Here is the link I posted that tells about Halloween origins and customs. Every Christians needs to read this. Below is my status message on FB and the replies from it.
My status message: Everyone needs to know the history of this day. The decision to not participate in anything Halloween related for me is all about not compromising, being set apart from the "world" as a Christ follower. My kids can dress up and eat candy (a little, maybe!) any day of the year (and they do!), so what other reason would I possibly have for celebrating such an evil day other than to just blend in with the world? We are called to come out and be separate....in the world but not of the world. NO COMPROMISE!!!!!
Kristy: Very true Tommie. Those both holidays were successfully changed into a Christian Holiday. As you well know that Christians tried to follow up with All Saints Day on November 1, but it was still never successfully turned into a Christian holiday. When the missionaries were ministring to the pagan tribes, they were trying to give them an alternative in celebrating the gods of the tribes.
My question that I pose to my children is what good comes out of celebrating Halloween..what are we truly celebrating...darkness, scariness...ect...l
My question that I pose to my children is what good comes out of celebrating Halloween..what are we truly celebrating...darkness, scariness...ect...l
Yesterday at 1:19pm ·
Christy: Really TruthSeeker? An evil day? I'm pretty sure that all the witches celebrate every day they want to also.
We don't do much devil worshiping or cat skinning in our dinosaur and princess costumes.
You give your kids presents for Christmas, so what makes that not a pagan holiday when you choose to participate along with other pagans?
We don't do much devil worshiping or cat skinning in our dinosaur and princess costumes.
You give your kids presents for Christmas, so what makes that not a pagan holiday when you choose to participate along with other pagans?
Yesterday at 3:00pm ·
Jamie: Pagans shouldn't be celebrating Christmas! If your not a follower of Christ why would you celebrate that day.
I would say Oct. 31 is not evil in itself, everyday is a the Lord's day, but what people choose to do on that day is EVIL!
I would say Oct. 31 is not evil in itself, everyday is a the Lord's day, but what people choose to do on that day is EVIL!
Yesterday at 3:14pm ·
Sasha: you know TruthSeeker, I would have agreed with you 100% just a few weeks ago ... but, after YEARS of not "celebrating" halloween, this year I'm letting my kids dress up for the first time - and we will be going to a church function (we did a church function last year for the first time, without costumes though).
I've come to the same conclusion as a few of your friends have commented - all holidays seem to have begun as pagan celebrations and I'm not about to stop celebrating Christmas or Easter, so I've decided that my original "conviction" may have been based more on the opinions of others (who, I might add, dress up now and all that) and not my own conviction - maybe more my own fear even?
Anyhow, I prayed a lot about it and felt like this was ok for us - the dressing up and church function. My kids were actually wanting to dress up and trick or treat, they've never asked before - this is when I told them I would pray about it. I still didn't feel ok with trick or treating, and I told them that - and told them I'd find a church having something that we could attend! They still would like to trick or treat, but they're happy to go to the "festival" and I know they'll have a blast.
Just my two cents! :-)
I've come to the same conclusion as a few of your friends have commented - all holidays seem to have begun as pagan celebrations and I'm not about to stop celebrating Christmas or Easter, so I've decided that my original "conviction" may have been based more on the opinions of others (who, I might add, dress up now and all that) and not my own conviction - maybe more my own fear even?
Anyhow, I prayed a lot about it and felt like this was ok for us - the dressing up and church function. My kids were actually wanting to dress up and trick or treat, they've never asked before - this is when I told them I would pray about it. I still didn't feel ok with trick or treating, and I told them that - and told them I'd find a church having something that we could attend! They still would like to trick or treat, but they're happy to go to the "festival" and I know they'll have a blast.
Just my two cents! :-)
Yesterday at 3:17pm ·
Kristy: We can take something good and wholesome and pervert it. That is what the enemy wants and desires for us to do. I thnk of dancing. David danced before the Lord, there is a time to dance...ect...My son takes dance..but it is different..he knows his talent is the Lords and not his. It is not about glorifying himself...In ALL WE DO WE MUST GIVE GLORY to the LORD. That is my bottom line. If I go buy Christmas presents and go into debt for it or overspend and to do much and have the lack of the fruits of the spirit...how does that give glory to the Lord???
Yesterday at 3:19pm ·
Sasha: lots of people who don't follow Christ celebrate Christmas, it's origins were pagan ... it's only us Christians who turned it into a day to celebrate the birth of Christ ... at least, this is the information I've read?
Yesterday at 3:46pm ·
Tim: The Catholic church created a day for the Christ Mass on or around the same time as one of the pagan holidays to try and get more converts.
Yesterday at 5:07pm ·
Christy: Jamie, everybody except a few like Jehovah Witness and Jewish celebrate Christmas. Christian or not.
You can't choose to single out certain holidays when you choose to celebrate Christmas with presents...THAT is not what Christmas is about...
I don't appreciate people telling me that I'm basically EVIL because we choose to go to fall festivals or trick or treat, anymore than I think you are evil for celebrating Christmas, which IS celebrated as a pagan holiday.
Buying presents for others is not celebrating the Lords birthday at all, going into debt or not.
If you don't choose to participate in Easter because it's turned into a pagan holiday then why do you choose to participate in Christmas?
You can't choose to single out certain holidays when you choose to celebrate Christmas with presents...THAT is not what Christmas is about...
I don't appreciate people telling me that I'm basically EVIL because we choose to go to fall festivals or trick or treat, anymore than I think you are evil for celebrating Christmas, which IS celebrated as a pagan holiday.
Buying presents for others is not celebrating the Lords birthday at all, going into debt or not.
If you don't choose to participate in Easter because it's turned into a pagan holiday then why do you choose to participate in Christmas?
Yesterday at 5:10pm ·
Jamie: Christy, I"m certainly not saying you are evil !!! Sorry if that came across like that,, I mean that I believe it is satan's celebration. My family chooses NOT to participate in anything at all that has to do with it.
I do want to be set apart from the world.
And how do you know that we do celebrate Christmas? We have ALOT of problems with Christmas, but what I was saying is that I don't get why pagans at all want to celebrate something that stands for One Who they don't even believe in.
We also don't celebrate Easter the worldy way, we celebrate what it is....Christ's reserrection ( sp).
We are not into making big deals out of any holidays, except the Sabbath!
Thank you TruthSeeker for sharing the truth!!! We were convicted of this " holiday" when we first met the Lord many years ago...I do wish more christians would stand for the TRUTH and come away from what is obviously EVIL!
I do want to be set apart from the world.
And how do you know that we do celebrate Christmas? We have ALOT of problems with Christmas, but what I was saying is that I don't get why pagans at all want to celebrate something that stands for One Who they don't even believe in.
We also don't celebrate Easter the worldy way, we celebrate what it is....Christ's reserrection ( sp).
We are not into making big deals out of any holidays, except the Sabbath!
Thank you TruthSeeker for sharing the truth!!! We were convicted of this " holiday" when we first met the Lord many years ago...I do wish more christians would stand for the TRUTH and come away from what is obviously EVIL!
Yesterday at 7:46pm ·
Me: Wow, I've been gone all day, and look what I come back too! LOL!
Let's see.....Tommie, we do still celebrate easter and Christmas, but only because it is not exclusively my decision. We only "do easter" with my in-laws. Nothing against them personally, but I just do not enjoy it at all. Christmas to me is full of a lot of fun memories and warm feelings. I enjoy it very much, so that one would definitely be more difficult for me to give up, but if hubby decided we were going to do that (and we may in the future), then I would for sure! I will probably post about their history too as we get closer. So many people either don't know or don't care, and I certainly wouldn't expect non-Christians to feel the same way I do!
Jamie, you did say that better than I did! It is not an evil day, but what people do with it is evil. The saddest part to me is that most people don't have a clue why it is so bad to compromise. Most people think it is okay as long as they don't do such-and-such. It opens up the door to a lot of evil in their lives though, and that is just something I don't want to mess around with. It just simply is NOT harmless as it appears to be.
When it all comes down to it, I am trying to live my life according to the Bible. I am FAR from perfect and would never expect myself or anyone else to live perfectly at all, but I at least strive for obeying God's word. The whole day of October 31st has been dedicated to satan. I think the Bible is more than clear on running away from evil....avoiding even the *appearance* of evil. As Christians, we are supposed to go out into the world, not bring the world in to us, so that is why I don't like alternatives either. I won't deny they are fun, but does that make it okay for Christians to participate in? (For those reading this who are not Christ-followers, this does not apply to you and I would not expect you to understand.)
I do hope to give up easter and Christmas someday too, and I believe we are moving in that direction. Sometimes when you live your whole life doing something, it is hard to change instantly. Some people can, but I think it is a process for most people. We are in that process. But for now, if our hearts are in the right place - honoring God in all we do and loving others who do things differently - we are where we should be....for now. And I understand that others are not there yet, and may not ever be, but I felt impressed to share the origins of this "holiday" in case some people had never heard.
I love you all! :)
Let's see.....Tommie, we do still celebrate easter and Christmas, but only because it is not exclusively my decision. We only "do easter" with my in-laws. Nothing against them personally, but I just do not enjoy it at all. Christmas to me is full of a lot of fun memories and warm feelings. I enjoy it very much, so that one would definitely be more difficult for me to give up, but if hubby decided we were going to do that (and we may in the future), then I would for sure! I will probably post about their history too as we get closer. So many people either don't know or don't care, and I certainly wouldn't expect non-Christians to feel the same way I do!
Jamie, you did say that better than I did! It is not an evil day, but what people do with it is evil. The saddest part to me is that most people don't have a clue why it is so bad to compromise. Most people think it is okay as long as they don't do such-and-such. It opens up the door to a lot of evil in their lives though, and that is just something I don't want to mess around with. It just simply is NOT harmless as it appears to be.
When it all comes down to it, I am trying to live my life according to the Bible. I am FAR from perfect and would never expect myself or anyone else to live perfectly at all, but I at least strive for obeying God's word. The whole day of October 31st has been dedicated to satan. I think the Bible is more than clear on running away from evil....avoiding even the *appearance* of evil. As Christians, we are supposed to go out into the world, not bring the world in to us, so that is why I don't like alternatives either. I won't deny they are fun, but does that make it okay for Christians to participate in? (For those reading this who are not Christ-followers, this does not apply to you and I would not expect you to understand.)
I do hope to give up easter and Christmas someday too, and I believe we are moving in that direction. Sometimes when you live your whole life doing something, it is hard to change instantly. Some people can, but I think it is a process for most people. We are in that process. But for now, if our hearts are in the right place - honoring God in all we do and loving others who do things differently - we are where we should be....for now. And I understand that others are not there yet, and may not ever be, but I felt impressed to share the origins of this "holiday" in case some people had never heard.
I love you all! :)
Yesterday at 9:24pm ·
Tony: I'm gonna be Wolverine! Not sure if I can pull it off but I am certainly going to try. :-)
Yesterday at 9:47pm ·
Amanda: We need to figure out a clever yet SAFE way to make your claws. I don't want you to hurt yourself!
Yesterday at 10:22pm ·
Sasha: I think the point is - ALL holidays originated as pagan! I don't think some of "us" are getting that point. Also, sorry - but - hello, look at our world, October 31st is not the only day dedicated to satan. We all have different convictions on halloween, and holidays in general - I myself have been in a place where frustration sets in on how Christians could do "this" or "that" - but, we all have our faults and have to be careful not to judge! Thanks for sharing your views TruthSeeker!
Yesterday at 11:27pm ·
Me: On judging, we ARE supposed to judge other Christians, it is the world we are not to judge because they do not understand. Read 1 Cor. chapter 5 as one example of this. However, on this issue, I am not just trying to "judge" other Christians and say you are wrong for this or that because everyone is at a different place in their spiritual growth and God is working on each individual in different areas, but I do feel obligated to share with everyone what I know. So I am not trying to judge, just inform people. Not everyone is aware. Maybe some will be convicted as a result, maybe it will take a few more years, and many will change nothing, but I do feel an obligation to share the truth. That is why I have brought up some touchy topics on here. I can't NOT say anything. So do what you will with it, but this is how I feel and I will not be quiet about it.....I can't! :)
Sasha, not all holidays originated as pagan holidays. I'm referring to the Biblical holy days. Under the New Covenant we are not required to observe these days, but it is certainly fine if Christians want to observe them. Also, I don't know that they necessarily "celebrated" birthdays and anniversaries in Bible times, but they did at least acknowledge them. You can see evidence of that with all the begots and the death and marriage records! And the other days like Mother's day, for example, is just a day to honor our moms. It does not have any pagan roots (god/goddess worship or anything like that) that I am aware of, though I have heard some good reasons not to celebrate those days too. So what I am referring to here is the holidays (specifically Halloween) that started out as pagan worship. Christians tried to "Christianize" these days and now have alternatives, but I believe that is a compromise and looks too similar to the world. Again, I don't expect everyone to agree or even understand, I'm just trying to explain my strong convictions on this. I feel that the Bible is very clear about some things and that it is more than just "my conviction". Even though the Bible does not specifically mention Halloween, it clearly says to flee from evil and even the appearance of it.
So if you do not agree, that's fine! I've shared my 2 cents, what I believe is clear in God's word. We can agree to disagree, and maybe someday we'll agree! :) We have the same Spirit, right? So if we are both seeking His face, then we should eventually come into unity!
Sasha, not all holidays originated as pagan holidays. I'm referring to the Biblical holy days. Under the New Covenant we are not required to observe these days, but it is certainly fine if Christians want to observe them. Also, I don't know that they necessarily "celebrated" birthdays and anniversaries in Bible times, but they did at least acknowledge them. You can see evidence of that with all the begots and the death and marriage records! And the other days like Mother's day, for example, is just a day to honor our moms. It does not have any pagan roots (god/goddess worship or anything like that) that I am aware of, though I have heard some good reasons not to celebrate those days too. So what I am referring to here is the holidays (specifically Halloween) that started out as pagan worship. Christians tried to "Christianize" these days and now have alternatives, but I believe that is a compromise and looks too similar to the world. Again, I don't expect everyone to agree or even understand, I'm just trying to explain my strong convictions on this. I feel that the Bible is very clear about some things and that it is more than just "my conviction". Even though the Bible does not specifically mention Halloween, it clearly says to flee from evil and even the appearance of it.
So if you do not agree, that's fine! I've shared my 2 cents, what I believe is clear in God's word. We can agree to disagree, and maybe someday we'll agree! :) We have the same Spirit, right? So if we are both seeking His face, then we should eventually come into unity!
22 hours ago ·
Sasha: yah - you're right - I was thinking the "main" ones, like Christmas, Easter, and of course: halloween! I'll have to read that verse, it's always been my understanding that we don't judge - period. Holding another Christian accountable, to me, is different than judging.
I could probably go on and on - especially about the appearance of evil - that can get pretty complex. The truth is, I watch shows that many might see as "evil" - I don't have a problem with them. At Disneyland, I go to the haunted house - I think it's cool - I don't have a problem with it. I listen to secular music, for the most part - I don't have a problem with it. I cut my hair and wear pants - I don't have a problem with it. I LOVE dance - don't have a problem with it. I think you get the point. To many people, many of the things I do would be "evil" in their eyes ... or at the very least, un God like!
Now, to clarify - I have subjected myself to movies, etc. that I had to turn off due to having a problem and knowing that I was welcoming evil in - so I'm not saying that "all" of it is ok with me.
I really don't think something like this is going to get us in or keep us out of heaven. Yes, we are not to conform to the world - but I have my own feelings also on being approachable to the world, in order to be a witness! If we set ourselves too far apart (in certain areas, and I"m not necessarily referring to holidays) than those around us just think we're "weird" and want to avoid us - I don't want to miss an opportunity to share God's love because someone is trying to avoid me - but that's a whole 'nother subject, huh?! lol
I could probably go on and on - especially about the appearance of evil - that can get pretty complex. The truth is, I watch shows that many might see as "evil" - I don't have a problem with them. At Disneyland, I go to the haunted house - I think it's cool - I don't have a problem with it. I listen to secular music, for the most part - I don't have a problem with it. I cut my hair and wear pants - I don't have a problem with it. I LOVE dance - don't have a problem with it. I think you get the point. To many people, many of the things I do would be "evil" in their eyes ... or at the very least, un God like!
Now, to clarify - I have subjected myself to movies, etc. that I had to turn off due to having a problem and knowing that I was welcoming evil in - so I'm not saying that "all" of it is ok with me.
I really don't think something like this is going to get us in or keep us out of heaven. Yes, we are not to conform to the world - but I have my own feelings also on being approachable to the world, in order to be a witness! If we set ourselves too far apart (in certain areas, and I"m not necessarily referring to holidays) than those around us just think we're "weird" and want to avoid us - I don't want to miss an opportunity to share God's love because someone is trying to avoid me - but that's a whole 'nother subject, huh?! lol
21 hours ago ·
Fita: we don't celebrate the devils holidays! the devil always finds way to get to kids, Halloween is one of them...
20 hours ago ·
Me: Sasha, read Acts chapter 2, when the Church was still young. You will notice that many people - THOUSANDS at times - came to Christ DAILY, and it was because they were DIFFERENT from the world! That is so awesome! So what has happened?!
If we look like the world, then why would anyone want to accept Christ? How would their lives be any different from what they are now? It is one of the biggest lies from satan, that we need to do what the world does to reach them. So not true! We need to stand out. We need to shine the light of God's love like a beacon in a dark, dark world. But if we look like the world, our light is much more difficult to see. We blend in with the crowd. But God has called us OUT of the darkness and to be different! It's not easy being different. It is easy to be like the world, to compromise, but it does not bring Him glory. I can see how someone can bring glory to God with easter and Christmas, but Halloween is satan's holiday. He gains so much this time of year, from kids, adults, Chrisitans and non-Christians. He is the Great Deceiver, and that is exactly what is happening here. But no one believes they have been deceived. If people realized that, it wouldn't be called deception!
I also celebrated Halloween as a kid. I grew up in a Christian home/environment and went to carnivals, trick-or-treating and even dressed up as a witch one year. I was ignorant, and apparently my parents were too. They had also bought into the lie (they now believe it is wrong). I will be the first to admit that it was all FUN! I had a blast, and I have no doubt that I could even now (if I could ignore what the Bible says), but why do we have to participate in Halloween activities to have fun? My kids can play dress-up any time or even have a costume party for their birthday or something like that! We have other community activities where they can play group games, play games for prizes, stand in long lines for rides, etc. They are not missing out on anything by missing Halloween activities, except for the evil atmosphere. I do have a few memories of some fun times, but really, I have much better memories of other times, holiday-related or not. I would rather teach them from the very beginning not to mingle with the world.....not to "look" like the world. That is more important to me than compromising with satan, because that's what it is!
Did you read 1 Cor. 5? It is very clear that we are supposed to judge our brothers/sisters when they are living in sin. This topic though does not seem to be as clear (maybe 100 years ago it was, but too many people think it is okay now), so like I said before, I feel it is more of giving information and educating people on the truth about the day and its origins. I understand that the majority of Christians nowadays just don't realize the history or dangers of it. Halloween "alternatives" is an introduction to worse things. It allow's satan to get his "foot in the door". We as parents need to guard against that, especially as our children get older and have more freedom to choose for themselves.
If we look like the world, then why would anyone want to accept Christ? How would their lives be any different from what they are now? It is one of the biggest lies from satan, that we need to do what the world does to reach them. So not true! We need to stand out. We need to shine the light of God's love like a beacon in a dark, dark world. But if we look like the world, our light is much more difficult to see. We blend in with the crowd. But God has called us OUT of the darkness and to be different! It's not easy being different. It is easy to be like the world, to compromise, but it does not bring Him glory. I can see how someone can bring glory to God with easter and Christmas, but Halloween is satan's holiday. He gains so much this time of year, from kids, adults, Chrisitans and non-Christians. He is the Great Deceiver, and that is exactly what is happening here. But no one believes they have been deceived. If people realized that, it wouldn't be called deception!
I also celebrated Halloween as a kid. I grew up in a Christian home/environment and went to carnivals, trick-or-treating and even dressed up as a witch one year. I was ignorant, and apparently my parents were too. They had also bought into the lie (they now believe it is wrong). I will be the first to admit that it was all FUN! I had a blast, and I have no doubt that I could even now (if I could ignore what the Bible says), but why do we have to participate in Halloween activities to have fun? My kids can play dress-up any time or even have a costume party for their birthday or something like that! We have other community activities where they can play group games, play games for prizes, stand in long lines for rides, etc. They are not missing out on anything by missing Halloween activities, except for the evil atmosphere. I do have a few memories of some fun times, but really, I have much better memories of other times, holiday-related or not. I would rather teach them from the very beginning not to mingle with the world.....not to "look" like the world. That is more important to me than compromising with satan, because that's what it is!
Did you read 1 Cor. 5? It is very clear that we are supposed to judge our brothers/sisters when they are living in sin. This topic though does not seem to be as clear (maybe 100 years ago it was, but too many people think it is okay now), so like I said before, I feel it is more of giving information and educating people on the truth about the day and its origins. I understand that the majority of Christians nowadays just don't realize the history or dangers of it. Halloween "alternatives" is an introduction to worse things. It allow's satan to get his "foot in the door". We as parents need to guard against that, especially as our children get older and have more freedom to choose for themselves.
13 hours ago ·
Sasha: like I said - just a short time ago I would have agreed completely on the subject of halloween. Last year I took my kids to a church function and I didn't sense an "evil atmosphere" at all ... these events are used to reach out to non-believers as well and at that particular event a message was shared, which I thought was great! My conclusion is: if it's ok for my kids to dress up any other day, why not that day? Which is why I have chosen to let them dress up for the church festival this year.
as for being a light to the world, yes - I know that. I wasn't saying we should act just like the world ... I believe that our attitudes and the way we treat people is the way we show people God's love.
as for being a light to the world, yes - I know that. I wasn't saying we should act just like the world ... I believe that our attitudes and the way we treat people is the way we show people God's love.
12 hours ago ·
Julia: This is one of those areas that I have thought about for a long time... and i don't have an answer for me... nor for anyone else. However, in reading 1 Cor chap 8 through chap 9 verse 18 I see this type of issue has been around a long time. ultimately whatever we do is to be glorifying to God, my difference as a christian comes from within - andthat is reflected by my outward actions. The Holy Spirit is our helper - who leads us into truth - and so it is time we go to God and ask him to reveal what he would have each one of us do and then we live by that conviction shown to us in His word. Be careful not to be a stumbling block to others, as these things can become distractions and we focus on an issue, not on Christ. For those of you who chose not to participate in Halloween stand firm in your convictions and don't hesitate to be able to provide a scriptural reason for that convction when asked. For those of you who do all the Halloween activities - don't hesitate to be able to provide a scriptural reason for that conviction when asked. ultimately we are accountable to God for OUR choices. If I had children at home - I'm not sure how I would handle this myself so I am not taking one side versus another - I don't know for myself. Personally i am dealing with if i read something --watch something on t.v. -- which involves the occult, glorifying life without God, etc, etc, am i opening a door into my life for the enemy to plant seeds that shouldn't be there.... Some things i definitely know do not consider - but some are "gray" areas to me still. I'm asking God to open my "eyes" to see as he does in these areas of life... in the meantime if I am not sure - i stay away from it until i have clear guidance.
11 hours ago ·
Christy: I personally don't see a difference between judging and casting the first stone.
I don't think either are ok.
TruthSeeker you said "We have other community activities where they can play group games, play games for prizes, stand in long lines for rides, etc. They are not missing out on anything by missing Halloween activities, except for the evil atmosphere."
That IS what the Fall festivals are all about!
You don't mind the kids dressing up and "pretending to be someone else" on any other day of the year then to not do it on this day AND play the games that you said you do is not making sense to me.
The kids don't think of anything as evil. They think we are having fun playing games and dressing up.
I'm sorry but I think you are making it an evil day.
I don't think millions of churches are wrong.
You also said "It is not an evil day, but what people do with it is evil."
So how is a fall festival at a church evil? That day is not evil according to you but you think that what people do is evil so how are churches evil for having games for the kids?
I'm pretty sure none of them involve tarot cards or seances.
I agree with you Sasha.
I don't think either are ok.
TruthSeeker you said "We have other community activities where they can play group games, play games for prizes, stand in long lines for rides, etc. They are not missing out on anything by missing Halloween activities, except for the evil atmosphere."
That IS what the Fall festivals are all about!
You don't mind the kids dressing up and "pretending to be someone else" on any other day of the year then to not do it on this day AND play the games that you said you do is not making sense to me.
The kids don't think of anything as evil. They think we are having fun playing games and dressing up.
I'm sorry but I think you are making it an evil day.
I don't think millions of churches are wrong.
You also said "It is not an evil day, but what people do with it is evil."
So how is a fall festival at a church evil? That day is not evil according to you but you think that what people do is evil so how are churches evil for having games for the kids?
I'm pretty sure none of them involve tarot cards or seances.
I agree with you Sasha.
11 hours ago ·
Me: That's fine, Christy and Sasha, I don't expect you all to understand or agree. I don't think any less of you than I did before, and I love you gals! :)
But to answer your question, Christy, pretty much anything done near Halloween (in the month of October) is associated with Halloween. That is what I am avoiding, even though there may not be anything specifically "evil" about a particular festival. That is why I do let them do some of those things, because in and of themselves they are not bad, but if it is associated directly with Halloween (or appears to be), that is what I want to avoid. I know you disagree, but is that a more clear answer?
Not all churches do things like this though, so I do think many churches compromise in this area in an effort to "reach out to the world". I just disagree with the whole "do things to attract the world to us". Instead, we as Christians are supposed to be different than the world. The times we meet together are not meant to bring in the lost, but they are meant to fellowship and worship God together (Acts 2:42). To reach the lost, we are supposed to go out into the world spreading the gospel, not blending in.
I know you guys disagree. It is not my duty to change your opinion because I can't! If you ever do change your views on this, it will only be because of the Holy Spirit. So for now we can just agree to disagree and continue to respect each other's decisions. I certainly do not think less of anyone. We all have our different opinions and different things in our lives that God is refining. I find that the more I grow, the more I realize how insignificant I am and how little I really know!
Feel free to continue the discussion on here. I have enjoyed hearing everyone's opinions. I will not comment any more though because there is nothing else for me to say, unless you have a specific question. :) I love you guys!
But to answer your question, Christy, pretty much anything done near Halloween (in the month of October) is associated with Halloween. That is what I am avoiding, even though there may not be anything specifically "evil" about a particular festival. That is why I do let them do some of those things, because in and of themselves they are not bad, but if it is associated directly with Halloween (or appears to be), that is what I want to avoid. I know you disagree, but is that a more clear answer?
Not all churches do things like this though, so I do think many churches compromise in this area in an effort to "reach out to the world". I just disagree with the whole "do things to attract the world to us". Instead, we as Christians are supposed to be different than the world. The times we meet together are not meant to bring in the lost, but they are meant to fellowship and worship God together (Acts 2:42). To reach the lost, we are supposed to go out into the world spreading the gospel, not blending in.
I know you guys disagree. It is not my duty to change your opinion because I can't! If you ever do change your views on this, it will only be because of the Holy Spirit. So for now we can just agree to disagree and continue to respect each other's decisions. I certainly do not think less of anyone. We all have our different opinions and different things in our lives that God is refining. I find that the more I grow, the more I realize how insignificant I am and how little I really know!
Feel free to continue the discussion on here. I have enjoyed hearing everyone's opinions. I will not comment any more though because there is nothing else for me to say, unless you have a specific question. :) I love you guys!
10 hours ago ·
Christy: ok bottom line do you or don't you let the kids go to fall festivals?
I'm sorry but I dont' understand.
You first said that you don't do any of them and now you say you let them do some of them.
What make the decision if they are evil or not evil?
I'm sorry but I dont' understand.
You first said that you don't do any of them and now you say you let them do some of them.
What make the decision if they are evil or not evil?
8 hours ago ·
Me: LOL! Okay.....we do not participate in any way, shape or form with anything that is even remotely Halloween related. The similar type activities we do (games, dressing up, getting candy, etc.) are done throughout the year. Those things alone are not evil, but the celebration of Halloween is evil, and we do not want to even appear to be celebrating it. So we don't. We have fun with those things other times during the whole year, but not October. We do other things right now that are clearly not Halloween related but still fun. :) Clear as mud? LOL!
8 hours ago ·
Sasha: lol! I so totally get what you're saying, but my conclusion sort of was - if it's ok on other days, why not that day - so long as we're not doing anything to dishonor God!
8 hours ago ·
Me: Right, and I think that is where we disagree on, whether or not it dishonors God. I'd like to take that farther though and ask, does it give glory to God? 1 Cor. 10:31 says to do ALL for His glory! That's a huge task, but it is what we are commanded to do! :)
8 hours ago ·
Sasha: somehow, I knew we'd end up "there" - lol! For me, that's a real tough one! I have a family member who feels anything not directly honoring/for God - is for satan. I have a hard time with this, because - I can't think of how my eating honors God (other than, taking care of the body he gave me - so what about treats and junk food) ... I can't think of how going to school honors God either, but it's illegal for me to not have my children educated ... can't think of how shopping would honor God ... or playing sports ... or really anything besides fellowship at Church and spreading God's word! I'm not trying to be ridiculous, either, I'm totally serious ... it's a tough thing for me to ponder.
7 hours ago ·
Me: Yep, and it's a tough thing to do! But you CAN honor/bring glory to God in all you do! That doesn't mean every other sentence out of your mouth has to be Jesus loves you or inviting someone along to a Bible study (you get the idea), but the way you conduct yourself while shopping, playing sports, etc. It can be dressing modestly when others do not, being polite and smiling even when you are wronged, etc. And the passage here in 1 Cor. talks specifically about eating and drinking as an example. Do not refuse what is set before you because that would be rude (and not bring glory to God), unless it was sacrificed to idols.....which I'm pretty sure is not done today, at least not in my world! LOL! Drinking is a little more black and white than eating because, even though I do not believe it is wrong to drink alcohol, it can be a stumbling block to others, especially many non-Christians who might not understand what the Bible says about it. Anyway, some things to think about. :)
7 hours ago ·
Thanks for the info, Cindy! I've enjoyed reading all the FB comments! We recently started going to a new church and have been amazed at how they are treating Halloween bcs we have never seen a church put on an activity with such a Biblical emphasis! Everything planned is scripture-based. The main verse for the event is I Tim. 4:7 -- "But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness."
ReplyDeleteJust being a part of this church for the past few months, I feel like this event is more of a "typical get together" rather than a special holiday event! These people just want to be together and enjoy each other!
Yes, it's a trick-or-treat alternative, but the emphasis about pursuing godliness with it has really opened my eyes to the whole debate! Sad to say that most churches just offer an alternative but don't present the gospel just candy and games and a tract on the way out the door (at least the ones we've been to)! I've never seen a church outright refute Halloween in such an "intentional" way before. And, for me, there's no place I'd rather be on such an evil night than with other believers, enjoying, praising and worshiping in God's presence!
I don't know ... it's just been eye opening to see a church refute Halloween with God's Word rather than host your typical Halloween alternative!
Thanks for the great comment, MaNut! :)
ReplyDeleteI still feel it is wrong, but if you're going to do it, that is definitely the way to do it!
The reason I am so blunt about it being wrong is because the ends do not justify the means. Moses still got water out of the rock for the people of Israel, but he disobeyed in how he went about it and had to suffer the consequences. (Oh, that's good! Thank you, LORD! I'm going to put that on FB! LOL!)