Considering both sides of what it means to celebrate Halloween: PRO

The leaves are changing, carved pumpkins glow on front porches in the twilight and trunk-or-treat flyers get posted in the church bulletin. 

“Halloween” … This word is often avoided in the church during the October season. Debates between church-goers start to brew, and sermons are titled “Why we don’t celebrate Halloween.” Many of us dress up in light-hearted costumes at the harvest party while others trick-or-treat. The question arises: Should we as Christians celebrate Halloween? 

Some are hesitant because of the spooky traditions associated with the holiday, such as scaring away ghosts, goblins and demons with costumes. Although Halloween’s past origin seems to be rooted in darkness, the tradition of dressing up and getting candy can be a family-bonding, creative, fun and candy-filled night. We can flip the origin of Halloween on its head and glorify God. 

The main question Christians on both sides of the aisle have is whether they are honoring God during Halloween night. While God doesn’t specifically say Halloween should or shouldn’t be celebrated, he gives us the Holy Spirit and conviction. Romans 14:23 says, “But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.” 

The debate is not necessarily black and white. The Bible is our guide, and if God is telling us not to partake in the holiday, then we must follow that prompting. If, through prayer and reading the word, we discover that we can glorify the Lord through the holiday with no conviction, let it be so. 

The cool fall breeze sets in while the sun sinks into the earth. A pumpkin-shaped candy bucket is in hand while kids sit on the front porch, waiting. … The siren goes off. “It’s time to go, hurry!” The night finally begins, and candy awaits. Front porch lights are glowing, signaling the “okay” to head up to the door and collect Twix and KitKats galore. 

This is the harmless fun associated with Halloween. Halloween is a great time to be festive, create traditions with others and eat some good candy. An article from Christianity.com states, “For us, Halloween is not a celebration of fear or death — God kicked those to the curb through Jesus. We celebrate family being silly together. We celebrate the community around us. We celebrate dress-up. We celebrate sweetness. We celebrate life in all its abundance!” 

As Christians, we know Jesus has defeated death. We can walk around knowing he lives in us, and through that, we can glorify him. We can celebrate Halloween with light-hearted festivities that don’t involve the evil aspect and, instead, create lasting memories. 

Representing Christ can show people his light on a night known for darkness. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” God calls us to do this throughout our lives, in every situation, so why not use the opportunity to do this on Halloween? Being a light can include dressing in a costume that isn’t celebrating evil. Instead of choosing a bloody, violent costume, choose a costume that doesn’t celebrate the darkness and instead celebrates life, creativity and fun. Getting to know the community and loving others can also show Jesus. 

An article by Equipping Godly Women states, “Even if you don’t have a good chance to share the gospel Halloween night (which is completely fine), it is a good chance to start building real relationships with those all around you — not just to make them your ‘missions project,’ but to get to know them and love them, just like Jesus would.” 

The Bible is clear on witchcraft and participating in evil. Ephesians 5:11 says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Evil has no place in our lives, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find other fun, godly ways to celebrate the night! So, dress up, grab some friends, get some candy and show God’s love through the way you participate.

Denny is an opinion writer for the Liberty Champion