Christian Parents of Children in Public Schools?

Question

On the radio this morning, I was listening to a report saying that many Christian groups are trying to stop Halloween celebrations in middle school classrooms, saying it's satanic and glorifies witchcraft...and I'm wondering why?

Halloween is not a satanic or evil celebration, but rather based on earlier Celtic celebrations of the harvest and the changing seasons. This holiday is not about glorifying witchcraft either....but witchcraft is an important part of American history and I think that children should be educated about the early witch hysteria.

Why spoil the fun for the masses? Why not keep your kids home that day, if you don't agree with allowing them to dress up and have a bit of fun?

What are Christian parents' take on all this?

CJ,
Thanks for your rude and perpetually useless answer. If your children do not attend public school, then this question doesn't apply to you, does it?

primoa1970,
I appreciate your insightful response...thanks

Answer 1

It's up to every parent and it's wrong to judge other parents. If you think your view conforms to God's will, you're fine, but be sure you've really thought about it that way first.

My belief is that Christianity has been picking from the pagan rites for 2,000 years. This is just another one. Personally, I avoid it.

Answer 2

Funny how people are making remarks about the science curriculum in private schools. I went for one year at a Baptist Christian school and hated the overall experience, but I actually have a better grasp of chemistry and physics than most people at my college who attended public school. Also, it seems almost as if the OP answered his own question. Another thing to consider is the fact that a lot of children actually desire to attend a private school and the parent agrees to such wishes (this was my case, although I regretted it shortly after I finished 9th grade).

Answer 3

Even a hint of glorifying demons and witchcraft is out of bounds for Christians. The bible warns of "strongholds" being established which allow demonic influences to get a foothold in a Christian's life. Children are easily swayed and are most vulnerable. Our objection to Halloween celebration is no different from our objection to teaching homosexuality is an acceptable lifestyle. To us neither is right.

I would say opting out on the day of the event is useless since preparations would have been in the works for weeks and all the hype that goes with them.

Best bet for any Christian family is get your kids out of public school altogether.

Answer 4

I always though that hallowe'en was the eve of all hallows, or all saints day and was when the evil spirits were banished. Historically it was probably a pagan end of year festival, adopted by the early church.

The reason it has become taboo by many church groups is as much because of the holywood and consumerist hype focussing on the evil part rather than the triumphant good.

Me, I let my kids dress up and party and we love it. Dooking for apples, treacle scones, guising, the lot.

Answer 5

when my girls where in school it was voted by the parents to have a fall festival instead of the Halloween type ....this was a public school....

my girls also were ADHD so the processed items,candy, sugar, food dyes, etc. were things that they could not have...

for many kids it really isn't fun...a diabetic child ,,,,

it is a "whatever will dress goofy like every one else just to get the day done thing".....

Answer 6

I agree that Halloween is demonic in many ways.

But most public schools do allow for an opt-out........in other words......keeping our kids home for the day without being given an absentee.

I would take the opt-out route as a Christian. For as much as I do not like Halloween, I wouldn't want to ruin it for those who do like it.

Answer 7

As many already know, christian people are not very open-minded. If they think Halloween is demonic, then using logic to show them that they are wrong is futile as they are too blind to see and admit that they are wrong.
I went to a christian school for 9 years and we were never allowed to have Halloween parties. We had to have "fall parties" where no black cats, ghosts, or witches could be used for decoration. We were lucky to put spider webs up, thanks to a schoolboard full of uptight, religious pri cks. They taught me that christianity is very hypocritical and just plain stupid, and they will never change their minds for reason. They like their fantasy of a guy in the sky controlling everything.

And CJ, if your kids attend private schools, they attend schools filled with more propaganda than any public school ever. I've been to both and I would never subject my kids to private schoosl.

Answer 8

I disagree with Halloween, and I would just keep my son home that day. If everyone else wants to look and act silly, let them. I never liked Halloween, even as a kid, but my mom loved it. I didn't think it was satanic, just nonsense.

Answer 9

I believe people should keep their feelings to themselves. It's not always wise to just jump out there and state what something is when other people may not easily receive that. It's like...even if what someone is doing is wrong...it's not always right, and in proper place for someone to just jump out and say...stop this madness! I think that they're not using wisdom behind some things they may choose to say. They should probably just keep their child from it, and keep their mouths shut when it comes to certain things. I'm a christian and I believe this.

Answer 10

You know, this is the United States and everyone should be able to celebrate what they please! It seems like this assimilation trend is taking off. No one wants to be left out or offended, which is bogus.