Christians and Halloween. Every year, we face the same dilemma: How should we respond to this holiday? Black cats, grinning pumpkins, and sheet ghosts are harmless enough. Costumes and candy are fun.
But Halloween has a darker side – one that’s associated with fear, evil, and violence. Scary movies, haunted houses, and pop-culture trends have made these dark themes acceptable. And these themes are not appropriate for children of any age.
Gone are the days of handmade costumes, brown paper trick-or-treat bags, and innocent children’s parties. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown has given way to vampires, zombies, and criminal monsters. Halloween is not what it used to be.
What’s a Christian to do?
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Christians and Halloween
The spookiest night of the year is only weeks away, and your children are likely eager for some costumed fun. Although trick-or-treating is an innocent tradition, some practices are clearly out of bounds.
It’s the not-so-clear, gray areas that cause the most concern for Christian parents. You may be asking some questions right now. For example, you might want to know:
- Is it irresponsible to let my children take part in trick-or-treating events?
- Is it overreacting if my family abstains from Halloween activities?
- How can we celebrate Halloween without tarnishing our Christian witness?
Some families ignore Halloween due to its scary themes and pagan roots. Others find alternative ways to enjoy this time of year.
Fall festivals, movie nights, and other wholesome activities are popular in my community. They give the neighborhood kids something to look forward to.
Halloween alternatives help Christian families avoid the more secular Halloween traditions. But what is the best approach? Should Christians celebrate this popular fall holiday. Or should we ignore Halloween AND its alternatives?
Here is one pastor’s response.
3 Ways to Approach Halloween
Travis Allen is the pastor of Grace Church in Greeley, Colorado. Writing for the Grace to You website, Allen shared his perspective on Halloween. The takeaway? Halloween is another opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
If you have mixed feelings about Halloween – and how to handle it as a Christian parent – here are three suggestions:
1. Respond to Superstitions with God’s Truth
Evil spirits are active every day of the year, not only on Halloween. Any day is a day for Satan to prowl about, looking for someone to destroy (1 Peter 5:8). But if you’re a Christian, “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
2. Respond to Activities with Discernment
Some people fear Satanic crimes on Halloween, but the actual number of such incidents is low. Social problems caused by sinful behaviors are a bigger threat. Think vandalism, fighting, and drunk driving. Use your discernment to protect your family.
3. Respond to Unbelievers with Compassion
The unbelieving world fears death. Yet, it’s not the experience of death but the judgment of God that consumes those who reject Him (Hebrews 10:26-27). Treat the unbelievers with compassion by shining a light on the gospel.
Witnessing on Halloween
“In the world, but not of it” is a well-known phrase that expresses a biblical truth. We live in the world right now, but our true home is in heaven (John 17:14-16).
Halloween gives Christians a chance to be “in, not of” in a practical way. It’s an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ – with the potential to reach millions of families.
Churches in my community do this through fall harvest festivals and trunk-or-treat events. The kids come in costume dressed like animals, Bible heroes, and Disney characters.
Christians can witness to their neighbors through Halloween tract evangelism. What better time is there to share the gospel with the whole neighborhood?
Last year, we shared Halloween gospel tracts with the neighborhood trick-or-treaters. If you plan to hand out tracts this year, be sure to include candy and other treats. That makes it fun and informative.
Wrapping It Up
Whether to celebrate Halloween or not is a matter of conscience between you and God. Either approach to the holiday can be all right, as long as you give God the glory.
“Whatever level of Halloween participation you choose, you must honor God,” wrote Allen. How do you honor Him? “By keeping yourself separate from the world and showing mercy to those who are perishing.” ◻️
Related Posts
- 10 Easy Ways to Share the Gospel on Halloween Night
- How the Spookiest Day of the Year Came to Be
- Trick or Truth? Halloween Gospel Tracts Are Easy and Fun
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. Does your family take part in Halloween activities? How do you engage your neighbors and others this time of year?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a reply, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
📋 NOTE – You are reading “How to Handle Halloween When You Are a Christian Parent.” An earlier version appeared on HubPages in October 2015. It has been updated for the Savoring Home community.
Photo Sources
Reference Sources
- Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
- CARM – Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry
- Grace to You
