Halloween: To Trick or Not to Treat?
So, what do we do with Halloween? First, we shouldn’t merely accept it nor quickly dismiss it. The history of Halloween is muddled and unclear. As scripture is unclear on the matter, each of us must give careful thought to the question. The issue we’re dealing with here is one of conscience, which means the end product may differ from Christian to Christian. This also means we have to be careful when speaking to others whose consciences may be weak in this area (1 Cor 8). Ultimately this is an open-handed issue.
The Apostle Paul offers us some helpful guidelines when dealing with issues of conscience:
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful.” 1 Cor 6: 12
Principle #1: Is it lawful? (i.e. can I participate lawfully?)
“All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.” 1 Cor 6: 12
Principle #2: Does it enslave? (i.e. bring me under its power?)
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. 1 Cor 6: 12
Principle #3: Is it helpful – physically, spiritual and mentally? Does it hurt others?
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Cor 10:31
Principle #4: Does it glorify God? (i.e. can you make God look as good as he is through it?)
Answers to these questions will vary from person-to-person depending on your particular background. As Christians, we absolutely reject any sort of worship or glamorization of satanic or demonic spirits. We also believe that each and every Christian is a “saint” not merely Christians that have gone varsity. We also recognize that it may very well be good to have a day to remember friends and relatives that have passed away, hopefully to be with the Lord, but not to pray to them or worship them.
This is part three in a four part series exploring Halloween. In our fourth, and final, post we’ll look at ways to potentially redeem Halloween and glorify God through it.
This is part three in a four part series exploring Halloween.
To read previous posts click below.
Part one Halloween: The Issue
Part two Halloween: The History
Part four Halloween: Loving God and Your Neighbors
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