Halloween: A Mixed Brew For Christians? (Part 1)

By Selah Ally Tower, CP Guest Contributor Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Editor's Note: Part of S. A. Tower's Christian testimony includes the fact that she is a former initiated witch, practicing for more than a decade. Her powerful testimony and insightful revelations in the spiritual realm can be read in her book, "Taken From The Night - A Witch's Encounter With God." Below is the first of a three-part series on her observations about Halloween.

It's that time of year again. There's a chill in the air that warrants wrapping up in a sweater, colorful leaves that once cloaked the trees now carpet the sidewalk and crunch beneath your feet.

Neighborhood homes are decorated with pumpkins, bales of hay and yellow mums. Corn stalks and scarecrows hug the porch columns as the squirrel scampers off with a cheek full of Indian corn. Down the street, a horse drawn carriage complete with a coffin has become the focal point of a neighbor's front yard guarded by enormous blow-up gargoyles.

Yes, it's almost Halloween. It's by far become the most controversial holiday during the year between those who despise it and others who participate in its festivities. What is it about this time of year that causes some to turn off their porch light to pretend their not home, while others are completely captivated by Halloween's allure?

Many Christians take a stand against Halloween because of what they perceive to be a focus on darkness, the occult and ghosts. Scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 6:14 mention "what does light have in common with darkness" and 1 Thessalonians 5:22 tells to "keep away from every kind of evil" are often quoted to prove their stance. Many consider it Satan's biggest "holy day" and view that any involvement in the festivities will be the cause of their own entrapment. At the very least, they fear it will give children the notion that dabbling in the occult is somehow acceptable if they simply engage in trick-or-treating on Halloween. Sometimes, Christians believe that by simply participating in these activities, one is guilty by association for committing abominations to the Lord comparable to divination and sorcery.

This fear goes deeper and creates a stir with anyone who dares to see it differently; after all they must have fallen into the deception of the evil one and are being led astray. Their perception is no laughing matter, as they see this as detrimental to one's soul and it's no wonder they avoid this one day of the year.

Along with the spiritual repercussions, they are concerned for the safety of their little ones… keeping them from poisoned candy, razor blade apples or the factory wrapped ghost goodies that witches are said to have hexed. During the days leading up to Halloween, they hold on a little tighter to their kids and keep animals, especially black cats safely indoors. While a pumpkin is considered a creation of God, they perceive the Jack-o-lantern as the face of a demon that no decent Christian should carve.

But from where did this concept of Halloween originate? The Catholic Church still lays claim to hold the origins themselves. Halloween or All Hallows Eve is said to be the night before All Saints Day which is a day to commemorate the departed souls held in purgatory and the remembrance of those who were martyred for their faith... Trick or treating is said to be a modern day version of souling in which poor children knock on the doors of the wealthy, offering to pray for their dead loved one in exchange for a soul cake.

Many others hold claim to Halloween's origins as the "Summers End," celebrated by the Celtic people long ago. Christians who consider Halloween as dancing with the devil often attribute this time with the powers of darkness roaming the earth. To them, kids dressing in costume are considered a reenactment of the Celtic tradition of dressing in hideous costumes in an effort to trick evil spirits. They regard Halloween as a day of human sacrifices and still fear such practices happen today. These are but a few of the reasons many Christians base their avoidance and even, hatred of this event.

While it comes as no surprise to hear many Christians detest this day, you may be surprised to know that they are not the only ones who share a dislike of what has become known as Halloween.

Halloween: Can Christians and Witches Agree on Avoiding Holiday? (Part 2)