Is Halloween for Christians?

Happy Halloween?

Divided over Halloween

Despite our great unity that we have in our faith, it seems that Christians are always divided over particular issues. And, certainly, one of those is whether participating in Halloween is right or not.

In fact, I’m sure that posts holding to various views on Christian involvement in Halloween are written annually around this time of the year, and probably even as we speak, to try and influence people one way or another. But, is there a right Christian response? Is there a clear Biblical answer to this issue? Does asking, “What would Jesus do?” resolve this issue once and for all?

Once in a while, you know that you are writing something that is probably going to open up a hornets’ nest. And, because of the topic, I don’t think that I have to be a prophet to expect that this post will garner more page views than many others that I have written. Nevertheless, my intention is certainly not to make waves for the sake of it, nor simply to gain page views. Rather, I hope that more openness to one another is kindled through this post and in a way that it effects not only Halloween, but also other areas of our lives where we find ourselves divided over issues of conscience. (I hear the hornets buzzing!)

Doesn’t Your Conscience Tell You?

Some don’t participate in Halloween because their healthy consciences won’t let them, while others participate out of a healthy conscience without entertaining evil. (I would say that my wife and I are split into these two categories). And, like a pendulum with its extremes, some even participate out of a brazen spirit with seared consciences, while others participate in an attempt to reach their neighbors with the love of God and the message of the gospel.

Some choose to pray for their neighborhoods at a time when evil can increase, while others watch horror movies, claiming a strong faith and a clear conscience. Some simply see the opportunity to have fun with their kids, while others choose to let the day be of no consequence in their lives.

We are in the World, but not of the World

Some give themselves license to be involved by claiming that they are in the world, but not of it. Some of them do this by the Spirit’s leading while others do it regardless of the Spirit’s leading. Conversely, others use the same verse as a reason not to participate. Again, some don’t participate regardless of the Spirits leading, while others don’t participate by the Spirit’s leading.

Some recognize an opportunity to witness through healthy participation, while others recognize an opportunity to witness through non-participation. Each can argue forever over the merits of the way that they have taken, but let the Spirit guide you individually in the works that God has for you, for God will judge His servants.

Maybe some of our consciences are seared toward the evil around Halloween and we fail to see how much we are dancing with the devil. Maybe some consciences are unable to see room for participation that can contribute to healthy engagement in the fun and festivities.

Let God be Your Guide

This Halloween, let neither legalism nor license be your guide, but let the Spirit of God apply the word of God in your particular life situation. Also, let’s give each other the freedom to discover for ourselves what is best in our particular life situation and let’s not presume to know what is best for one another.

While different opinions over various issues of conscience may always be amongst us, it is in the way that we handle one another rather than our particular position that is a testimony to Christ.

Rob