Televangelist Paula White Under Fire for Celebrating Halloween
Controversial televangelist Paula White has come under fire for posting a photo of herself and rocker husband Jonathan Cain dressed as fairy tale characters Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, presumably in honor of Halloween.
White posted the photo of herself and her husband in costume on Instagram over the weekend with the message: "Little Red Riding Hood with the Big Bad Wolf."
Many on social media condemned the televangelist for promoting Halloween, which some Christians consider to be evil.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"I am very disappointed in you Mrs White. You are a pastor and you are celebrating the devil's day, why?? ... Please take this photo down and repent. Why celebrate the day of God's enemy and go to church on Sunday to preach, what wow. The world may change but God never changes. These are the last days. May God have mercy on you," wrote one critic under the user name mspretty_gigi.
Another commenter identified as tattoopreacher — who was acknowledged by the televangelist — praised White for her honesty, while others challenged her critics about the wisdom of their condemnation.
"Pastor Paula, I LOVE YOU! Thank you for being real and being awesome for everyone on social networks to see! Please tell your amazing husband and family that I love them all! #keepitreal #pastor," wrote tattoopreacher.
While there is much debate about the origins of Halloween, Christian Apologetics and Ministry says " ... [T]he origins of Halloween are a mixture of old Celtic pagan rituals, superstition and early Catholic traditions."
According to CARM president and founder Matt Slick, "The Christian is not to be involved with or support the occult, witchcraft, demonism, or any other thing that is occultic. To do so is to contradict God's Word, dabble in the demonic, and invite judgment from God. If a Halloween celebration is centered on demons, devils, spirits, etc., I would say don't have anything to do with it."
"On the other hand," Slick continued, "it isn't wrong to dress up in a costume and go door-to-door saying, 'Trick or Treat.' Provided that the costume isn't demonic, I can't see anything wrong with this. It's just fun for the kids."
"Take a look at the Christmas tree. It was originally an ancient fertility symbol. Yet, it has become a representation of Christmas and the place where gifts are placed. Are the Christians then paying homage to an ancient pagan fertility god? Not at all. They do not consider it pagan and are simply joining in a cultural event and giving no honor to anything unscriptural," he added.
Visit CARM for more information about Halloween.
