Halloween

[Elife3]

I heard about its evils but I don't follow the paganism that goes along with it. At the same time, I see many Christians discouraging this holiday. What do you think?

[Zecryphon]

I heard about its evils but I don't follow the paganism that goes along with it. At the same time, I see many Christians discouraging this holiday. What do you think?
I think Christians get more mileage out of Halloween than does secular society. On the one hand you have the Christians who decry it as Satanic and evil and to be avoided at all costs. These Christians sit at home on that night, with the lights off, praying no little children come to their door looking for candy.

There's another faction of Christians who have taken a different position on the matter. They use Halloween as an evangelism opportunity. They are at home, with the lights on, praying that children will come to the door for free candy, so they can hand them a bag of candy or a candy bar with a gospel tract taped to it.

Then there's the Christians who actually do celebrate Halloween with their churches under the guise of Harvest Festivals. These celebrations of Halloween are okay, because they're at the church and it's not called Halloween but a Harvest Festival, which once you look into the history of Halloween you find out that Halloween is a celebration of the harvest. So what's really the difference here? Oh yeah, that's right this version of it is okay because it's being celebrated with Christians doing everything under the sun except talking about Christ.

Close to this time last year I wrote an entry on my blog about Halloween. Here is an excerpt:

Here's what a local church in my area is offering as part of their Fall Festival 2006:

Food, games, candy and lots of FUN!!! They will have an obstacle course, bounce houses, pony rides, petting zoo, train rides, "paintball the pastor", (that can't be a good thing, giving kids guns and telling them to shoot their pastor), water balloons, air-soft games (there's some more guns for you to give your kids so now instead of shooting the pastor they're shooting each other. I don't think video games and movies are really to blame for kids shooting each other these days. No, I think I'm gonna start to point the finger of accusation at the local church, I mean with games like this how are kids supposed to keep the sixth commandment. Jesus himself said in Matthew 5:21

21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder,[a (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=47&chapter=5&verse=21&version=31&context=verse#fen-NIV-23256a)] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment."

Just what kind of values does this church hold to? Don't know, never visited it. They wiill also have a Bible Lane, and more!!

Hmm, wholesome family Christian fun or secular holiday that's even worse than what "everybody else" celebrates this time of year known as Halloween. A holiday where kids dress up in costumes, go trick or treating with their parents or friends, so they are either participating in quality time with their families or having fellowship with their friends. How can the church be against that? But apparently they are, for they have to sanitize this holiday with Harvest Festivals and Fall Festivals.

I say no more! I say it's time we learned about our past and celebrated a holiday that holds great meaning for us as Christians, Reformation Day! The day when Martin Luther in 1517 nailed his 95 theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg, Germany thus sparking the Reformation movement, that gave rise to not only the Lutheran churches but all Protestant churches eventually. It's a no brainer to me. Instead of Harvest Festivals we could have Reformation Day parties. Instead of paintballing the pastor we could restage the debates between Luther and his critics, we could dress as our favorite Reformation figure, we could stage Reformation plays, we could have fun and learn something in the process about our history as Christians. The best part is that we'd be totally true to who we are too, we wouldn't be hijacking a Pagan holiday and trying to santize it to make it acceptable for us to participate in. How can we in church on Sunday constantly say "Be in the world but not of it" when we take the holidays the secular world participates in and try to pass them off as something they were never intended to be? It's hypocrisy and it has to stop.

The whole entry can be viewed by clicking here:

http://zecryphon.blogspot.com/2006/10/its-halloween-or-is-it.html (http://zecryphon.blogspot.com/2006/10/its-halloween-or-is-it.html)

[jive4005]

Halloween has gotten just too wierd for me. Both the pros and the cons are pretty extreme today. Like most things, there IS a middle ground, tho many never seem to find it.

I've had several talks with the Lord about this stuff. While I know He distains any real occult I must admit that He seems to have more peace about halloween than people do.

God gets it... the party, the excitement (that's in the "scary" part), and dare I say "the fellowship!"?
While I neither participate nor encourage halloween activities, I personally don't see the trick-or-treat part as much of a threat.

That's just me... as parent, candy-hander-outter, and minister.

When it comes to "picking our issues" we might check where we've placed our own priorities.

His,
Rev J

BOO!... ha!... got cha!

In my unsaved days halloween was BIG. I

[fifi]

I heard about its evils but I don't follow the paganism that goes along with it. At the same time, I see many Christians discouraging this holiday. What do you think?


Its not a joke at all this is a day were the devil really works, but for some odd reason christians think its ok but its not. we are allowing the satin to have his way in us when we take part in this day. its not of God so as follwers of christ we should not take part in something that does not give him glory.

[TankGirl]

I'm not interested in having anything to do with Halloween, and everyone who knows me knows this & knows it's because of my faith.

I couldn't, in all conscience, encourage my dd to partcipate in something which involves (the appearance of) witchcraft, demons, ghosts & spirits, then expect her to read God's word which forbids all those things.

I chose to do my best to avoid all appearance of evil...

[stone]

I'm not interested in having anything to do with Halloween, and everyone who knows me knows this & knows it's because of my faith.

I couldn't, in all conscience, encourage my dd to partcipate in something which involves (the appearance of) witchcraft, demons, ghosts & spirits, then expect her to read God's word which forbids all those things.

I chose to do my best to avoid all appearance of evil...


same here. :wave:

[Ishida]

As long as you refrain from sinful activities, do what you want. So who else is gonna be a ninja for halloween?
(Those who choose to participate in the sin that comes with Halloween will have to answer to God.) My pastor wrote a paper on this, I never got to finish it, maybe I will ask this weekend, Lord Willing. :D

[fifi]

I'm not interested in having anything to do with Halloween, and everyone who knows me knows this & knows it's because of my faith.

I couldn't, in all conscience, encourage my dd to partcipate in something which involves (the appearance of) witchcraft, demons, ghosts & spirits, then expect her to read God's word which forbids all those things.

I chose to do my best to avoid all appearance of evil...


Very true agree 100%

[Zecryphon]

Its not a joke at all this is a day were the devil really works, but for some odd reason christians think its ok but its not. we are allowing the satin to have his way in us when we take part in this day. its not of God so as follwers of christ we should not take part in something that does not give him glory.
"Its not a joke at all this is a day were the devil really works, but for some odd reason christians think its ok but its not."

The devil is at work every day, not just one this one in particular.

"we are allowing the satin to have his way in us when we take part in this day. its not of God so as follwers of christ we should not take part in something that does not give him glory."

So those Christians who hand out bags of candy with a gospel tract inside of them. What do you think of them and their actions. Are they not using the "devils day" to promote God or glorify God? Do you have an objection to Christians who use Halloween in this way? I'm not one of these Christians by the way.

[Cris413]

I'm not interested in having anything to do with Halloween, and everyone who knows me knows this & knows it's because of my faith.

I couldn't, in all conscience, encourage my dd to partcipate in something which involves (the appearance of) witchcraft, demons, ghosts & spirits, then expect her to read God's word which forbids all those things.

I chose to do my best to avoid all appearance of evil...I think this is a good point.

A believer's life should be a witness. I think when conveyed in a loving manner without judgement...it is a good witness to explain to people why you don't celebrate Halloween.

Sure, people may think your "too religious" or a "Jesus Freak" or any number of things...

I personally think it's a wonderful opportunity to share your faith with others.

[Cris413]

"Its not a joke at all this is a day were the devil really works, but for some odd reason christians think its ok but its not."

The devil is at work every day, not just one this one in particular.

"we are allowing the satin to have his way in us when we take part in this day. its not of God so as follwers of christ we should not take part in something that does not give him glory."

So those Christians who hand out bags of candy with a gospel tract inside of them. What do you think of them and their actions. Are they not using the "devils day" to promote God or glorify God? Do you have an objection to Christians who use Halloween in this way? I'm not one of these Christians by the way.

Hope you don't mind my jumping in here...but your post inspired some thought...

I really have some mixed feelings about tracts tied to candy and churches that offer alternatives to Halloween.

My church is one of them. Apparently we have "Harvest Night" (I've only been going to this church for several months)

Personally, I consider it's all about where the Spirit speaks to your heart and leads you...

Some parent just may read that tract attached to their kids candy and a seed is planted....

Offering Christians an alternative to Halloween...real mixed feelings about that...

Somehow it kinda seems to me that the message might be it's OK to participate in secular activities as long as we put a Christian spin on it....

I guess the same could be said for Christian Rock Concerts and such...

The important thing is...getting the message out there and being a good witness...

Some Christian kids might take their non-christian friends along with them to these Harvest Festivals and they may receive the message...

So, I guess...whatever decisions are made regarding these things...prayerfully seek God first and follow where the Spirit leads...

[HeyHomie]

It's only September 21st, and the annual CF anti-Halloween threads have started already? :eek:

It's only a matter of days before the anti-Christmas threads start.

[Elife3]

It's only September 21st, and the annual CF anti-Halloween threads have started already? :eek:

It's only a matter of days before the anti-Christmas threads start.
I Don't think we'll be seing anti-Christmas threads until late October/Early November and I was the first person to make such a thread. I bet more will come in a few weeks.

[Cris413]

It's only September 21st, and the annual CF anti-Halloween threads have started already? :eek:

It's only a matter of days before the anti-Christmas threads start.
I think it's kinda like that televion station that promoted reruns...

If you haven't seen it...it new to you. ;)

[Dies3l]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with Halloween. In fact, I think it provides a great opportunity for outreach to the community. For example, my church sets up a booth downtown (we live in a pretty small town), where a bunch of us dress up in Halloween costumes and hand out hot dogs and other treats to all of the trick-or-treaters. We don't proselytize; we don't hand out tracts (i really don't like them at all, anyway :doh:); we just take the opportunity to show our community in a small way that we care about them and their kids.

[MoNiCa4316]

I used to celebrate Halloween before I became a Christian, and now I'm not very sure about it...I don't know if that's from the Holy Spirit or just because of what others say. I don't think there's anything really occultic about that holiday, and some people just take it too seriously... giving out candy and stuff, that's just a fun tradition. But it does bother me when I see costumes for witches and devils and stuff at the store, and just the imagery. It makes me think, do these people actually know that evil is real?? If people dressed up as something else (like animals and princesses and knights, etc ^_^ ) Halloween would be very different for me.
I agree that it's a good opportunity to witness to others :)

[marke]

I heard about its evils but I don't follow the paganism that goes along with it. At the same time, I see many Christians discouraging this holiday. What do you think?
There was a CNN special called:

Gods Warriors: The Christians.

Look it up on cnn.com. These people make halloween look tame. Talk about wrong teaching. Ouch.

Really, I might dress up as something because it is fun. I won't be something from the dark side as it is the side you feed that grows. Nor will I act out something from the dark side. A clown seems fun enough? There's nothing evil about a clown is there? Nope. So don't be spooked by the spooks who want to control your thoughts.

God Bless.

[marke]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with Halloween. In fact, I think it provides a great opportunity for outreach to the community. For example, my church sets up a booth downtown (we live in a pretty small town), where a bunch of us dress up in Halloween costumes and hand out hot dogs and other treats to all of the trick-or-treaters. We don't proselytize; we don't hand out tracts (i really don't like them at all, anyway :doh:); we just take the opportunity to show our community in a small way that we care about them and their kids.
Sounds like a great way to meet new people and not scare them away. Good for your church!

God bless

[LJSGM]

I recieve no check in my spirit about halloween, neither does my husband. Of course halloween is different in other countries, so I am refering to the typical US halloween when I say this.

It's just something fun to do, just like there's nothing wrong with taking your family out to a water park, or going to a festival either. So we dress up? So we hand out candy? No one's spiritualizing it and worshiping Satan. I personnally believe that this overspiritualizing of halloween and making a fuss about something so stupid is a bad witness to the world in fact. It makes us out to be prudes and full of a religious spirit.

[HeyHomie]

A clown seems fun enough? There's nothing evil about a clown is there? Nope.

Sez you! :eek:

http://www.sciencefictionfantasyhorror.com/images-articles/2005/09/scary-clown-2005.gif

[christianmomof3]

Here are some articles about halloween:
http://www.demonbuster.com/halloween.html
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/halloween.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/halloween/features/real.html
http://home.computer.net/~cya/cy00061.html
http://www.bibletruths.org/holidays/hallowen.html
http://blowthetrumpet.org/halloween.htm

In truth, most people are not celebrating Satan on halloween. But, the symbolism and customs of the holiday have the appearance of evil - which we are to avoid, and do not glorify the Lord.
In the end, each of us must pray about it and follow the Lord in what we do on halloween and every day.

[LJSGM]

If you spiritualize halloween, then you are doing your enemy a favor.

Just my opinion.

Halloween is no more spiritually involved then having fun with bunnies and chocolate at easter time and going camping on memorial day weekend. They are just something fun to do.

[TankGirl]

If you spiritualize halloween, then you are doing your enemy a favor.

Just my opinion.

Halloween is no more spiritually involved then having fun with bunnies and chocolate at easter time and going camping on memorial day weekend. They are just something fun to do.

I don't believe I'm doing my enemy any favours by avoiding all allusions to him & his kind. I would hope that I am doing my Lord a favour by honouring Him & not detracting from my witness by being so worldly that I can't step back from something I believe to be wrong, just because everyone else is doing it.

And I don't play with bunnies & chocolate at Easter - I celebrate the death & resurrection of my Saviour...chocolate, on the other hand, is for every day, not just for Easter ;)

[LJSGM]

I don't believe I'm doing my enemy any favours by avoiding all allusions to him & his kind. I would hope that I am doing my Lord a favour by honouring Him & not detracting from my witness by being so worldly that I can't step back from something I believe to be wrong, just because everyone else is doing it.

And I don't play with bunnies & chocolate at Easter - I celebrate the death & resurrection of my Saviour...chocolate, on the other hand, is for every day, not just for Easter ;)
so, you're saying that you are more spiritual then me because I have fun with my boys during easter as well as celebrate the death and ressurection of my savior.

And you are more spiritual then me because I don't spiritualize halloween. hmmm...

[LJSGM]

If your spiritual walk doesn't allow you to go trick or treating with your kids and dress up during the fall season, ect. then don't do it. Let the rest of us have our freedom in Christ.

[christianmomof3]

I don't believe I'm doing my enemy any favours by avoiding all allusions to him & his kind. I would hope that I am doing my Lord a favour by honouring Him & not detracting from my witness by being so worldly that I can't step back from something I believe to be wrong, just because everyone else is doing it.

And I don't play with bunnies & chocolate at Easter - I celebrate the death & resurrection of my Saviour...chocolate, on the other hand, is for every day, not just for Easter ;)
Chocolate is for every day.
http://www.virtualchocolate.com/images/cp1232-102.jpg

[TankGirl]

so, you're saying that you are more spiritual then me because I have fun with my boys during easter as well as celebrate the death and ressurection of my savior.

And you are more spiritual then me because I don't spiritualize halloween. hmmm...

WOW! However did you read that in my post :scratch:

If your spiritual walk doesn't allow you to go trick or treating with your kids and dress up during the fall season, ect. then don't do it. Let the rest of us have our freedom in Christ.

And I'm pretty certain I NEVER said that you had to do what I do...

My spiritual walk means I follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit to let me know what I should & shouldn't be doing. I also have complete freedom in Christ, but as Paul said - all things are permissable for me, but not all things are beneficial. Toying with witchcraft & the occult, however cosy it's dressed up to be, is not beneficial to me or my daughter.

But I absolutely never attacked you personally, or suggested for one minute that it's my way or the highway. I'm flabbergasted that you would read that in my words...

[TankGirl]

Chocolate is for every day.
http://www.virtualchocolate.com/images/cp1232-102.jpg

NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! That's just too tempting! :swoon:

[LJSGM]

WOW! However did you read that in my post :scratch:



And I'm pretty certain I NEVER said that you had to do what I do...

My spiritual walk means I follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit to let me know what I should & shouldn't be doing. I also have complete freedom in Christ, but as Paul said - all things are permissable for me, but not all things are beneficial. Toying with witchcraft & the occult, however cosy it's dressed up to be, is not beneficial to me or my daughter.

But I absolutely never attacked you personally, or suggested for one minute that it's my way or the highway. I'm flabbergasted that you would read that in my words...
What surprises me is that you believe that dressing up and getting some candy the same as playing with the occult. Like I said before, I'm not the one that has made it into something spiritual.

And yes, you do make it sound as if you are more spiritual in your walk because you don't play easter games with your children, ect.

[christianmomof3]

Here are some posts from some pagans on another board http://www.mothering.com/discussions/index.php (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/index.php) telling what they think about halloween. It does show that they celebrate Samhain, which is some sort of ancestor worship thing and day of the dead thing on Halloween. :
Now that DH and I are both pagan/heathen, we spend a great deal more attention on Samhein with regard to ancestor worship and entering into the dark/cold season.
and another post:
I will admit that my dh and I love to laugh at all the "Harvest Festivals" that pop up as a safe alternative to Halloween as they are so close to our actual celebration. Just invite the ancestors to the feast and your all set.

lots of the pagans agreed with that above post.
and here is another:
Long before I had even heard of Paganism I was very drawn to Halloween and this time of year. My mom's church had harvest fest, and I have fond memories of great food and lots of chocolate along with a service that honored our deceased and called us to look at our own mortality. Sounds a bit familiar eh?

Dd (almost 14) still trick-or-treats with her friend and I dress up each year. We have a great big altar and a feast. I read the runes, burn last years goals, and create new ones or reaffirm ones I still want.
and here is another:
We celebrate Halloween and Samhain, usually on the same night. We go all out decorating our altar and have an ancestor feast. We reminisce about our loved ones who've passed on. Then we get dressed up and go out trick-or-treating.
I found those responses interesting and they show that Halloween is a religious holiday for pagans. So, for those Christians who do celebrate Halloween, it may be something they want to realize.

[Zecryphon]

There was a CNN special called:

Gods Warriors: The Christians.

Look it up on cnn.com. These people make halloween look tame. Talk about wrong teaching. Ouch.

Really, I might dress up as something because it is fun. I won't be something from the dark side as it is the side you feed that grows. Nor will I act out something from the dark side. A clown seems fun enough? There's nothing evil about a clown is there? Nope. So don't be spooked by the spooks who want to control your thoughts.

God Bless.
"There's nothing evil about a clown is there?"

Remember John Wayne Gacy? Ever read IT by Stephen King? There's plenty of evil in clowns! I avoid them at all costs.

[LJSGM]

Here are some posts from some pagans on another board http://www.mothering.com/discussions/index.php (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/index.php) telling what they think about halloween. It does show that they celebrate Samhain, which is some sort of ancestor worship thing and day of the dead thing on Halloween. :

and another post:

lots of the pagans agreed with that above post.
and here is another:

and here is another:

I found those responses interesting and they show that Halloween is a religious holiday for pagans. So, for those Christians who do celebrate Halloween, it may be something they want to realize.
Yes, and pagans celebrate easter and christmas as well, those evil christmas trees that represent a pagan worship alter. That easter bunny that represents the celebration of fertility and mother earth to the pagans. Do I care what they celebrate and when? No. Simply because that's not what they represent to me, or anyone else for that matter (except for the very few pagans).

My conscience lets me eat anything I want, and the reason being is because I didn't offer it to any other gods, even if someone else has.

There's no real spiritual significance in any "holiday" anyways as if there's some manditory requirement to celebrate Jesus' birth or something. It's all just Roman Catholic tradition in the end.

Those who become pagans do not become pagans because of past experiences with halloween. They becomes pagans for other reasons and then decide to celebrate whatever they want on whatever stupid day that they want.

Luke 11
"Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness."

Oh church! so concerned with the outside all the time! Never seeing that the conditions of our hearts need cleaning, not our outward appearances!

[Cris413]

I think what sets Samhain (October 31/Novemeber 1) apart from other pagan rituals/observances such Yule (winter solstice) or Ostara (spring equinox) leading to Beltaine (May 1st)

...is that this is the time when they believe “Thin Veil” is lifted between our world and the spirit world. Pagans and occultist believe this is the most opportune time to contact spirits and practice their craft with all types of invocations of the spirits.

The “festivities” Christianmomof3 noted are pretty mild compared to many of the goings on during this time.

I personally have little concern for those who choose to participate in “trick or treat” as LJSGM pointed out…it’s the condition of one’s heart that’s important.

I think it’s important not to judge someone else’s walk.

As I also think Tankgirl’s decision to set an example for her dd and for her friends and family by not participating as her witness is terrific!

Die13’s church is reaching out to the community…

However the Spirit leads us to witness…I think we should remember…apart from the Halloween parties, trick or treat, Harvest festivals and such….

That this is also a night of serious pagan/occult activity. A time to put prayer in high gear as well.

[fifi]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with Halloween. In fact, I think it provides a great opportunity for outreach to the community. For example, my church sets up a booth downtown (we live in a pretty small town), where a bunch of us dress up in Halloween costumes and hand out hot dogs and other treats to all of the trick-or-treaters. We don't proselytize; we don't hand out tracts (i really don't like them at all, anyway :doh:); we just take the opportunity to show our community in a small way that we care about them and their kids.


I dont think that you any idea of what this day really means.

[fifi]

I don't believe I'm doing my enemy any favours by avoiding all allusions to him & his kind. I would hope that I am doing my Lord a favour by honouring Him & not detracting from my witness by being so worldly that I can't step back from something I believe to be wrong, just because everyone else is doing it.

And I don't play with bunnies & chocolate at Easter - I celebrate the death & resurrection of my Saviour...chocolate, on the other hand, is for every day, not just for Easter ;)


Very much true.

[Dies3l]

I dont think that you any idea of what this day really means.

Hmmm .... I am pretty sure that Halloween means the 31st day of October, the day before November 1 and the day after October 30. It is a day that falls about 6 weeks after the beginning of autumn and about 7 weeks before the beginning of winter. Any meaning that is attached to the day beyond that, as far as I can tell, is a matter of personal decision and opinion. I personally see it, as any other day, an opportunity to love other people as I love myself. I see it as a day when lots of little people, who God loves, people are out and about and especially receptive to acts of generosity. That's what the day means to me. I suppose it means something different to you, but that is your choice and your opinion. You are entitled to attach whatever meaning you like to the day, but please don't blame your own self-imposed value judgments on the day itself. :)

[VCViking]

A good general principle should be to refrain from any participation that would either compromise one's faith or bring dishonor to the Lord Jesus Christ. Another good principle is to look for ways to become a positive, Christ honoring voice in the midst of secularism and paganism. Each Christian must be persuaded in his own conscience about how he approaches Halloween.

Christians who follow the Bible should stay clear of the evil side. The Bible is clear on this:



3 John 1:11 "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil."


Psalm 34:14 "Depart from evil and do good"


Excellent articles on the subject matter:

http://logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/halloween.htm

http://www.johnankerberg.org/Question-of-the-Week/question-of-the-week-Halloween.htm

[Cris413]

A good general principle should be to refrain from any participation that would either compromise one's faith or bring dishonor to the Lord Jesus Christ. Another good principle is to look for ways to become a positive, Christ honoring voice in the midst of secularism and paganism. Each Christian must be persuaded in his own conscience about how he approaches Halloween.

Christians who follow the Bible should stay clear of the evil side. The Bible is clear on this:



3 John 1:11 "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil."


Psalm 34:14 "Depart from evil and do good"


Excellent articles on the subject matter:

http://logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/halloween.htm

http://www.johnankerberg.org/Question-of-the-Week/question-of-the-week-Halloween.htm

:thumbsup: Good advise...not only on Halloween...but every day...

[fifi]

A good general principle should be to refrain from any participation that would either compromise one's faith or bring dishonor to the Lord Jesus Christ. Another good principle is to look for ways to become a positive, Christ honoring voice in the midst of secularism and paganism. Each Christian must be persuaded in his own conscience about how he approaches Halloween.

Christians who follow the Bible should stay clear of the evil side. The Bible is clear on this:



3 John 1:11 "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil."


Psalm 34:14 "Depart from evil and do good"


Excellent articles on the subject matter:

http://logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/halloween.htm

http://www.johnankerberg.org/Question-of-the-Week/question-of-the-week-Halloween.htm

Good example.

[fifi]

Hmmm .... I am pretty sure that Halloween means the 31st day of October, the day before November 1 and the day after October 30. It is a day that falls about 6 weeks after the beginning of autumn and about 7 weeks before the beginning of winter. Any meaning that is attached to the day beyond that, as far as I can tell, is a matter of personal decision and opinion. I personally see it, as any other day, an opportunity to love other people as I love myself. I see it as a day when lots of little people, who God loves, people are out and about and especially receptive to acts of generosity. That's what the day means to me. I suppose it means something different to you, but that is your choice and your opinion. You are entitled to attach whatever meaning you like to the day, but please don't blame your own self-imposed value judgments on the day itself. :)


ok we just have to different views on this.

[Holz]

What surprises me is that you believe that dressing up and getting some candy the same as playing with the occult. Like I said before, I'm not the one that has made it into something spiritual.

And yes, you do make it sound as if you are more spiritual in your walk because you don't play easter games with your children, ect.

halloween isn't as innocent as society makes out, and candy/chocolate really has nothing to do with it, its the spiritual side of the day which scares me, because there are people who are witches, and do 'curse' others, and why would you dress up as a witch or a demon when Jesus is against them, it doesnt make sense.

mmmm ChOcOlAtE....

[TankGirl]

halloween isn't as innocent as society makes out, and candy/chocolate really has nothing to do with it, its the spiritual side of the day which scares me, because there are people who are witches, and do 'curse' others, and why would you dress up as a witch or a demon when Jesus is against them, it doesnt make sense.

mmmm ChOcOlAtE....

With crispy bits in...mmmm ;)

[Zecryphon]

halloween isn't as innocent as society makes out, and candy/chocolate really has nothing to do with it, its the spiritual side of the day which scares me, because there are people who are witches, and do 'curse' others, and why would you dress up as a witch or a demon when Jesus is against them, it doesnt make sense.

mmmm ChOcOlAtE....
"halloween isn't as innocent as society makes out, and candy/chocolate really has nothing to do with it, its the spiritual side of the day which scares me, because there are people who are witches, and do 'curse' others,"

Believe me, the number of witches that are actively cursing people is very low. Wicca and other nature based religions are all about harmony and balance. The cursing of others is strictly prohibited in Wicca and there are very strong consequences for using such magick against others. I think the rule is, if I remember correctly, whatever evil you send out, it shall return to you threefold.

"and why would you dress up as a witch or a demon when Jesus is against them, it doesnt make sense."

I have never dressed up as a witch, warlock or demon. I have most often dressed up as Steve 'Sting" Borden from WCW and now TNA wrestling. This year I plan on being the Pope.

[fifi]

halloween isn't as innocent as society makes out, and candy/chocolate really has nothing to do with it, its the spiritual side of the day which scares me, because there are people who are witches, and do 'curse' others, and why would you dress up as a witch or a demon when Jesus is against them, it doesnt make sense.

mmmm ChOcOlAtE....


thank you for speaking the true.

[elsbeth]

If your spiritual walk doesn't allow you to go trick or treating with your kids and dress up during the fall season, ect. then don't do it. Let the rest of us have our freedom in Christ.
Wow! A voice of reason. I'm a firm believer that God treats us as INDIVIDUALS, and that because He tells one person not to do something DOESN'T MEAN that He means EVERYONE not to do it.

[Holz]

Wow! A voice of reason. I'm a firm believer that God treats us as INDIVIDUALS, and that because He tells one person not to do something DOESN'T MEAN that He means EVERYONE not to do it.

so do you mean its ok for one person to murder and not another? and there goes the whole equality thing and how can we all be judged and get some get into heaven and others not if were all being judged on a differnt book, i know that sounds a bit extream but its what you mean right? it just blows right out of the window what jesus came to teach, no?

[elsbeth]

so do you mean its ok for one person to murder and not another? and there goes the whole equality thing and how can we all be judged and get some get into heaven and others not if were all being judged on a differnt book, i know that sounds a bit extream but its what you mean right? it just blows right out of the window what jesus came to teach, no?
Of coure not. Don't be silly. The 10 commandments apply to all. Of course there are things that are wrong for everyone. What I said was that sometimes God may tell a particular person to do or not to do some particular thing, and they then generalize that NO ONE should do or not do that thing, when really God meant it just for them. This kind of thing is the cause of much of the arguments that go on in these forums.
Paul talks about this in the NT- about whether or not to eat the meat which had been sacrificed to idols.

[SoldierOfTheKing]

Would anybody here approve of a Christian celebrating Ramadan? Why is one non-Christian religious observance acceptable and another not?

[christianmomof3]

Would anybody here approve of a Christian celebrating Ramadan? Why is one non-Christian religious observance acceptable and another not?
What is a "Christian religious observance" in your point of view? Christmas and Easter ? - major pagan origins, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? - Jewish holidays, is there any actual "Christian religious observance" anyway that is not from another religion?

[Zecryphon]

so do you mean its ok for one person to murder and not another? and there goes the whole equality thing and how can we all be judged and get some get into heaven and others not if were all being judged on a differnt book, i know that sounds a bit extream but its what you mean right? it just blows right out of the window what jesus came to teach, no?
"so do you mean its ok for one person to murder and not another?"


Oh you teenagers and your exaggerated examples! LOL There is a clear difference between celebrating an overly-commercialized holiday like Halloween, which exaggerates every negative stereotype about witches and ancient folklore, while managing to make money at it, and murder. One is clearly addressed in the scriptures, that would be murder, and one isn't, that would be Halloween. The American holiday of Halloween is a lot different from the Pagan observation of Samhein.

I mean come on, have you ever run into Jack O' Latern wandering the countryside at night with a lump of coal given to him by Satan to light his way? Have you ever seen a real life witch? They're not old, they're not covered in moles and warts, they don't cackle when they laugh and they're not green! Oh yeah, they also don't fly on broomsticks or vacuums, if you've ever seen the tv show Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and they don't stand over a cauldron making poisoned apples for Snow White! LOL That's all fiction designed to make money. And forget the Satanist references, they laugh at Christians who think this is their high holy day.


"and there goes the whole equality thing and how can we all be judged and get some get into heaven and others not if were all being judged on a differnt book,"


You're judged by the standard of God's law and what it demands, not a book.


"i know that sounds a bit extream but its what you mean right? it just blows right out of the window what jesus came to teach, no?"


I don't see how. If you have such a problem with Halloween, ditich it and celebrate Reformation Day instead. Same day, you can still dress up, but now you're gonna dress up as a 16th-century reformer or Catholic. Certainly, God can't have a problem with that, can He?

[Zecryphon]

What is a "Christian religious observance" in your point of view? Christmas and Easter ? - major pagan origins, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? - Jewish holidays, is there any actual "Christian religious observance" anyway that is not from another religion?
Well there's Reformation Day! The day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, thus sparking what became known as the Protestant Reformation in Germany that eventually spread to other countries as well. But this isn't a big one with people outside of Lutheranism.

[Zecryphon]

Would anybody here approve of a Christian celebrating Ramadan? Why is one non-Christian religious observance acceptable and another not?
"Would anybody here approve of a Christian celebrating Ramadan? Why is one non-Christian religious observance acceptable and another not?"

Because by celebrating Ramadan, you are worshipping another god (Allah) and following the instructions of his prophet (Muhammed) and reading a false gospel (The Quran). To do this you would have to be both a Christian and a member of Islam at the same time, you can't do it. Because if you are a practitioner of Islam you can not be a Christian, because you would be breaking the first commandment, of thou shalt have no other gods before me.

[Holz]

You're judged by the standard of God's law and what it demands, not a book.



i meant 'book' as in an expression, not and atual book....

[JolieHeart]

This article may be of interest. It discusses this very topic.

http://www.hinds.ruf.org/News/NewsStory.aspx?guid=d51a1436-1127-4f17-a5c7-c8dcbe54470b

[TankGirl]

Oh you teenagers and your exaggerated examples! LOL

Oh you "old" people and your patronising asides...;)

[Zecryphon]

Oh you "old" people and your patronising asides...;)
Well I've gotta do something to pass the time in the home. ;)

[Elife3]

Well, If anyone wants an alternative then, I agree with All Saint's Day.

[SoldierOfTheKing]

What is a "Christian religious observance" in your point of view? Christmas and Easter ? - major pagan origins, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur? - Jewish holidays, is there any actual "Christian religious observance" anyway that is not from another religion?


Good point. Halloween's pagan origins, however are more obvious than those of Christmas and Easter. I don't really see the point of even talking about Christmas or Easter with someone who believes we are free to celebrate Halloween.


Because by celebrating Ramadan, you are worshipping another god (Allah) and following the instructions of his prophet (Muhammed) and reading a false gospel (The Quran). To do this you would have to be both a Christian and a member of Islam at the same time, you can't do it. Because if you are a practitioner of Islam you can not be a Christian, because you would be breaking the first commandment, of thou shalt have no other gods before me.


Very good. So, I think the conclusion here is obvious. If you can't be a Christian and a Muslim at the same time, how can you be a Christian and a pagan at the same time?


Well there's Reformation Day! The day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, thus sparking what became known as the Protestant Reformation in Germany that eventually spread to other countries as well. But this isn't a big one with people outside of Lutheranism.


If you must throw a party on October 31, that would be a far better reason to do it.

[VCViking]

I don't think that there is anything wrong with Halloween. In fact, I think it provides a great opportunity for outreach to the community. For example, my church sets up a booth downtown (we live in a pretty small town), where a bunch of us dress up in Halloween costumes and hand out hot dogs and other treats to all of the trick-or-treaters. We don't proselytize; we don't hand out tracts (i really don't like them at all, anyway :doh:); we just take the opportunity to show our community in a small way that we care about them and their kids.


If you really cared about them, you would give them the Gospel message, not a warm fuzzy. It's the Great Commission, not the great Omission.


The Great Commission

Matt 28: 16-20

16-Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17-When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18-Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19-Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20-and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

[VCViking]

"halloween isn't as innocent as society makes out, and candy/chocolate really has nothing to do with it, its the spiritual side of the day which scares me, because there are people who are witches, and do 'curse' others,"

Believe me, the number of witches that are actively cursing people is very low. Wicca and other nature based religions are all about harmony and balance. The cursing of others is strictly prohibited in Wicca and there are very strong consequences for using such magick against others. I think the rule is, if I remember correctly, whatever evil you send out, it shall return to you threefold.


So wicca is ok?

[VCViking]

Oh you teenagers and your exaggerated examples!


Jokingly or not, a little condescending are we? Yet all 17 years of herself has more discernment in spiritual matters. She maybe be 17 but she has the discernment to know that halloween is evil and not harmless.

Your excuses for halloween being harmless are the same ones I hear from non-christians. The Bible is clear on imitating things that are evil. Halloween is about fear and death, not just fun excuse to get some candy.
And evil it is.

3 John 1:11
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil.

Psalm 34:14
14 Depart from evil and do good.

Deuteronomy 18:9-14

9 When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.

10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.

13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.

14 For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you.

[Zecryphon]

Jokingly or not, a little condescending are we? Yet all 17 years of herself has more discernment in spiritual matters. She maybe be 17 but she has the discernment to know that halloween is evil and not harmless.

Your excuses for halloween being harmless are the same ones I hear from non-christians. The Bible is clear on imitating things that are evil. Halloween is about fear and death, not just fun excuse to get some candy.
And evil it is.

3 John 1:11
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil.

Psalm 34:14
14 Depart from evil and do good.

Deuteronomy 18:9-14

9 When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.

10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.

13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.

14 For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you.
"Jokingly or not, a little condescending are we?"

I don't think so.

"Yet all 17 years of herself has more discernment in spiritual matters. She maybe be 17 but she has the discernment to know that halloween is evil and not harmless."

And you have the gall to call me condescending? Typical Christian. Condemn a behavior in a brother and exhibit the same behavior yourself. When did I say it was harmless? All throughout this thread I have been promoting the idea of not celebrating Halloween and instead celebrating Reformation Day. If you'd bothered to read that excerpt from my blog you'd see that I'm not a fan of that Christianized version of Halloween known as your local church's Harvest/Fall festival either. I have given alternatives to Christians who wish to participate in this day while doing the Lord's work, such as handing out a gospel tract taped to a candy bar or in a bag of candy to be given out to trick or treaters. An idea you seem to love in post # 59 of this very thread. So on the one hand you like an idea I have offered as a way for Christians to participate in Halloween, but you wanna slam me for celebrating Halloween. Something seems contradictory there. Personally, I don't think it's a very good witness to sit at home with the lights off. Because let's face it, if you're there sitting at home with the lights off, you're right where the devil wants you, incapacitated and not being a light unto the world.

"Your excuses for halloween being harmless are the same ones I hear from non-christians. The Bible is clear on imitating things that are evil. Halloween is about fear and death, not just fun excuse to get some candy.
And evil it is."

I never said it was about getting candy. I have never said that was the purpose of the holiday. What I have said is that the holiday that Americans celebrate as Halloween is a lot different than the Pagan observance of Samhein. It's like comparing the American version of Christmas to the Pagan celebration of Yule. They are two completely different celebrations. Where as Christmas lasts one day, Yule lasts for ten and that's just one of the differences between the two. Tell me, where do Christmas trees, which tend to be evergreen trees, fit into the Biblical story of Jesus' birth? That's something Christians have borrowed from the Pagan celebration of Yule. If you're going to make statements or judgments about what I've said, at least make sure they're based in truth, these by you are not and that's sad.

If the poster in question does not want to celebrate it that's her choice, but I don't think anyone should look down their nose at any one else simply because they choose to excercise the freedom they have in Christ. Ya know, kinda like you're tyring to do here.


3 John 1:11
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil.

Psalm 34:14
14 Depart from evil and do good.

Deuteronomy 18:9-14

9 When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.

10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you.

13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.

14 For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you.

[Zecryphon]

So wicca is ok?
I didn't say that. You are drawing a faulty conclusion. I have said that there are severe consequences in Wicca for practicing evil magick against other people. Never did I say the practice of Wicca is okay.

[LJSGM]

Halloween is not a religious day. It's just a day to have fun, nothing religious about it, there is no celebration of any birth or anything else related to anything anyone practices in any religion. There is no spiritual significance or side to it. In fact, what it's really doing is mocking evil and superstitions (not what I do, but what most do). I either take my kids trick or treating because it's a fun thing to do, just like taking them to an carnival or an easter egg hunt, or I shelter my children, and have all of these superstitions about halloween. (That's great for their spiritual life). Nor do I do it because I don't want to damage my children by not giving them what they want, I go just because it's fun. I had a lot of fun when I was a child. It was just a fun thing to do. In fact, I never heard anything bad about halloween until I started hearing from other christians and all their superstitions about it.

[Zecryphon]

Good point. Halloween's pagan origins, however are more obvious than those of Christmas and Easter. I don't really see the point of even talking about Christmas or Easter with someone who believes we are free to celebrate Halloween.



Very good. So, I think the conclusion here is obvious. If you can't be a Christian and a Muslim at the same time, how can you be a Christian and a pagan at the same time?



If you must throw a party on October 31, that would be a far better reason to do it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
Because by celebrating Ramadan, you are worshipping another god (Allah) and following the instructions of his prophet (Muhammed) and reading a false gospel (The Quran). To do this you would have to be both a Christian and a member of Islam at the same time, you can't do it. Because if you are a practitioner of Islam you can not be a Christian, because you would be breaking the first commandment, of thou shalt have no other gods before me.



"Very good."

Thank you.

"So, I think the conclusion here is obvious. If you can't be a Christian and a Muslim at the same time, how can you be a Christian and a pagan at the same time?"

In my answer I explained how celebrating Ramadan would be a violation of the first commandment, 'thou shall have no other gods before me'. How does celebrating Halloween, as Americans understand it and celebrate it, automatically make you a Pagan? What god and goddess are being worshipped by Christians on that night by dressing up in a costume of their choosing? It doesn't have to be an evil costume, you could be an astronaut, and going door to door with their kids, if they have any, and trick or treating?

A Christian's true ministry is to his or her family first. So by dressing up with your kids on Halloween you are having a kind of fellowship with them, you are building your relationship with them further, and are making it stronger. Kids will remember going trick or treating with their parents probably for the rest of their lives. I still remember going with my parents when I was a little child.

Little children are not going to understand the theological implications or the possible spiritual dangers of celebrating Halloween as well as an older child or person would. One day you can tell them about the dangers of this holiday, but for now, enjoy this holiday with them. To me it's no different than telling them stories about the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. One day when they are older you will enlighten them to the truth, but let them be kids and participate in Halloween for their sake. It's not always about you, ya know. Don't get so wrapped up in your Christian walk and pleasing God that you ignore one of the greatest gifts God has bestowed upon you in your children.

This is also a day that can be used to teach them a lot of valuable lessons. Let's start with the costume selection. If they want to be a demon or something evil like that explain why that is not acceptable to God. Why not dress them up as Moses or Noah? Joseph would have quite the colorful costume, don't you think? As they get ready to go trick or treating on that night, have a family prayer before you leave the house. Pray for protection and wisdom and guidance from God on this night. Another lesson that can be taught is staying close to mom and dad while trick or treating. Looking both ways before crossing the street. Making themselves visible to drivers by carrying a glow stick or flashlight or wearing a brightly colored costume. This is a great night to teach them not to take candy from strangers and to inspect ALL candy, even if it's from people you know, etc. This night isn't all about the devil and his evil plots on this day. You can teach your kids how to defeat the devil in more ways than just ignoring this holiday. The examples of lessons I've given up above, will do a great deal of damage to the devil and his plans on a daily basis. Just like God, he is at work every day of the year. No one day is any more important than any other. All days are crucial to him and his minions, because their days are numbered and they're running out of time.

[Zecryphon]

Halloween is not a religious day. It's just a day to have fun, nothing religious about it, there is no celebration of any birth or anything else related to anything anyone practices in any religion. There is no spiritual significance or side to it. In fact, what it's really doing is mocking evil and superstitions (not what I do, but what most do). I either take my kids trick or treating because it's a fun thing to do, just like taking them to an carnival or an easter egg hunt, or I shelter my children, and have all of these superstitions about halloween. (That's great for their spiritual life). Nor do I do it because I don't want to damage my children by not giving them what they want, I go just because it's fun. I had a lot of fun when I was a child. It was just a fun thing to do. In fact, I never heard anything bad about halloween until I started hearing from other christians and all their superstitions about it.
"Halloween is not a religious day. It's just a day to have fun, nothing religious about it, there is no celebration of any birth or anything else related to anything anyone practices in any religion. There is no spiritual significance or side to it. In fact, what it's really doing is mocking evil and superstitions (not what I do, but what most do). I either take my kids trick or treating because it's a fun thing to do, just like taking them to an carnival or an easter egg hunt, or I shelter my children, and have all of these superstitions about halloween. (That's great for their spiritual life). Nor do I do it because I don't want to damage my children by not giving them what they want, I go just because it's fun. I had a lot of fun when I was a child. It was just a fun thing to do. In fact, I never heard anything bad about halloween until I started hearing from other christians and all their superstitions about it."

So you're the one that has put VC Viking on the war path so to speak! LOL I wonder why he is attributing your statements about Halloween to me. It's all good. I've seen his kind before and they're easily set straight. No worries. I remember going trick or treating with my parents as a kid too. Just like you I never heard anything bad in a religious sense about Halloween. But I did hear all the hometown tales and urban legends about escaped mental patients with hooks for hands and that crazy old lady who put razor blades into apples and handed them out to kids. Ah, good times! LOL

[LJSGM]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Zecryphon
Because by celebrating Ramadan, you are worshipping another god (Allah) and following the instructions of his prophet (Muhammed) and reading a false gospel (The Quran). To do this you would have to be both a Christian and a member of Islam at the same time, you can't do it. Because if you are a practitioner of Islam you can not be a Christian, because you would be breaking the first commandment, of thou shalt have no other gods before me.



"Very good."

Thank you.

"So, I think the conclusion here is obvious. If you can't be a Christian and a Muslim at the same time, how can you be a Christian and a pagan at the same time?"

In my answer I explained how celebrating Ramadan would be a violation of the first commandment, 'thou shall have no other gods before me'. How does celebrating Halloween, as Americans understand it and celebrate it, automatically make you a Pagan? What god and goddess are being worshipped by Christians on that night by dressing up in a costume of their choosing? It doesn't have to be an evil costume, you could be an astronaut, and going door to door with their kids, if they have any, and trick or treating?

A Christian's true ministry is to his or her family first. So by dressing up with your kids on Halloween you are having a kind of fellowship with them, you are building your relationship with them further, and are making it stronger. Kids will remember going trick or treating with their parents probably for the rest of their lives. I still remember going with my parents when I was a little child.

Little children are not going to understand the theological implications or the possible spiritual dangers of celebrating Halloween as well as an older child or person would. One day you can tell them about the dangers of this holiday, but for now, enjoy this holiday with them. To me it's no different than telling them stories about the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. One day when they are older you will enlighten them to the truth, but let them be kids and participate in Halloween for their sake. It's not always about you, ya know. Don't get so wrapped up in your Christian walk and pleasing God that you ignore one of the greatest gifts God has bestowed upon you in your children.

This is also a day that can be used to teach them a lot of valuable lessons. Let's start with the costume selection. If they want to be a demon or something evil like that explain why that is not acceptable to God. Why not dress them up as Moses or Noah? Joseph would have quite the colorful costume, don't you think? As they get ready to go trick or treating on that night, have a family prayer before you leave the house. Pray for protection and wisdom and guidance from God on this night. Another lesson that can be taught is staying close to mom and dad while trick or treating. Looking both ways before crossing the street. Making themselves visible to drivers by carrying a glow stick or flashlight or wearing a brightly colored costume. This is a great night to teach them not to take candy from strangers and to inspect ALL candy, even if it's from people you know, etc. This night isn't all about the devil and his evil plots on this day. You can teach your kids how to defeat the devil in more ways than just ignoring this holiday. The examples of lessons I've given up above, will do a great deal of damage to the devil and his plans on a daily basis. Just like God, he is at work every day of the year. No one day is any more important than any other. All days are crucial to him and his minions, because their days are numbered and they're running out of time.
good post

[TankGirl]

Little children are not going to understand the theological implications or the possible spiritual dangers of celebrating Halloween as well as an older child or person would.

Exactly.

Little children don't understand the potential dangers of playing in traffic, which is why we protect them UNTIL THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH TO MAKE CHOICES FOR THEMSELVES!

[Zecryphon]

Exactly.

Little children don't understand the potential dangers of playing in traffic, which is why we protect them UNTIL THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH TO MAKE CHOICES FOR THEMSELVES!
Then do that. My whole point is that we should not be tearing each other down over this holiday. We should not be copping an attitude of spiritual superiority or saying that this person is more spiritually enlightened than another person because we choose to handle this day in different ways according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Satan is laughing his butt of right now at this division of Christians over a day that holds no more importance for him than any other day of the year. Well done all you spiritually enlightened people. You have once again served the devil instead of God. Are you happy now?

[TankGirl]

Then do that. My whole point is that we should not be tearing each other down over this holiday. We should not be copping an attitude of spiritual superiority or saying that this person is more spiritually enlightened than another person because we choose to handle this day in different ways according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Satan is laughing his butt of right now at this division of Christians over a day that holds no more importance for him than any other day of the year. Well done all you spiritually enlightened people. You have once again served the devil instead of God. Are you happy now?

I hope - indeed I'm absolutely certain - that I haven't done that at all. And I'm also pretty certain that I haven't in anyway served Satan by avoiding all appearance of evil (or doing the best I can in my daily walk!).

[Zecryphon]

I hope - indeed I'm absolutely certain - that I haven't done that at all. And I'm also pretty certain that I haven't in anyway served Satan by avoiding all appearance of evil (or doing the best I can in my daily walk!).
I never said it was you specifically did I? My point was that the devil is very pleased that we are all sitting here arguing about a day that is no more important to him than any other and we are tearing each other down with accusations of who is and who is not spiritually enlightened. In short, we're bickering instead of edifying. Do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do and let others do the same. Don't tear someone down because they participate in Halloween and are enjoying their freedom in Christ in this area. I'm sure there are things that you do, that others may not think are wholly Christian according to their own personal standard of what it means to be a Christian. Follow the Holy Spirit and let the naysayers talk themselves hoarse. Nothing is gained by this constant finger pointing and arguing.

[TankGirl]

I never said it was you specifically did I? My point was that the devil is very pleased that we are all sitting here arguing about a day that is no more important to him than any other and we are tearing each other down with accusations of who is and who is not spiritually enlightened. In short, we're bickering instead of edifying. Do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do and let others do the same. Don't tear someone down because they participate in Halloween and are enjoying their freedom in Christ in this area. I'm sure there are things that you do, that others may not think are wholly Christian according to their own personal standard of what it means to be a Christian. Follow the Holy Spirit and let the naysayers talk themselves hoarse. Nothing is gained by this constant finger pointing and arguing.

No, but you quoted me directly, then made those comments. I have made absolutely no allegations of spiritual superiority, haven't torn anyone down, pointed any fingers, nor suggested that I live some kind of spotlessly blameless life. And yet you've twice now quoted me & made accusations which don't apply to me. It would appear to anyone joining this thread that these accusations are directly aimed at me. And it appears that way to me, too.

[LJSGM]

It seems that most those that are opposed to halloween are outside of America, and I think the reason is that halloween isn't so much celibrated there and it isn't a tradition like it is in America, and certainly not a fun day like it is here. My husband is from New Zealand, and halloween is getting bigger, but still not a huge thing, and those that do anything on halloween are usually mischef makers, so it's understandably a not holiday that is any good in the citizen's minds. It's funny because instead celibrating halloween, New Zealanders celibrate Guy forks days on the 5th of november, which is like our fourth of july here with fireworks, and what they are celebrating is some guy hanging because he almost blew up England or something like that. It's funny. "remember, remember, the 5th of November"

[TankGirl]

It seems that most those that are opposed to halloween are outside of America, and I think the reason is that halloween isn't so much celibrated there and it isn't a tradition like it is in America, and certainly not a fun day like it is here. My husband is from New Zealand, and halloween is getting bigger, but still not a huge thing, and those that do anything on halloween are usually mischef makers, so it's understandably a not holiday that is any good in the citizen's minds. It's funny because instead celibrating halloween, New Zealanders celibrate Guy forks days on the 5th of november, which is like our fourth of july here with fireworks, and what they are celebrating is some guy hanging because he almost blew up England or something like that. It's funny. "remember, remember, the 5th of November"

Guy Fawkes was burnt at the stake for conspiring to blow up the Houses of Parliament :thumbsup:

And you're right, Halloween has horrible connotations of mischief-making here. Many elderly people suffer terribly from the fear of being attacked in their own homes. The police & many other organisations produce posters to place on the front doors of those who don't want to be bothered by kids banging on the doors after dark.

[Zecryphon]

No, but you quoted me directly, then made those comments. I have made absolutely no allegations of spiritual superiority, haven't torn anyone down, pointed any fingers, nor suggested that I live some kind of spotlessly blameless life. And yet you've twice now quoted me & made accusations which don't apply to me. It would appear to anyone joining this thread that these accusations are directly aimed at me. And it appears that way to me, too.
"No, but you quoted me directly, then made those comments. I have made absolutely no allegations of spiritual superiority, haven't torn anyone down, pointed any fingers, nor suggested that I live some kind of spotlessly blameless life. And yet you've twice now quoted me & made accusations which don't apply to me. It would appear to anyone joining this thread that these accusations are directly aimed at me. And it appears that way to me, too."

For the record the comments I made about serving the devil and bickering were pointed at all of us, myself included. As to the comments about spiritual superiority and finger pointing that goes out to VC Viking and a couple of others who have made comments similar to his.

[elsbeth]

Halloween is not a religious day. It's just a day to have fun, nothing religious about it, there is no celebration of any birth or anything else related to anything anyone practices in any religion. There is no spiritual significance or side to it. In fact, what it's really doing is mocking evil and superstitions (not what I do, but what most do)...In fact, I never heard anything bad about halloween until I started hearing from other christians and all their superstitions about it.
This is my position, too. Halloween doesn't celebrate evil, it originally was intended to ward off evil, and nowdays pretty much makes fun of it. I never heard anything bad about it until we moved to a conservative small town.

[TankGirl]

"No, but you quoted me directly, then made those comments. I have made absolutely no allegations of spiritual superiority, haven't torn anyone down, pointed any fingers, nor suggested that I live some kind of spotlessly blameless life. And yet you've twice now quoted me & made accusations which don't apply to me. It would appear to anyone joining this thread that these accusations are directly aimed at me. And it appears that way to me, too."

For the record the comments I made about serving the devil and bickering were pointed at all of us, myself included. As to the comments about spiritual superiority and finger pointing that goes out to VC Viking and a couple of others who have made comments similar to his.

Apology accepted ;)

[Starcrystal]

I neither celebrate it or not celebrate it. If kids came to our door I'd give them candy. But I wouldn't let my kid dress up as a demon, devil or other evil monster.

[SoldierOfTheKing]

QUOTE=Zechryphon]
How does celebrating Halloween, as Americans understand it and celebrate it, automatically make you a Pagan?
[/quote]

How does celebrating Ramadan, automatically make you a Muslim? It doesn't but there is no good reason for any non-Muslim to celebrate it.


What god and goddess are being worshipped by Christians on that night by dressing up in a costume of their choosing?


The Celtic gods and goddesses that the Druids used to worship when they celebrated that holiday.


It doesn't have to be an evil costume, you could be an astronaut, and going door to door with their kids, if they have any, and trick or treating?


It doesn't matter what kind of costume it is. You're already in violation of the First Commandment by celebrating the day at all.


A Christian's true ministry is to his or her family first. So by dressing up with your kids on Halloween you are having a kind of fellowship with them, you are building your relationship with them further, and are making it stronger. Kids will remember going trick or treating with their parents probably for the rest of their lives. I still remember going with my parents when I was a little child.


So anything is lawful as long as it helps you to bond with your children? Is that the position you are taking?


Little children are not going to understand the theological implications or the possible spiritual dangers of celebrating Halloween as well as an older child or person would.


All the more reason why it is a parent's duty to Christian parent's duty not to allow their children to take part in it.


One day you can tell them about the dangers of this holiday, but for now, enjoy this holiday with them. To me it's no different than telling them stories about the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus.


It's no different to me either, but as I said, I won't get into that here. It's off the topic of this thread, in any case.


One day when they are older you will enlighten them to the truth, but let them be kids and participate in Halloween for their sake. It's not always about you, ya know.


That's right, it's not about me. It's about GOD.


Don't get so wrapped up in your Christian walk and pleasing God that you ignore one of the greatest gifts God has bestowed upon you in your children.


Don't get too wrapped up in your Christian walk and pleasing God. Wow. Also, if you're going to call Halloween a gift from God, I expect Scriptural support for that.


Just like God, he (the devil) is at work every day of the year. No one day is any more important than any other. All days are crucial to him and his minions, because their days are numbered and they're running out of time.


So why the undue attention to this particular day?


My whole point is that we should not be tearing each other down over this holiday.


It is not tearing down to speak the truth in love.


We should not be copping an attitude of spiritual superiority or saying that this person is more spiritually enlightened than another person because we choose to handle this day in different ways according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.


Was there ever an unbiblical practice under the sun that wasn't justified by the "leading of the Holy Spirit"? The only biblical way of handling this day is not to pay any regard at all. What part of "no other gods before me" don't you understand?

[LJSGM]

How does celebrating Ramadan, automatically make you a Muslim? It doesn't but there is no good reason for any non-Muslim to celebrate it.



The Celtic gods and goddesses that the Druids used to worship when they celebrated that holiday.



It doesn't matter what kind of costume it is. You're already in violation of the First Commandment by celebrating the day at all.



So anything is lawful as long as it helps you to bond with your children? Is that the position you are taking?



All the more reason why it is a parent's duty to Christian parent's duty not to allow their children to take part in it.



It's no different to me either, but as I said, I won't get into that here. It's off the topic of this thread, in any case.



That's right, it's not about me. It's about GOD.



Don't get too wrapped up in your Christian walk and pleasing God. Wow. Also, if you're going to call Halloween a gift from God, I expect Scriptural support for that.



So why the undue attention to this particular day?



It is not tearing down to speak the truth in love.



Was there ever an unbiblical practice under the sun that wasn't justified by the "leading of the Holy Spirit"? The only biblical way of handling this day is not to pay any regard at all. What part of "no other gods before me" don't you understand?



I hope that you don't celebrate the traditional christmas or easter then, otherwise you would be a hypocrite.

[Zecryphon]

QUOTE=Zechryphon]
How does celebrating Halloween, as Americans understand it and celebrate it, automatically make you a Pagan?


How does celebrating Ramadan, automatically make you a Muslim? It doesn't but there is no good reason for any non-Muslim to celebrate it.



The Celtic gods and goddesses that the Druids used to worship when they celebrated that holiday.



It doesn't matter what kind of costume it is. You're already in violation of the First Commandment by celebrating the day at all.



So anything is lawful as long as it helps you to bond with your children? Is that the position you are taking?



All the more reason why it is a parent's duty to Christian parent's duty not to allow their children to take part in it.



It's no different to me either, but as I said, I won't get into that here. It's off the topic of this thread, in any case.



That's right, it's not about me. It's about GOD.



Don't get too wrapped up in your Christian walk and pleasing God. Wow. Also, if you're going to call Halloween a gift from God, I expect Scriptural support for that.



So why the undue attention to this particular day?



It is not tearing down to speak the truth in love.



Was there ever an unbiblical practice under the sun that wasn't justified by the "leading of the Holy Spirit"? The only biblical way of handling this day is not to pay any regard at all. What part of "no other gods before me" don't you understand?


[/quote]
"How does celebrating Ramadan, automatically make you a Muslim?"

It doesn't make you a Muslim. Muslim is a nationality, it would however make you part of the Islamic religion.

"It doesn't but there is no good reason for any non-Muslim to celebrate it."

You mean non-Islamic person. You can be Muslim and celebrate Christmas. I believe you have your terminology confused.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Zechryphon
What god and goddess are being worshipped by Christians on that night by dressing up in a costume of their choosing?




"The Celtic gods and goddesses that the Druids used to worship when they celebrated that holiday."

Do you have something in the way of a name, perhaps?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Zechryphon
It doesn't have to be an evil costume, you could be an astronaut, and going door to door with their kids, if they have any, and trick or treating?




"It doesn't matter what kind of costume it is. You're already in violation of the First Commandment by celebrating the day at all."

It's not a religious holiday. It is a day to celebrate the harvest and has significance for Pagans. Some Pagans used to do rituals to ward off evil, not attract it. You are not my judge when it comes to which commandment I have violated.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Zechryphon
A Christian's true ministry is to his or her family first. So by dressing up with your kids on Halloween you are having a kind of fellowship with them, you are building your relationship with them further, and are making it stronger. Kids will remember going trick or treating with their parents probably for the rest of their lives. I still remember going with my parents when I was a little child.




"So anything is lawful as long as it helps you to bond with your children? Is that the position you are taking?"

Actually, the position I'm taking is that you're looking for a fight. Keep looking.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Zechryphon
Little children are not going to understand the theological implications or the possible spiritual dangers of celebrating Halloween as well as an older child or person would.




"All the more reason why it is a parent's duty to Christian parent's duty not to allow their children to take part in it."

That is up to the parent to decide, not you and not me.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Zechryphon
One day when they are older you will enlighten them to the truth, but let them be kids and participate in Halloween for their sake. It's not always about you, ya know.




"That's right, it's not about me. It's about GOD."

If it's about God why are you beating a dead horse over this issue with me?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Zechryphon
Don't get so wrapped up in your Christian walk and pleasing God that you ignore one of the greatest gifts God has bestowed upon you in your children.




"Don't get too wrapped up in your Christian walk and pleasing God. Wow. Also, if you're going to call Halloween a gift from God, I expect Scriptural support for that."

And I expect you to get a grip and stop looking for a fight. You're trying to make an issue where there really is no issue. Don't you have anything better to do?


Quote:
Originally Posted by Zechryphon
Just like God, he (the devil) is at work every day of the year. No one day is any more important than any other. All days are crucial to him and his minions, because their days are numbered and they're running out of time.




"So why the undue attention to this particular day?"

You tell me. You're the one making an issue out of it. I've told people to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit on this one and stop all the finger pointing, judging and name calling.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Zechryphon
My whole point is that we should not be tearing each other down over this holiday.

"It is not tearing down to speak the truth in love."

Try it some time. I'm not getting "love" out of this post.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Zechryphon
We should not be copping an attitude of spiritual superiority or saying that this person is more spiritually enlightened than another person because we choose to handle this day in different ways according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.




"Was there ever an unbiblical practice under the sun that wasn't justified by the "leading of the Holy Spirit"? The only biblical way of handling this day is not to pay any regard at all. What part of "no other gods before me" don't you understand?"

To worship another god you have to know which one you are worshipping and why. You have no other names of gods that are being worshipped by celebrating Halloween. "the ones celebrated by Druids on that day" just doesn't really cut it. You say the only Biblical way to handle it is not to pay it any attention at all. So the reason for your picking apart of my post is what again?

PS

If you're gonna quote me it's spelled Zecryphon not ZECHRYPHON

[VCViking]

"Jokingly or not, a little condescending are we?"

I don't think so.

"Yet all 17 years of herself has more discernment in spiritual matters. She maybe be 17 but she has the discernment to know that halloween is evil and not harmless."

And you have the gall to call me condescending? Typical Christian. Condemn a behavior in a brother and exhibit the same behavior yourself. When did I say it was harmless?


Yes, you were condescending.

My intention was not to be so I apologize if it came out that way. I do feel she does have more discernment in spiritual matters than you and others here due to the fact she sees the spiritual harm halloween causes.

A holiday where kids dress up in costumes, go trick or treating with their parents or friends, so they are either participating in quality time with their families or having fellowship with their friends.

I have never dressed up as a witch, warlock or demon. I have most often dressed up as Steve 'Sting" Borden from WCW and now TNA wrestling. This year I plan on being the Pope.



Sounds like you think it's harmless.

[VCViking]

Quote:
Originally Posted by VCViking http://www3.foru.ms/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://foru.ms/showthread.php?p=39224381#post39224381)
So wicca is ok?


I didn't say that. You are drawing a faulty conclusion. I have said that there are severe consequences in Wicca for practicing evil magick against other people. Never did I say the practice of Wicca is okay.

[VCViking]

Originally Posted by VCViking http://www3.foru.ms/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://foru.ms/showthread.php?p=39224381#post39224381)
So wicca is ok?



Quote:
I didn't say that. You are drawing a faulty conclusion. I have said that there are severe consequences in Wicca for practicing evil magick against other people. Never did I say the practice of Wicca is okay.




Believe me, the number of witches that are actively cursing people is very low. Wicca and other nature based religions are all about harmony and balance. The cursing of others is strictly prohibited in Wicca and there are very strong consequences for using such magick against others.




I didn't say you said it but it appears you implied it.

[VCViking]

So you're the one that has put VC Viking on the war path so to speak! LOL I wonder why he is attributing your statements about Halloween to me. It's all good. I've seen his kind before and they're easily set straight. No worries.



As to the comments about spiritual superiority and finger pointing that goes out to VC Viking and a couple of others who have made comments similar to his.

Who is the one who thinks they're superior?

[Zecryphon]

Yes, you were condescending.

My intention was not to be so I apologize if it came out that way. I do feel she does have more discernment in spiritual matters than you and others here due to the fact she sees the spiritual harm halloween causes.







Sounds like you think it's harmless.
"Yes, you were condescending."

If you say so.

"My intention was not to be so I apologize if it came out that way. I do feel she does have more discernment in spiritual matters than you and others here due to the fact she sees the spiritual harm halloween causes."

So the criteria for deciding who has "spiritual discernment", is who thinks Halloween is spiritually damaging? Good to know. I'll have to make a note of that.


Quote:
A holiday where kids dress up in costumes, go trick or treating with their parents or friends, so they are either participating in quality time with their families or having fellowship with their friends.



Quote:
I have never dressed up as a witch, warlock or demon. I have most often dressed up as Steve 'Sting" Borden from WCW and now TNA wrestling. This year I plan on being the Pope.




"Sounds like you think it's harmless."

Prove otherwise. All we have from you is an accusation of me being condescending and another accusation of me and others not being mature in the area of "spiritual discernment" because we disagree with you and the another poster over Halloween.

Two accusations and zero proof of your claim that Halloween is in fact, spiritually damaging. Therefore, I have no reason based upon what you have presented here to change my mind about the spiritual implications of this day.

Tell me do these tactics work with other people? The problem you have with your approach to changing people's minds about this, is that you want to equate what the holiday was in other times and places with what it is now, and say that if you celebrate Halloween you are worshipping other gods and goddeses, the names and attributes of whom you don't seem to know, and you just can't do that, because that's not being honest. The holiday as it is practiced today by the majority of people, is dressing up in a costume and going trick or treating. It is not celebrated in the Pagan way, whatever that means, because it will vary depending on which Pagan group you are talking about, according to their rituatls and/or customs. Now there may be some who do celebrate it that way, but I don't think you've been talking to any of them in this thread.

[Zecryphon]

Who is the one who thinks they're superior?
That would be you. Don't dish it if you can't take it. It's clear to me that you are not here to actually discuss anything but rather promote your view as the only enlightened one and accuse people of being condescending and not mature in spiritual discernment, when they disagree with you. Good bye.

[Zecryphon]

Originally Posted by VCViking http://www3.foru.ms/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://foru.ms/showthread.php?p=39224381#post39224381)
So wicca is ok?








I didn't say you said it but it appears you implied it.


It doesn't even come across as an implication. I never said practicing Wicca is okay. I simply told you what the religion teaches in regards to evil magick and what the religion believes. I never once said practice was okay. It's okay to say you were wrong about my post. It's not gonna kill you.

[VCViking]

First off, your attitude stinks. \

Second, if you or anyone else cannot see the spiritual damage to Halloween, the you need to pray of spiritual discernment.

[VCViking]

That would be you. Don't dish it if you can't take it. It's clear to me that you are not here to actually discuss anything but rather promote your view as the only enlightened one and accuse people of being condescending and not mature in spiritual discernment, when they disagree with you. Good bye.


I can take it and am. I'm not the one who attacked someone because of their age and thought, I'll show them. Isn't this your statement:


It's all good. I've seen his kind before and they're easily set straight. No worries.


You state that I think I'm spiritually superior but you make this statement.
I'm not going to respond in the same manner and attitude as you did to me.

I posted here to express the spiritual damage that Halloween has and I only stated the obvious. I don't want other believers who are not sure of Halloween and what it stands for to think it is ok. It is not ok, it is evil.

[VCViking]

I never said practicing Wicca is okay. I simply told you what the religion teaches in regards to evil magick and what the religion believes. .


If you think that wicca is only about harmony and balance, then you are being deceived. Of course that is what they want everyone to believe. Remember, Satan is the father of lies.

[VCViking]

Prove otherwise. All we have from you is an accusation of me being condescending and another accusation of me and others not being mature in the area of "spiritual discernment" because we disagree with you and the another poster over Halloween.

Two accusations and zero proof of your claim that Halloween is in fact, spiritually damaging. Therefore, I have no reason based upon what you have presented here to change my mind about the spiritual implications of this day.

Tell me do these tactics work with other people? The problem you have with your approach to changing people's minds about this, is that you want to equate what the holiday was in other times and places with what it is now, and say that if you celebrate Halloween you are worshipping other gods and goddeses, the names and attributes of whom you don't seem to know, and you just can't do that, because that's not being honest. The holiday as it is practiced today by the majority of people, is dressing up in a costume and going trick or treating. It is not celebrated in the Pagan way, whatever that means, because it will vary depending on which Pagan group you are talking about, according to their rituatls and/or customs. Now there may be some who do celebrate it that way, but I don't think you've been talking to any of them in this thread.

Maybe this might change your mind and others maybe it will not but I did recently talk w/ someone who knows this lifestyle but than most here.

A brother in the Lord, we'll call him Cee, runs a prison ministry and on Wed. nights he teaches a Bible study to ex-cons who are released and are born again Christians.

About 9 months ago he told me of a guy, we'll call him Bob, who just started coming to the Bible study and after about 4 weeks of coming, Bob approached Cee after the study cursing and swearing at him. Bob explained to him he is a satanist and a high priest at that. He was invited to the study and we he came he began to put curses and hexes on Cee but they were not working. Bob could not understand it. Cee explained to him that he can't curse him because he is a child of God, a true, born again Christian and his curses have no effect on a true believer of Jesus.

Glory be to God because Bob got saved and has been going to the study for about 9 months now.

After our discussions here, I asked Cee id he could ask Bob what the real deal is with Halloween to satanists. Cee called me back 10 minutes later and gave the phone to Bob. I asked Bob is Halloween really a holy night for satanists or is it just another so-so holiday? I asked him about satanism and wicca and what they are really about or is what the world is telling you a sugar coating? Bob says to me, "I'm not proud of this but I sacrificed a few virgins in my past. I'm not proud of it and I've never been convicted of murder but I'm not proud of it. Everything you hear is front and it's a very holy night for satanists and wiccans." I asked him about wicca and he stated all you hear about harmony and nature is a front, a sugar coating.

Our conversation ended because his Bible study was starting. I have no reason to make this up and I highly doubt he does to. If you think there is no spiritual damage from Halloween that's fine, but satanists and wiccans do.

A very good book on this is Lucifer Dethroned.

3 John 1:11 "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil."


Psalm 34:14 "Depart from evil and do good"


Excellent articles on the subject matter:

http://logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/halloween.htm (http://logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/halloween.htm)

http://www.johnankerberg.org/Questio...-Halloween.htm (http://www.johnankerberg.org/Question-of-the-Week/question-of-the-week-Halloween.htm)

[VCViking]

And I'm all for giving out Gospel tracts on Halloween.

[bithiah2]

i have never liked it,:sick:
since we knew nothing about it i never participated in it as a kid. they are just now getting into halloween over and away.
i don't like the spirit behind it.:eek: haunted houses, graves, dead things, monsters, blood and gore, i don't see God anywhere in it. and it bothers me when churches take the kids to scary-land or whatever they call it. then they want to take the same kids and lay hands on them, and wonder why they don't praise the Lord. :confused: they are confused!
whoever wants to observe halloween, have at it. i hate the devil too much to honor his day. people have halloween decorations, and get started early, making their yards look like graveyards. you cannot celebrate christmas in public schools but you can celebrate halloween.
bithiah2:mad:

[ALiberalTeen]

I can't believe some of this! it's just a holiday to make children smile and give them candy, gosh!

[Zecryphon]

If you think that wicca is only about harmony and balance, then you are being deceived. Of course that is what they want everyone to believe. Remember, Satan is the father of lies.
"If you think that wicca is only about harmony and balance, then you are being deceived. Of course that is what they want everyone to believe. Remember, Satan is the father of lies."

I suppose you're gonna tell me it's Satanic, right? Dude, I've read the Satanic Bible twice, believe me it ain't Satanic. But that doesn't mean it's good either.

[Zecryphon]

Maybe this might change your mind and others maybe it will not but I did recently talk w/ someone who knows this lifestyle but than most here.

A brother in the Lord, we'll call him Cee, runs a prison ministry and on Wed. nights he teaches a Bible study to ex-cons who are released and are born again Christians.

About 9 months ago he told me of a guy, we'll call him Bob, who just started coming to the Bible study and after about 4 weeks of coming, Bob approached Cee after the study cursing and swearing at him. Bob explained to him he is a satanist and a high priest at that. He was invited to the study and we he came he began to put curses and hexes on Cee but they were not working. Bob could not understand it. Cee explained to him that he can't curse him because he is a child of God, a true, born again Christian and his curses have no effect on a true believer of Jesus.

Glory be to God because Bob got saved and has been going to the study for about 9 months now.

After our discussions here, I asked Cee id he could ask Bob what the real deal is with Halloween to satanists. Cee called me back 10 minutes later and gave the phone to Bob. I asked Bob is Halloween really a holy night for satanists or is it just another so-so holiday? I asked him about satanism and wicca and what they are really about or is what the world is telling you a sugar coating? Bob says to me, "I'm not proud of this but I sacrificed a few virgins in my past. I'm not proud of it and I've never been convicted of murder but I'm not proud of it. Everything you hear is front and it's a very holy night for satanists and wiccans." I asked him about wicca and he stated all you hear about harmony and nature is a front, a sugar coating.

Our conversation ended because his Bible study was starting. I have no reason to make this up and I highly doubt he does to. If you think there is no spiritual damage from Halloween that's fine, but satanists and wiccans do.

A very good book on this is Lucifer Dethroned.

3 John 1:11 "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil."


Psalm 34:14 "Depart from evil and do good"


Excellent articles on the subject matter:

http://logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/halloween.htm (http://logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/halloween.htm)

http://www.johnankerberg.org/Questio...-Halloween.htm (http://www.johnankerberg.org/Question-of-the-Week/question-of-the-week-Halloween.htm)
Nothing more than hearsay. Not impressed, and the sacrificing of a few virgins is something that the church has always thrown out there as being the trademark of Satanic ritual. It isn't. I'll tell you what, you keep seeing evil and demons around every corner, and I'll celebrate Reformation Day and we can both go our way in peace.

[VCViking]

Nothing more than hearsay. Not impressed, and the sacrificing of a few virgins is something that the church has always thrown out there as being the trademark of Satanic ritual. It isn't. I'll tell you what, you keep seeing evil and demons around every corner, and I'll celebrate Reformation Day and we can both go our way in peace.


Say what you will and believe what you must but it is the truth.

[Zecryphon]

Say what you will and believe what you must but it is the truth.
And you do the same.

[SoldierOfTheKing]

"I asked him about satanism and wicca and what they are really about or is what the world is telling you a sugar coating? Bob says to me, "I'm not proud of this but I sacrificed a few virgins in my past. I'm not proud of it and I've never been convicted of murder but I'm not proud of it. Everything you hear is front and it's a very holy night for satanists and wiccans."


Did either you or Cee call in this man to turn himself in for the murders he committed?

[Shiversblood]

There is nothing wrong with wanting to celebrate one of your country's holidays. I don't know about you but my God never said Halloween was evil. When do we know when these guys cross the line and are just simply uptight? Its not a wiccan relgion thing or pagan. And its not like its a sin to put a pitcure of a witch on your window and some cob web or a gravestone in your front yard, its just means you have the holiday spirit.

[Noir]

I like this verse by John 17:18-19 when it spoke of Jesus. "18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth" and another one by Luke 19:10 that says "for the Son of Man (Jesus) has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

I'm not saying anything whether Halloween is a holiday that should or shouldn't be celebrated, but that each day is a gift from God and that we should share it with everyone in our own world (which means our neighborhoods or wherever we live in) whether they know about Jesus or not, to show that we love our neighbors and that we are not swayed by any false information out there. We are to be witnesses to other people, to demonstrate our fruits of the spirit. We are alive in Christ, so we are free to enjoy whatever it is as long as we show and share the Truth with others. Halloween may be a good reason to be involved and share truth of God's Word with others who may not be aware the true meaning behind Halloween or any other holidays we have in America. Truth is like a sword that cuts through any confusion, lies, or superstition (thanks to Satan). I already knew the truth in Jesus because it set me free so I look at any holiday as a good excuse to go out and share this truth to everyone because Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves because He loved us first. We shouldn't be afraid of Halloween or anything that imitates evil because we have truth in us, don't we? How you interpret this is up to you. We can set the record straight so we can stand apart from the world since we are NOT of this world.

[PreachersWife2004]

On Halloween, my husband and I turn out the lights on our front porch, load the kids up and go trick-or-treating with my brother and his kids in his neighborhood, which is much safer than ours.

This is after we've picked up the kids from their Lutheran school where they had a costume party (no costumes that glorify evil or death are allowed) and ate lots of cupcakes (without nuts, ya know).

After we're done trick-or-treating we sit on the floor and hubby and I go through the babies' bags because they're really too young for candy. We trade our oldest for candy we like, and then we gorge for awhile, then we go home.

One year our area Reformation service fell on the same day as Halloween. At the get-together at the pastor's house afterwards, all the PKs went out in their costumes and trick-or-treated in his neighborhood. He, my husband and three other pastors went with them...my husband had on his "nerd" costume and another pastor decided to dress up as Martin Luther.

Our devotion on Halloween night before bed is to read the story of Martin Luther, who nailed the 95 thesis on Oct. 31 (some say Nov. 1, I tend to go with Oct. 31). We talk about how much the reformation changed the way we worship and the way we view God. We say Luther's evening prayer, the "Now I lay me down to sleep" prayer, and then Jesus Loves Me. Hubby then blesses the children and they go to bed. And then we follow not too long after.

That's how we celebrate it, and that's how we'll always celebrate it.

[VCViking]

On Halloween, my husband and I turn out the lights on our front porch, load the kids up and go trick-or-treating with my brother and his kids in his neighborhood, which is much safer than ours.

This is after we've picked up the kids from their Lutheran school where they had a costume party (no costumes that glorify evil or death are allowed) and ate lots of cupcakes (without nuts, ya know).

After we're done trick-or-treating we sit on the floor and hubby and I go through the babies' bags because they're really too young for candy. We trade our oldest for candy we like, and then we gorge for awhile, then we go home.

One year our area Reformation service fell on the same day as Halloween. At the get-together at the pastor's house afterwards, all the PKs went out in their costumes and trick-or-treated in his neighborhood. He, my husband and three other pastors went with them...my husband had on his "nerd" costume and another pastor decided to dress up as Martin Luther.

That's how we celebrate it, and that's how we'll always celebrate it.


Very sad. It's sad that some Pastors have no discernment in this type of area.

[VCViking]

Very good post Noir. I agree. We should s