Is Participating In Halloween Evil? A Christian Parent’s Perspective

Is Participating In Halloween Evil? A Christian Parent’s Perspective

I want to preface this by saying there may not be a 100% right or wrong answer for all Christians.

There is, however, a right or wrong answer for your family. Which is why you’re here.

I am writing this for those who are:

• living in a state of confusion,
• want to do the right thing for their families
• desire to honor God,
• are willing to be unlike the world,

but are a bit unsure if this requires they sit out of certain holiday festivities.

Let’s start with some of the main arguments against participating. Brushing them under the rug won’t do us any favors when it comes to making a fully informed decision.

• The origin is evil
• It’s a pagan holiday
• It’s witchcraft
• It celebrates evil
• There is a lot of evil that takes place on this day
• It opens a door to evil spirits to enter your home and families
• And even a warning that witches put curses on candy in the stores and celebrate that it will be given out to children

Regardless of where you stand in your belief towards these statements, we should all be able to agree that each of those things is concerning.

I won’t tell you what to choose for your own home, but I can share what decision I made for my own and what led me to it.

The confusion started with hearing two sides of the origin of Halloween. Some claim the origins are pagan and evil- driven from a festival where sacrifice and offerings to “gods” were made, others say it was actually of Christian origin as an evening vigil before All Saints’ Day.

The first thing I always do when faced with a decision that I need to make in alignment with God’s Word is turn to scripture. Of course, scripture doesn’t speak to Halloween directly, so that led me to my first conclusion:

• This is a choice and a personal conviction
  • Side note, I believe convictions are powerful and wonderful, and I believe they must be honored. I do not believe they are to be pushed upon others who may not have the same convictions.

Next, I look at what scripture says that could be relevant to such a decision.

• In 1 Corinthians 10:21, we find “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” This verse follows after guidance not to participate with sacrifices of pagans, as they are offered to demons.
• Ephesians 5:11 tells us to “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” This is because we were once darkness, and now we are light. We should explore the things that please the Lord.
• 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” We are reminded to resist him and stand firm in our faith, knowing that believers all around the world are undergoing similar sufferings as we face.
• Romans 13:12, “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” is a warning to walk in alignment with Jesus and all things that are Holy, rather than to please our flesh.

I believe and follow this guidance with every fiber of my being. But it didn’t convince me that Halloween was innately evil.

In fact, it made me feel that Christians taking a step away from a holiday that largely caters to children is dangerous.

We know that the devil is already lurking and searching for a foothold.

We know that this holiday caters to our children and our families.

We also know that we are called to be a light in the darkness.

Would Jesus want us to remove ourselves (remove the light) from Halloween? Or would He want us to spread the light and USE the holiday to honor and serve God?

When I ask myself that question, I feel called to use the day to honor and serve God.

James 4:7 “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” reinforced that we do have the power to drive out the evil.

We also know that evil will try their very best to ruin everything good and turn all things that could be good into evil.

Titus 1:15 tells us that “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.”

This scripture verse causes me to believe that if we are pure, all things done in good conscious, to the glory of God, are pure.

Ephesians 5:15-16 is our warning to live carefully and be wise, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil,” and

Luke 10:19-20 reminds us of our strength in Christ. “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

When I hear that evil is using witchcraft to curse candy in the stores before Halloween, it doesn’t make me want to steer clear and stay far away from the candy aisle. It makes me want to go pray over the candy in the stores.

When I hear that evil is doing spells and casting magic to enter into homes through Halloween festivities, it makes me want to warn others how to protect themselves and ensure I’m doubly protecting my home as well.

If there is a city full of unbelievers, do we say, “We must completely avoid that city. They don’t believe. They do things that are evil. Some even prey on that city because they do not know Christ?”

Or do we say, “Let’s bring the truth to them. Let’s send missionaries. Let’s be the light. Let’s honor and serve God by sharing his word with them”?

I think in most ways, we have become accustomed to knowing and understanding our role as Christians.

It’s fear that often causes us to fail. Fear of making the wrong decision. Fear of disappointing God. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of being judged. Even fear for our loved ones wellbeing.

In my opinion, stepping away from Halloween entirely based on those fears gives evil a level of power that it does not deserve to have and that does not honor God.

In Christ, we have nothing to fear. In Christ, we have everything to gain. In Christ, we have a responsibility to share His love and light with others.

We have authority over evil, and we have a responsibility to run towards an opportunity to reach more children for His Kingdom, rather than run away and let evil take majority share of a day. ANY day.

Let every single day be an opportunity to honor and serve God in our communities.

Pray over the candy. Pray protection over all children and all families. Pass out verses with your candy this year. Tell every child that comes to your door that Jesus loves them. Be such a positive, radiant light for Christ that you leave a lasting impression on those you interact with.

I am careful with what we are exposed to and not bringing honor to anything I feel is dark or sinful. For example, we do not watch horror movies, we do not dress in scary costumes, we do not partake in haunted houses, and we do not entertain any form of witchcraft/magic/etc. even if it’s a simple episode of Mickey Mouse.

I will admit there are things I see at Halloween events that make me cringe. Parents taking pictures of their children posing with someone dressed as pennywise the clown for example. If you don’t know who that is, pennywise preyed on fears and killed a lot of children. It’s an older horror movie and book I think. I was a little taken aback by the parents finding it cute to pose their children with him. Yet, even more reason why we should take every opportunity we get to bring light, love, and wisdom to others.

Anyway, that’s my decision and how I made it. The decision for your home is entirely up to you.

I only caution that you seek guidance in that choice from God rather than basing it upon the fear of the world. God does not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and of sound judgment (2 Timothy 2:7).

If we allow fear to drive our decisions, we are letting evil get the foothold it desperately desires in our lives, all while in an effort to prevent that very thing from happening.

God is far bigger than the bad intentions of those with evil hearts and minds.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

We will also trick or treat this Halloween.

& We totally love and respect you whether you choose to or not.

Join us in The Christian Parenting Community to share your thoughts. 

With love,

Katy

Founder of Covenant Collections

Certified Parenting and Family Coach