Deal or No Deal

Q: As a child, I looked forward the whole year to the fun of Trick or Treat night. As an adult, the church I attend tells me Halloween glorifies Satan. Should I keep my children from participating in this holiday? Can you give me your opinion on the matter?

Ø Lesa M., Murfreesboro, TN

A: October 31^st was originally called All Hallows Eve. (It was later shortened to Halloween.) This celebration came mostly from the ancient Celtic pagans in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France with their ritual of Samhain (the New Year). Unable to stop Halloween, Christians set up November 1^st (All Hallow Day) to honor nameless saints who had no holy day.

Today’s practice of trick or treating originated with the Catholic faith in the Dark (or Middle) Ages. The church approved an act known as “souling” (or Soul Cake Day) for the poor. Beggars could ask for barley or oat cakes in exchange for prayer. This was an extra promise that a person’s spirit would be given entrance into Heaven.

Today’s church performs several events during this holiday for the children that attend their house of worship with their families. Trunk or Treat happens in the parking lot of a church from the decorated trunk of a car where adult church members pass candy out to costumed children. This is a safe way for kids to get their Halloween sweet tooth satisfied.

Instead of a Halloween party many churches will have a Harvest celebration. Instead of focusing on all the stuff that makes up Halloween, the primary aim is thankfulness for the abundance of the autumn time of year, and God’s goodness.

The youth in attendance have been instructed to come costumed as their favorite Bible character (or in a non-violent Halloween costume).

“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11, ESV) “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” (3 John 1:11, ESV) “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8, ESV)

Verses like the above can be misinterpreted during this holiday by the church. They would seem to give rise to the religious community’s abstaining from what Halloween involves and stands for. Let me ask the following question. If a young person was enjoying a fun-filled day at an amusement park with his (or her) friends, would you have an issue with them entering the park’s haunted house?

If your answer is “no,” neither should trick or treat be an issue for you. There is no denying that some people do horrible things on this particular time of year as a tribute to Satan. Just remember, people of that caliber can do horrific stuff on any other day of the year, too.

If you are a parent battling with this issue, just remember your children consider this mindless entertainment (like many of their favorite TV shows, movies, and iPhone games). They see no deep spiritual meaning in Halloween.

When they are adults one day, will they have wonderful memories of getting free candy and wearing their costumes, or be saddened that you prevented them from enjoying something God had no issue with. (He always knows the true intent of one’s heart.)