Halloween and All Saints Day

Article about Sowing Seeds of Faith and Internet Ministry

“Halloween & All Saints Day 2: Reader Response"

Last week's article brought a huge response. As is our custom we try to share some of those responses with you. In order to share as many as possible each individual response has been heavily edited bit I hope you find this helpful. Next week, I will respond.

“Like you, I was brought up trick or treating, although we were taught NEVER to trick anyone. The worst thing was when a bunch of boys piled up beer cans they found in front of a store. Kids mostly wanted to be together, walking the streets and getting their fill of candy.” Unknown

“My son goes to public school. He has made an informed choice to NOT participate in Halloween and is proud of it. We take October 31 off so he does not have to be around the "festivities" at school and we spend a very special family day together. If more families would do this instead of spending all their hard earned money on demonic decorations, costumes, and junk food they would find their family growing closer as a unit and to the Lord.” Carol

”This is wonderful. I have always been confused by Halloween but because it was such fun for me as a child, it was something that I could not take away from my kids. The thought of telling them they couldn't dress up and all would upset me.” Valerie

“I beg to differ... As C.S. Lewis said, “Satan's favorite lie is to make us either believe he doesn't exist or that he is some silly, superstition-based character in a red suit with horns and a pitchfork.” All Saints Day is another matter. From Mark to Martin Luther to my mother, the saints of old deserve my respect, my honor and my thanks to God. Now, THAT'S worth celebrating!” Larry

“I remember a certain prankster, a case of toilet paper and a tube of “Bryle Cream” that ended up on one poor devil's car windows.” Bud (Oops! This one is personal.)

“It is obvious that you have not dealt with anyone caught up in Satanism. I am dealing with two girls who walked that road and believe me we won't be celebrating Halloween.” Carolyn

“I like Halloween and the candy is good but do you know why I like it? Because it is my birthday! One of the ladies in my prayer group says ‘you are the best thing that came out of that day.’ Another friend says, ‘I am a treat instead of a trick.’ Now you know two good things about Halloween: candy and one little Canadian prayer warrior. I am not a witch, a goblin, or anything evil. I am a kind-hearted, pure little lady who is waiting for the right Christian man to marry.” Joy

“I feel you are really being shallow on this issue. Halloween is a Pagan holiday. We should be teaching the real roots and not a short version to sugar coat it.” Mike

“Certainly Halloween can be fun, as it was for me but for others, it is entirely different. I knew a girl once involved with Satanists. For her, Halloween carried a haunting meaning. She was deeply hurt by churches that celebrated this day with Halloween Parties. "Why would they want to celebrate a day that is a celebration for Satan?" As a pastor, I try to be sensitive to others with her background. I am very hesitant to have a "Halloween Party," with haunted houses etc. I would not want to cause pain and misunderstanding for someone who knows first hand the horrors Halloween can hold.” Charles

“What about the Bible saying to stay away from witchcraft and wizards? Putting on some of the costumes that are out today seems to cross that line. What about the people who dress up just to scare kids? A party to celebrate the Saints? That's a great idea. A party full of witches and such? I don't think we're sending the right message.” Ray

“I began my walk with Christ four years ago and it has changed my life. However, my very close-knit family celebrates EVERY holiday with vigor and I was raised LOVING Halloween. Some of my favorite memories were with my Dad carving Jack o' Lanterns. Unfortunately, after I became a Christian and went to work at a Christian School I was informed of how evil my family was for celebrating such a pagan holiday. How could I suddenly reject what was such a wonderful time in my life? THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for letting me know I'm not the only Christian who loves Halloween. Because of you I can celebrate with my kids this year and not feel guilty!” Julie

Is there an appropriate way to respond to Halloween? For the exciting conclusion: Halloween and Wine: Judgment or Ministry? Click Here

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Last modified October 31, 2001.

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