Origins
Halloween has been celebrated for many ages and its roots can be traced back to the pre-Christian Celtic culture in the British Isles. The Celts celebrated a festival known as Samhain, which marked the beginning of a new year, on 31st October. During Samhain, druids would build bonfires and people would come together to honour the spirits of their ancestors. Over time, the celebration was incorporated into Christian festivities and during the 19th Century, it became a secular holiday, practiced by both Christian and non-Christian people alike.
Christian Doctrines
The celebration of Halloween carries with it a variety of activities that clash with some of the basic doctrines of Christianity. For instance, some of the activities associated with Halloween include activities such as costume-wearing, trick-or-treating, and attending parties. These activities are considered by some to be in conflict with certain Christian doctrines that prohibit practices such as idolatry and witchcraft. Furthermore, the main focus of Halloween is celebrating death by using morbid images and decorations, which some Christians may feel uncomfortable with.
It can Uplift
Yet, Halloween can also offer some positive aspects when viewed in the Christian perspective. For instance, some believe that Halloween can be used to remind people of the standard by which God’s judgments will be based, and that by participating in the festivities, we can be aware of the reality that one day we will be judged for our actions in this life. Additionally, the celebration can serve as an opportunity for Christians to reach non-believers, as many people are more likely to be open to conversations about spiritual topics during holidays, such as Halloween.
Furthermore, some believe that by taking part in activities such as carving pumpkins, playing pranks, or attending costume parties, Christians can demonstrate that not doing activities associated with the holiday is not necessary, and that one can still be a respectful Christian by participating in the celebration. Therefore, while some aspects of the holiday are not necessarily considered compatible with the Christian faith, there is still the opportunity for Christians to engage in the festivities with spiritual mindsets, instead of engaging in activities that could be seen as glorifying the darkness.
Negative Aspects
Despite the potential spiritual upsides of Halloween, its celebration is often seen as a negative event among many Christian believers. Some churches have even gone as far as to organize alternative activities for their members such as a “Harvest Festival” or a “Fall Festival” to replace the popular holiday. This is often done in an attempt to draw attention away from the traditions of Halloween, which these institutions deem as unlawful or inappropriate.
However, one must also consider the potential cultural appropriation associated with taking part in Halloween celebrations. For instance, some worry that by participating in activities related to Halloween, such as wearing costumes inspired by Native American cultures, or taking part in rituals derived from paganism, Christians are engaging in activities that could be deemed as disrespectful and could reflect poorly on the faith.
Educate the Youth
Overall, how each individual Christian should react to Halloween is subjective and the holiday should be looked at with the aim of considering the overall message it is trying to send. Engaging in activities that involve cultural appropriation, or activities that are not in line with the teachings of Christianity should be avoided. However, many churches have begun to recognize the potential benefits for youth by engaging in respectful and educational holidays such as Halloween, where the youth can be taught in alternate ways about the values of Christianity. For example, encouraging youth to engage in activities such as making pumpkin carvings that involve subtle messages about the Christian faith.
Giving it New Meaning
By engaging in activities that involve expressing spiritual truths in a fun and safely themed holiday, such as Halloween, Christian individuals, families and institutions can reclaim the holiday and give it a new meaning, while still respecting the cultural history that it has come from. This is a great opportunity for Christians to make a positive impact in their local communities and to help spread the messages of their faith in a respectful and educational way.
Inclusion and Tolerance
Halloween should not be seen as a bad event for Christians, but rather an opportunity to show love and understanding. Especially in a religious context, in which diversity and inclusion are key to the functioning of a community, it is important for Christians to take part in activities that break down the barriers of prejudice and to reach out to people who have different interpretations of the holiday.
This is especially important considering the current times we live in, where people from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures interact everyday. By engaging in Halloween without judgement, Christians can show their commitment to acceptance, tolerance, and respect for others.
Finding Positive Opportunities
Therefore, while some aspects of Halloween are not necessarily compatible with the Christian faith, there are still opportunities for Christians to engage in the festivities with a spiritual mindset. By engaging in activities that promote unity and inclusion, Christians can take the opportunity to use it as a platform to spread the messages of their faith, while also having fun and forming relationships with individuals who have different interpretations of the holiday.
Volunteer Work
Finally, another great way to give back during Halloween is to volunteer at soup kitchens, as homeless shelters and food pantries often experience a lack of volunteers during the holiday and can benefit greatly from the help of individuals who are willing to participate. By engaging in volunteer work and serving those in need, Christians can demonstrate their commitment to the faith. Plus, it is an opportunity for Christians to have positive interactions with people from marginalized communities and to help spread the teachings of the faith in a respectful and understanding way.
