I ask this as we are all drawing near to the holiday of Halloween. I'm seeking intelligent answers from Christians. Not the same dull stories fed to you over the years in Church; the ones that have told you over and over again that the origins of Halloween was evil from the start. Coming from one who practiced the Pagan ways who is now following her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I have to tell you this Christians...the evil stories from the orgins are lies. I am not Pro-Pagan, I am not Pro-Halloween, but I am Pro-Truth!
The origins did not start out evil. However, it has become such over the many years; hence the protection of God we need now. Read the link I provide here, think for yourself, pray on your answer, and then respond.
What do YOU think about it? Do YOU think that a simple night of fun while still spreading the love of Christ can be done on such a night?
I cannot stop emotional responses, but I encourage intelligent ones.
http://exwitch.org/mambo/content/view/41/36
2006-09-10 11:56:26 · 14 answers · asked by Bible Trekker 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
(Matt 5:47)And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. - Matt 5:43-48 (emphasis on 5:47)
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. - 1 Peter 2:12
Can we not as Christians live our lives in Christ on a day considered to be rooted so in evil? Can we not do what He instructs us to do? Go out into the world and spread the Gospel? Is this not what Jesus did?
2006-09-10 12:47:39 · update #1
Halloween never made a serious problem in my house, It is the fall The crops are in, the labor is done, it is time to start worring about an early winter and wether or not you will have enough food to make it through. sounds like a great holiday for me. Christians get all messed up on what they should be doing instead of what they do. Christ said to occupy Until I return. Fellowship with others in our community, is fundamental to good societies. when we stoped doing this kind of stuff together, is when we started losing our way. Now the fear is real, is some psycho going to poison my child? Is some pedaphile going to rape and murder my child. Why is there a razor blade in my candied apple? The problem with halloween is no different than the problem with Christmas, and the use of the "easter bunny" durring the Easter celebration.
People who have a problem with Halloween, also have a problem with "Harry Potter"
But will still let thier kids hunt Easter Eggs- without the slightest understanding of the symbolism behind it.
but oh well! some will never have a mind of their own
2006-09-10 12:13:06 · answer #1 · answered by Democestes 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Let me check it out.
I find it sad that as Christians we have to have an answer to every pagan holiday. "Praise parties?" There is nothing wrong with them, but why on that night?
Given the statement that it is not necessarily evil... it is still pagan. It is celebrated because of the "DAYS" .... This is wrong. Much like Christmas happens to fall around the time of year when the days begin to get longer.... This all has to do with sun worship. We have been warned about worshiping or the appearance of worshiping other gods.
Question... if someone walking down the street saw what you were doing ... would they know it was actually worshiping God? If not don't do it.
I am sorry ... I got to rambling on here, but consider the rightfulness of having to fit in with the world.
2006-09-10 18:58:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Some of us actually do knowhow ridiculous thosestories are. Without looking, I can tell you that Halloween was originally "All Hallow's Eve" the night before "All Saint's Day".
Letting the kids dress up and have a night of fun and candy can do them no harm, and is not "evil". But, wise parents will make sure their kids only "Trick or Treat" at the homes of people they trust, and will check their candy before the kiddies get to pigging out.
For those who are ultra cautious, or who live in areas where "Trick or Treat" is a dangerous activity, an alternative would be to throw a Halloween block party.
Think of it as a kick in Satan's teeth, LOL!
2006-09-10 19:02:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I can't understand how God could need protection, from what? But I digress, Christmas is celebrated Dec. 25 because it was a Roman Holiday for hundreds of years before Christianity. The catholic Church has All Souls Day Oct.31 and All Saints Day Nov.1, which corresponds to another pagan European Holiday.
Tammi Dee
2006-09-10 19:07:45 · answer #4 · answered by tammidee10 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well as with all history, it is in the interpretation which does not always agree with the facts. Why don't we just chalk this one up to each individuals rights to enjoy this holiday. If we believe it's all about giving candy to kids, where is the harm? If we over think and worry whether or not someone, somewhere had human sacrifice on this day. What have we become? I'm sure bad things have happened on Easter or Christmas, etc. Let's enjoy it for what it is. A day of giving, not a day of trickery.
2006-09-10 19:09:55 · answer #5 · answered by 345Grasshopper 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I never learned that Halloween was based on anything evil. . .so I don't think that all Christian churches teach that. It is the old Pagan feast of Sahmain, isn't it. . .the triduum of All Hallow's Eve, All Saints & All Souls were placed there for a number of reasons. . .one of course was, no doubt to encourage Pagan conversion.
2006-09-10 19:06:20 · answer #6 · answered by kobacker59 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm a 52 year old Southern Baptist. I've been in church since the day I was born. My church has never oppressed Halloween. In fact, we always have a haloween party for the kids. We make it a fun affair, and evil is not allowed. If halloween is descended from evil, we have defeated it.
2006-09-10 19:01:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I grew up not being allowed to do Halloween. Heard all of the outrageous stories. Even if they are true, I don't care. I want to know what is, not what it was. What IS Halloween for my kids? A time for them to dress up with their friends and go door to door getting candy. It is a time for me to hang out with my neighbors. The people who reject it based on its association would also probably be the first to cry foul if you were to apply the same logic to some area of their life. People are so inconsistent when using "the slippery slope" or "guilt by association" arguements. If someone wants to opt out, more power to em, but let the rest of us have a nice evening.
2006-09-10 19:03:55 · answer #8 · answered by mrhackman 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think it is a fun night where we get to dress up in costumes and eat candy and scare ourselves silly.
It's also the Eve of All Saints. The next day is a Holy Day of Obligation and thus all Catholics are supposed to go to Mass on either that day or the night before. On All Saints Day we honor all the Saints in Heaven.
The day after that is All Souls Day, (which isn't a Holy Day of Obligation) where we honor the souls in Purgatory and pray for their swift release.
2006-09-10 19:03:22 · answer #9 · answered by Dysthymia 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no, the origins were not evil but was then adopted and changed by pagans. i don't think celebrating halloween is evil or wrong, but i don't do it simply cuz it's a waste of time. yes, i believe you CAN spread Christ's love during it, but i don't see many Christians who decide to on halloween.
2006-09-10 19:05:40 · answer #10 · answered by ragazza.chica.kella 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋