Let's talk about Halloween.
This will be a topic of "agree to disagree" for most Christians, likely from now on. And that's quite alright, so long as that disagreement is handled biblically. This is just one persons opinion, based on my own convictions.
So here's the question: is it ok for faith practicing Christians to participate in Halloween or no?
This is a question I have been asked many times over the years, with folks seeking genuine guidance. So let’s get into it.
October 31 Belongs to the Lord, no different than any other day, this day also belongs to Him.
So in that vein, I want to respectfully challenge the idea that a Christian family dressing up and handing out candy is automatically participating in some level of agreement or endorsement of darkness.
That said, this doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t apply some guardrails, but isn’t that true for nearly everything in life?
A child pretending to be a policeman, a princess, or a favorite cartoon character is doing exactly that, pretending. A costume does not automatically become an act of worship simply because the calendar says October 31. Kids have no idea of this origin, nor do they care. Children only know what they are taught, and they abide by the rules and guardrails that they are provided with. It's OUR responsibility to lay the framework and the groundwork for what it was, is, and should be.
In 1 Corinthians 8–10, Paul distinguishes eating food associated with idols from actually participating in idolatry. He permits ordinary eating while explicitly forbidding fellowship with demons. The distinction is association with a sinful practice does not make every surrounding activity sinful.
Christians must reject witchcraft, divination, and participation in occult practices (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). We should obviously avoid promoting or endorsing darkness, evil, and violence. But welcoming neighbors, giving children candy, and sharing Christian trinkets, along with the gospel of Jesus are different activities.
Why bury our heads in the sand? Why not reclaim and redeem the opportunity without embracing the evil? Why not tell of the story of something that once had a bad origin, but has been overcome and redeemed by care and kindness toward neighbors and children… and in a way that children are recognized and appreciated, and their imaginations are applauded while kindness continues to overcome the theme of evil?
On a night when neighbors willingly walk to our doors with their families, we have an opportunity to practice hospitality, build relationships, offer prayer, and proclaim the gospel. We can give generously, love sincerely, and make Jesus known.
That is what I mean by redeeming Halloween: taking an occasion often associated with darkness and using it to serve the purposes of Christ. Any one can claim something, that doesn't make it theirs.
“The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof. -Psalm 24:1
October 31 is no different. It’s what we make of it, how we view it, how we teach it, and how we celebrate it.
If your conscience will not allow you to participate, by all means, honor that conviction. Recognize too though, Romans 14 also teaches us to avoid despising or judging one another over disputable matters. Christian freedom must operate through love, with care for another person’s conscience.
No one is required to refrain or to participate in such a holiday. This isn’t a primary (salvation) issue. So the key here is to recognize that we do not, nor should we, all operate all by the exact same convictions; though we should honor one another for observing those that each may have.
I believe strongly that a family can honor Jesus through wholesome participation and intentional outreach. I believe we can educate our kids and continue to change the purpose and perspective of this holiday. Why avoid it... what does this accomplish? Let’s embrace it with the passion of the gospel and use this day as a chance to promote God’s love and His character, to redeem something meant for evil, as good.
Many of us pray for opportunities to reach our neighbors; this is a unique opportunity for exactly that… when they come knocking, be ready with kindness, generosity, and the good news of Jesus. This day belongs to Him also, not unlike every other day we will experience. This is a day that the Lord has made…. Don’t shut down and allow the world to run amuck outside of your doors; no bird with their head in the sand ever made a difference. Choose to use this Halloween wisely and with purpose. And encourage your children’s imagination; teach them about pretending. God gave us an imagination and can often work through this in our lives, we just need to understand the appropriate guardrails.
Let me also encourage you with this… as with anything that we may have concern or question about, let's take it to the source… carry it in prayer. Use biblical discernment and be kind to others who may be doing the same.
As for me and my house, we’ll redeem every moment possible, regardless of the day or event, turning what was meant for evil into something wholesome and God-centered.
~Devin
Devin Osborne
The Early Church
