Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
Many Christians struggle with mixed feelings about celebrating Halloween.
Some adults grew up at a time when wearing costumes and visiting neighbors for candy seemed to be an innocent community activity.
And no Christian wants to participate in any celebration of evil or engage in activities that would appear to minimize the reality of Satan.
There are families who have staunch opinions about the upcoming holiday in both directions — the danger of it or the witnessing opportunity of it. What are the arguments Bible-believing Christians make for either avoiding the holiday or choosing to celebrate it in some way?
According to Got Questions, the origins of Halloween are pagan. They caution all Christians to make decisions about honoring the holiday in light of scriptures that forbid believers from engaging in witchcraft (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27) and the occult (Acts 8:9-24, Acts 16, Acts 19:19).
This article concludes, “If parents are going to allow their children to participate in Halloween, they should make sure to keep them from getting involved in the darker aspects of the day. If Christians are going to take part in Halloween, their attitude, dress, and most importantly, their behavior should still reflect a redeemed life.”
Focus on the Family provides more background into Halloween’s history. It originated with the Celts in Northern Europe as the Samhain festival. The sacrifices and offerings were intended to “appease the gods.”
The article observes, “For many Christian communities, there are three main responses to Halloween. The rejection, acceptance, or redemption of Halloween.”
There was a time when the roots of Halloween were not widely known. In many areas now, though, the connection with witchcraft and the occult are emphasized and celebrated. This leads some to determine the best Christian witness for them is to not celebrate Halloween at all.
Other Christians observe the holiday with their communities (without the emphasis on evil) as a function of outreach. They may host “harvest parties” or provide safe “trunk or treat” events at their church.
Some enjoy providing Christian materials along with the treats they give out. Their perspective is the value of an opportunity to serve others and witness through community celebration.
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shares information about some believers’ association of Halloween with All Saints Day, Martin Luther and the Reformation. “They celebrate the religious freedoms won at that time in history.”
All three articles remind believers that Halloween is an opportunity to discuss with our family or faith community what Scripture and history have to say, prayerfully consider what it looks like to love our neighbors, and remember that Christ has set us free.
Certainly, we are to abstain from all witchcraft, sorcery, and celebration of evil but there may be other aspects of the holiday that open doors for neighborhood fun and connection.
“We encourage each family to develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions and the options for celebration available to them.”
Whatever your family decides, we pray that others might see Christ working through you.
