Yesterday’s Sermon in a Nutshell:Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

Yesterday’s Sermon in a Nutshell:

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

Sunday’s gospel of Christ healing the demon-possessed man is quite fitting with the upcoming celebration of Halloween on Tuesday; fitting because it shows Christ’s power over Satan and all things evil.

Interestingly, over the last ten-years or so, there has been a growing concern as to whether Christians should celebrate Halloween, mainly amongst the Protestant community. Still, participating in Halloween or not can be a very controversial topic. There are those who view Halloween simply in terms of dressing up and having fun; an innocuous, innocent, and harmless activity. Others are equally convinced that this is a satanic holiday aimed at worshiping evil spirits and promoting wickedness and darkness. So, who is right? Can a Christian participate in Halloween without compromising their faith?

No matter how commercialized Halloween has become, it is true that it has pagan origins. However, the Early Church also had to contend with pagan feasts and rituals that were inherently ingrained upon the culture of those they converted. And the Church saw fit to allow many of these feasts and celebrations to continue, although they “Christianized” them. They put a new Christ-centered spin on these holidays, such as re-focusing the time of the winter solstice – the “rebirth of the sun,” to honor the Birth or Nativity of our Lord; allowing the decorating of pine trees which was also a pagan custom.

St. Paul also wrote that it was permissible to eat “meat offered to idols,” because for us, as Christians, we know that this means “nothing” and we can override or trump all pagan aspects by asking God’s blessing upon the food before we eat it (1 Cor. 8:4).

Although the Bible says nothing about Halloween per se, it does say that witchcraft, occultism, and worshiping evils sprits are wrong and "punishable by death." But does dressing up and going Trick or Treating equate to worshipping Satan? Of course not. And besides, Christ overcame the world. 

Personally, I do not think that there is anything wrong with participating in Halloween unless one decides to see it as an opportunity to worship the Devil and perform satanic rites. And I certainly don't consider it a "gateway" holiday which leads people away from Christianity. If that were the case, then we should ban or avoid all civil holidays.

Regarding costumes, one might consider how they dress or dress up their children. I do not think going out as animals, princesses, or Power Rangers is bad, but perhaps parents should choose alternatives to gruesome, grotesque, or demeaning costumes. (When I was young, we often dressed as cartoon characters, cowboys, ghosts, vampires, and the ever-popular Hobo – with a bindle stick and large plastic cigar).

So, should Christians celebrate Halloween? Is there anything evil about dressing up as a Superhero and going around the block asking for candy? No. Yet are there ellements or aspects of Halloween that are anti-Christian and should be avoided? Absolutely. If parents are going to allow their children to participate in Halloween, they should make sure to keep them from getting involved in the darker aspects of the day. This means that their attitude, behavior, and dress should mirror their religious convictions. 

By the way: why not dress children in costumes that reflect biblical characters or saints of the Church? It would be impressive to see someone dressed as Noah pulling a wagon-ark filled with animals; a Moses carrying tablets of the Ten Commandments; a Jacob in his coat of many colors; a myrrh-bearer carrying an ointment jar, or a Daniel carrying stuffed lions.

Overall, the decision to celebrate, or not celebrate Halloween should be respected and not become a point of contention dividing the Church. Everyone should read chapter 14 of St. Paul’s Letter to the Roman’s, as it deals with things such as this: the strengths and weaknesses of Christians. We are one Body in Christ, but not everyone is on the same level of understanding or degree of faith as others in the community. Everyone should be loved and respected.

Fr. John