Yesterday I was asked what I think about Halloween as a Christian and as some one who has lived in The U.K , U.S.A and Canada. I love Fall and all the colours and foods , I love Thanksgiving and everything that it stands for but Halloween is a hard one to figure out. I am always amazed at how many Christians get caught up in this celebration. I can never figure out how you can worship the Living God and yet find it acceptable to celebrate a night that has its roots in Celtic and Pagan beliefs. Halloween is originally the night that Celts believed that the veil between the living and the dead is at its most vulnerable and they felt that they need to appease the spirits of the dead so that they would not return to haunt them and their family. The High Priests who dabble in fortune telling and the people would leave food items outside for the evil spirits to take hoping that this would prevent the spirits from entering their homes. (hence trick-or-treat)
Bats, owls and other nocturnal animals, also popular symbols of Halloween, were originally feared because people believed that these creatures could communicate with the spirits of the dead.
Black cats have religious origins as well. Black cats were considered to be reincarnated beings with the ability to divine the future. During the Middle Ages it was believed that witches could turn themselves into black cats. Thus when such a cat was seen, it was considered to be a witch in disguise.Witches and witchcraft are dominant themes of the holiday. Witches generally believe themselves to be followers of an ancient religion, which goes back far beyond Christianity, and which is properly called 'Wicca'. To witches, Halloween is a festival of the dead, and represents the end and the beginning of the witches year. It marks the beginning of the death and destruction associated with winter. At this time the power of the underworld is unleashed, and spirits are supposedly freed to roam about the earth; it is considered the best time to contact spirits. The apostle Paul said Witchcraft is one of the acts of the sinful nature and those who practice it will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:16-21; see also Revelation 22:15).
Black cats have religious origins as well. Black cats were considered to be reincarnated beings with the ability to divine the future. During the Middle Ages it was believed that witches could turn themselves into black cats. Thus when such a cat was seen, it was considered to be a witch in disguise.Witches and witchcraft are dominant themes of the holiday. Witches generally believe themselves to be followers of an ancient religion, which goes back far beyond Christianity, and which is properly called 'Wicca'. To witches, Halloween is a festival of the dead, and represents the end and the beginning of the witches year. It marks the beginning of the death and destruction associated with winter. At this time the power of the underworld is unleashed, and spirits are supposedly freed to roam about the earth; it is considered the best time to contact spirits. The apostle Paul said Witchcraft is one of the acts of the sinful nature and those who practice it will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:16-21; see also Revelation 22:15).
I know many say that it is just innocent fun...but is it?? I'm not convinced that celebrating a demonic holiday is innocent. I do think that many jump on the band-wagon with out really giving it much thought and so are opening them selves up to all sorts of spiritual horribleness.
So I must say that I am confused that Christians are willing to celebrate and let their kids celebrate Halloween. I'm not here to judge and get on people's cases but I am confused and wonder what all my blogging friends think about this topic??!!
