless.
We are not saying that everyone share this view or we look digustingly at anyone who does not hold this view and enjoy celebrating this Holiday. We just ask what is your purpose?
I need a purpose for celebrating! Great topic Barry! JustSayin’ Josh Whit
Josh,
I agree that it’s not a true holiday. Great point. It’s just a time for the kids to dress up and have fun together. I don’t even consider it to be a holiday, but I had never really thought about that aspect about it. Thanks for posting.
BCJ
My only request is pictures of Haddon as Martin Luther…..and what did the boys dress up like this year?
People that try to claim Halloween is “evil” or “wrong” remind me of the people that claim Christmas is oppressively Christian. They’ve become traditional Western holidays, and are more fun than they are serious.
[...] Joslin wants your input on whether Halloween is evil. As for he and his house, they will celebrate “Reformation [...]
Rose,
Haddon went as a frog. We have pictures–he was a hit. But the biggest hit was Carson. Many ooo’d and ah’d (?) over him–which made his parent happy–and one lady even asked to take pictures of him. He had this little spider outfit on. With that, and the fact that he can just barely walk, he was impressively cute. Of course, that’s an objective statement . . . it has nothing to do with the fact he’s my boy . . . Ha.
In the end–they will know more of the Reformation than Halloween, to be sure. Maybe I could make them learn the 95 theses by heart if they ever want to go to another “Fall Festival.” Seriously.
Barry
Heck yes, we do Halloween. This year Austin (1.5 years old) dressed up as a clown. It was his first Halloween, and I think he liked most of it, except one of our neighbors was dressed as Darth Maul, and that scared him a bit.
Always did it when we were kids, and I think a lot of the stink made over it is just mountains over molehills….
Hey Barry,
My wife dressed up as a pregnant lady on Halloween. She went all out – having contractions and everything! In fact, she even went so far as to actually birth a baby girl… some people are just too into this holiday! Sheesh.
I dressed up as a freaked out dad with no sleep.
Personally, I love Halloween – for a number of reasons. It drives me nuts to hear about Christians who turn the light off, or go out for the evening… or attend their church’s “Fall Festival.” The one night of the year where your whole community is out on the street mingling – going to each other’s houses and admiring each other’s little one’s costumes… talk about a ministry!
The practice of our Halloween customs is really a Christian invention. The whole idea behind dressing up like little goblins, ghosts and devils is that we’re making fun of Satan – he’s been defeated. All that is supposed to be scary and evil is mocked by little children in costumes with baskets full of candy. Certainly our culture has lost a lot of this Christian background – just like Easter and Christmas – but that doesn’t mean we should just give up and leave it to the world. Let’s take it back! Celebrate Halloween better than everyone else – have the best costumes, the best candy and the best decorations! Be the house that all the kids want to come to… and please, DO NOT PASS OUT TRACTS INSTEAD OF CANDY! You’re asking for an egging.
Everyday is a day that God created for His glory – not everyday except for Halloween.
Besides, Barry, I know you’re dying to find an excuse to wear that Richie Sambora outfit you’ve got stored in you’re closet!
Take care,
Brian McLain
Well, the results of my meager poll here are pretty one-sided. (Brian, how did you know about the Sambora outfit?). Thanks to Brian and Famous here in these last posts. Brian, how about the best candy AND tracts? Chick tracts? Anyone remember those?
BCJ