What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Why do you agree or disagree with these points? http://bit.ly/1wNPj62

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Don't have time to read your blog, but I wonder if we would call it what it is - Día de Muertos -Day of the Dead, would more parents opt out? No, Susie looks cute in her Elsa costume from Frozen.

It's purely superstition. If someone is dead, there is no point in praying for them - still trying to pray them out of purgatory. Good luck with that. :heeheehee

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

I have a friend who was adopted into a Satanist home. She later in her life found Christ. Every year Halloween is one of the darkest times for her as she remembers just how ugly, and sick things were for her growing up at this time of year. As Christians, we should know better than to have any involvement with one of the darkest, sickest days of the year being celebrated. I agree, it should be called Day of Death, and people should wake up and realize that Halloween is not just about dressing up like some comic figure, or superhero and getting candy.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

I totally agree. But, I have to highlight your first comments. That is totally awesome! God is wonderful!!!! Looking about to see whose heart is crying out and willing to turn to Him for help. I love it!!!!

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

She has an incredible testimony. Most of it is so terrible that I cannot even begin to explain how anyone could have life after such things experienced. But in JESUS all things are possible. She is one of the most encouraging, uplifting souls you will ever talk to, because she was absolutely in the pit of human sickness, and ugliness, and Jesus brought her out. I never talk to her without her praising the Lord for all He has done. Her life is an incredible testimony.

But this time of year, she suffers. She really does. She kind of hunkers down and tries to avoid the stores, etc. And her biggest voiced concern is just exactly what we are talking about - how can CHRISTIANS be a part in any way of such a sick and horrible holiday.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Awesome!

I think parents look at the surface - fun, fun - candy and costumes. And really, there is a lot of pressure from the community - schools, parks, fire stations, retail to participate. Our local park and fire station put on functions to celebrate. And the church does too, "Truck or Treat" to try and show some tolerance and to give the kids a save environment. I don't knock that at all.

My grandson's school is in costume of some sort all this week. And guess what? Friday they get to wear their pajamas to school. I hate the public school system. LOL!

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

I agree. The pressure is huge. And what little kid doesn't like to dress up? If was only just the dressing up as someone else, and free candy - not a big deal - but the deeper uglier part of it is just sick. And it is hard to explain that to a young child.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Día de Muertos is not Halloween. Día de Muertos is observed mostly in Mexico and takes place over several days -- Oct 31 thru Nov 2. Mostly the tradition plays out on All Saints Day (Nov 1) and All Souls Day (Nov 2).

The Halloween tradition observed here in the US has nothing to do with praying for the dead.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

I thought Halloween was just an excuse for women to dress up like hookers.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

We're the only white couple in a hispanic neighborhood, and at night for the past week, there have been about 20 or so adults, teens and kids practicing for this weekend - doing some kind of dance with masks and other props. Sometime I'll have to take a picture of this statue of mary and altar which is by one of the walls. People light candels there all the time.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Hookers was the kind word. :nod And yes, that's what it's become.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

There isn't much difference.

Los Dias de los Muertos, the Days of the Dead, is a traditional Mexico holiday honoring the dead. It is celebrated every year at the same time as Halloween and the Christian holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day (November 1st and 2nd). Los Dias de los Muertos is not a sad time, but instead a time of remembering and rejoicing.

In many places the townspeople dress up as ghouls, ghosts, mummies and skeletons and parade through the town carrying an open coffin. The "corpse" within smiles as it is carried through the narrow streets of town. The local vendors toss oranges inside as the procession makes its way past their markets. Lucky "corpses" can also catch flowers, fruits, and candies.

The celebration of Los Dias de los Muertos, like the customs of Halloween, evolved with the influences of the Celtics, the Romans, and the Christian holy days of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. But with added influences
from the Aztec people of Mexico.

http://www.floramex.com/lihallow.htm

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

It doesn't matter what the costume is!
She is an astronaut. She looks like a hooker astronaut to me.
She is a pirate. She looks like a hooker pirate to me.
She is a ghost. Huh I didn't know they make hooker ghost costumes.
It is just ridiculous. Women who dress like this are pathetic, hard up losers.

I see no way Christ can be glorifies with this holiday. Or how people act during it.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

I heard that Sean is going out for Halloween as the Pope!

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

But there are differences. American's don't pray to the dead, they don't parade around with fake corpses or have dances to honor the dead, which is specifically what Los Dias de los Muertos is about.

The American Halloween is not Mexico and Latin America's Los Dias de los Muertos. They share dates and costumes which is where the similarities end.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Seems like all you need in order to make a really bad Christian "After School Special".

Some people's stories are just so spectacular, they are hard to believe.

Your friend should write a book-- will probably make lots of money and attract the attention of Kirk Cameron.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Sometimes I wonder if we would actually get baptized for the dead, would it make a difference for them, somehow, in eternity.

Maybe lessen their suffering or something, I dunno. The scriptural referrence puzzles me.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

They don't? "Hardin-Simmons library hosts El dia de los Muertos celebration on Halloween. HSU would like to expose the students to different cultures and their holidays. The Day of the Dead is a historically Mexican holiday but it has been known to be celebrated throughout Texas."

http://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/st...dkmrgqPUDRzxIQ

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

:lol

Yes, there are places in the Southwest which celebrate this Mexican holiday. I read this morning that Tucson, AZ will be having a big Los Dias de los Muertos party and parade.

Just like most of AZ and southwest have Cinco De Mayo celebrations.

I doubt very much you'll see it in Omaha, Wichita, Tulsa, Milwaukee, Cleveland, or hundreds of other cities.

The reason is it's still a historically Mexican holiday, as described, which the overwhelming majority of Americans are not celebrating when they celebrate Halloween.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Huh?

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Here's a little article I wrote a few years ago. Please share your thoughts.

Halloween: Curse the darkness or light your world?


I've got mixed feelings about Halloween. I definitely don't really relish the idea of allowing my child to dress up like something evil and pretend to scare treats out of people. The demonic origins of many things associated with Halloween also cause me to say, "Nope. Not my home."

However, I am thankful for it. It provides an excellent opportunity to teach about several things we often avoid. We can address death, the nature and origin of evil, and Christian history.

There just may be something to redeem here if we look into it. So if you're one of the few who do participate in Halloween on some level here are some considerations. First, here's some history on Halloween...

Originally the Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st. The night before, October 31st, was believed to be an evening when ghosts and spirits returned from the netherworld to bring bad omens for the coming year. So the Celts wore masks and lit bonfires to chase these spirits away. This was the festival of Samhain, Lord of the Dead. When the Romans conquered the Celts they brought with them fall traditions we might find familiar such as bobbing for apples etc. In 835, Pope Gregory IV moved the celebration for all the martyrs (later All Saints) from May 13 to November 1. The night before became known as "All Hallow’s Even" or “holy evening.” Eventually the name was shortened to "Halloween". All Saints was a day set aside by then church authorities to remember Christian martyrs.

What does all this mean for us?

Here are some ideas. If your kids are old enough, it's a good time to teach your children about death and the origins of evil according to the Bible. Give a Bible study on the origin of Satan and warn of what awaits those who refuse to obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It's also an excellent time to remember and teach about those who perished for their faith in Christ. Men like William Tyndale and John Huss immediately come to mind. This would be a wonderful time to teach your kids about the price men paid just to make sure we had the Bible in English. Yes, we can actually turn the tables on Satan and use the day to glorify God's Word. A good idea could be sitting down with your kids and reading a few stories about these men who gave all so we could read the Holy Bible. Maybe review the lives of these martyrs with the youth group as everyone sits around a bonfire. If your church or organization is able, a hayride through history may be an idea. The hayride can carry the riders through various scenes from Christian history. Start with a stop where the ghost of John Wycliffe talks about his life's work, the English Bible. Briefly have him explain the opposition he faced and how his bones were dug up and burned. Visit with William Tyndale as he teaches about his life's work, the persecution he suffered, and his martyr's death. Next stop...John Huss. You are only limited by your imagination. Some may disagree with this idea...but you can make it interesting. Make it a theatrical hayride with the "ghosts" of the martyrs telling their stories at each brief stop, all in the style of Charles Dickens. You can present vivid reenactments or just present the creative story telling of each martyr's surrender to the flames...illustrating their love of God and His Word. This could ignite a fire in the hearts of those attending, not to mention build an appreciation for the Bible and Christian history.

If you're creative, add to the mix fall festivities like bobbing for apples, apple cider, carving pumpkins (actually an interesting Irish tradition), pumpkin pie, or a costume party. Light a bonfire and roast hotdogs. Have LOTS OF CANDY. Let me repeat...GIVE LOTS OF CANDY! Make the unsaved kids in the neighborhood wish they came to your house or your church on Halloween instead of marching all over the neighborhood dressed like spooks and begging for candy in the cold. Do this and you have a celebration grounding your family in the Christian faith, and an excellent opportunity to witness to others.

Our previous church normally had a "Fall Family Night" with a costume theme, festivities, and lots of candy. I think last year we had a Country or Hill Billy theme. There are other possibilities. For example there may be an International theme where people dress in ethnic dress and/or costumes. Or perhaps a History theme where people dress as their favorite men or women in history. One could envision a Wild West theme, a Medieval Europe theme, Super Hero theme, Christian History theme, Bible Characters theme, and the list could go on and on. Nothing demonic should be allowed. Kids enjoy dressing up. Kids love to pretend they are somebody else and it's actually a normal part of their development. Let the kids have fun and enjoy themselves. At the same time you can spend some enjoyable time with them.

The point is that we can move from being on the defensive and get ourselves on the OFFENSIVE. Yes, we can TAKE DOMINION over Halloween! Don't tolerate it. Don't compromise with it. Don't ignore it. Don't fear it. Like good Christian soldiers...TAKE IT. Yes, take back what the Devil has stolen and use it to give God glory! News flash...October 31st doesn't belong to Satan. It belongs to the LORD! EVERY day belongs to the Lord.

The Devil plans on using this day to glorify evil. I say...turn the tables on him. Use it to light your world. You might have a little fun, make some friends from your neighborhood, and...you might win a soul for Jesus.

Take Dominion. You can have an enjoyable "Holy Evening"...you can scare the Hell out of Halloween.

God bless.

P.S.
Family or Church centered activities are desperately needed in many communities. Many parents are concerned about their children's safety or their kids getting into trouble on Halloween. By being pro-active the Church can offer a safe and wholesome alternative to Halloween as part of our ministry in many neighborhoods and communities.

If you want a revolution...you have to think like a revolutionary. Simply ask yourself this one question,

"What would I do for God if I were NOT afraid?"

Then DO IT.

Sincerely,
CH

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

I once knew someone who was born into a satanic cult, but also later saved. She said if Christians knew what Halloween was really about, they'd spend the night in prayer and fasting.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Here is a link to an interesting article from a Catholic perspective, something about trying to reclaim the All Hallowed Eve's theme:
http://www.wordonfire.org/resources/...alloween/2133/

We didn't observe Halloween with our children. We always felt the underlying themes of darkness couldn't be masked (pun intended) by a superman- or even a bible character- costume.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

This is interesting from the article as Dia de los Muertos is celebrated on All Saints Day. This shows that these are celebrated together and there isn't much of a difference.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

:couch Everyone better stay inside with the lights off tonight. :couch

It's Halloween, or Los Dias de los Muertos if you're from Mexico and celebrate the dead.

For the majority of ordinary Americans, we'll be taking a walk around the neighborhood, mingling with friends and neighbors while all our kids run around in costumes getting candy.

:jaw

I admit, Halloween is really evil. I mean, it's really bad. You have little kids dressed up in their favorite superhero costume going from door to door and people are opening the door and giving them CANDY.

:reaction

Even worse are the millions of Americans in Kansas, Ohio, Wisconsin and other states celebrating Los Dias de los Muertos by carrying fake corpses and caskets down their city streets, dancing and singing Mexican songs.

:runhills

:toofunny

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Halloween is essentially our culture's festival of the dead. It's a time to address the subjects of death, Satan, Hell, the spirit world, the supernatural, and the occult. My kids have are eight and have started asking a lot of questions this year. Questions about ghosts, the Devil, death, and Hell. In away... rather one participates in any kind of festivity or not... we can redeem the time.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

A harvest party is a good alternative for saints to bring their kids to.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Are you acting like a jerk or is it just my imagination? :hmmm

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Curse the darkness!
:)

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

The Church should celebrate the Day of the Dead by having mass baptisms for the dead folks.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

I think the Mormons are already doing that...

:lol

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

It's called sarcasm, but I could understand the confusion. :heeheehee

Sorry if anyone was offended.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

I'm pretty sure I wasn't confused. Sarcasm just sounds nicer. :winkgrin

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Excellent blog by the wife of Christian singer/musician Jimmy Needham

Blog Link

And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:2

Tonight, we will turn our porch lights on, set out a sign, and be handing out king sized candy bars to hundreds of kids, moms, dads, and teens. Some will grumble that we receive sinners. But they said this of Jesus too.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Many Christians believe that handing out candy on Halloween is not a good idea. They assume, “if I hand out candy, I am advocating all this day stands for and will therefore compromise my witness as a Christian.” Yes, Halloween can stand for some really wicked things. Yes, it is a day that people worship Satan, demons, and spiritual darkness. Yes, it is an excuse for unrepentant sinning. But we are the light of the world! Light is intended for darkness. “Does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket?”

The darker the day, the more the light stands out. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Who needs to see the light of Christ? Saints? Or sinners?

And it happened that He was reclining at the table in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners were dining with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many of them, and they were following Him. When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, “Why is He eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?”And hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Mark 2:15-17

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for sinners. And how did Jesus, the physician, engage those who were sick? He hung out with them, engaged with them, ate with them. If our Master, Jesus, spent time with sinners in this way, how can we think ourselves too “holy” to do the same? It was the Pharisees who saw themselves as too holy to engage with sinners on the ground level. Let us be like Jesus, not like those spiritually arrogant pharisees.

MISSIONAL HALLOWEEN
For a moment, let’s imagine Jimmy and I are missionaries in a foreign country. We have just moved in and are still getting a feel for the culture and daily life of this country’s inhabitants. Very few know about Jesus, and ancestral worship is the most common religious practice. We have been praying about a way to get to know more people and have some opportunities to share about Jesus. Then, we hear about a large ancestral worship festival in which all of the city will be out. If you will only turn on your porch light, they will come to your door singing songs of praise to their ancestors.

As missionaries, we’d thank God for such a great opportunity! Instead of spending days looking for a single moment to get to know someone and talk about faith, we now have many who will come to our door with their mind already on spiritual things! I can’t imagine a more perfect opportunity to get to know these foreigners and talk about my faith!

This is exactly what Halloween can be for the Jesus-followers in this country! We should be missional in our neighborhoods already, seeking to reach our neighbors with the good news of Jesus. So what a perfect day to get to know the families that live around us! On top of that, there is already an air of spirituality on this day. Yes it has an evil spiritual feel, but it’s a perfect springboard to bring up the topic of life, death, hell, heaven, and a Great God who has defeated Satan on the cross through the unbelievable grace of sacrificing His Son on the behalf of sinners like us!

Jesus received sinners, so likewise, let us receive sinners today.

TURN IT FOR GOOD
There is a way to engage people on Halloween, without actually celebrating the day itself. We are very careful to not have any traditionally Halloween decorations, like ghosts, spiderwebs, monsters, etc. Instead, we are trying to brand ourselves as the “crazy-generous” house on our street, to make a statement about the gracious nature of our God through sending His Son!

There is a song we love to sing at our church called “Sovereign Over Us” by Aaron Keyes that says, “Even what the enemy means for evil, you turn it for our good, you turn it for our good and Your glory.” Halloween is a day that Satan has intended for evil, but God in us is leveraging it for the good of others through sharing the Gospel and the glory of God by pointing to His grace.

You see, Halloween is kind of a big deal on our street. Every year, we have 100s of people come to our door. Last year that number was 700! This year we purchased 1,000 king sized bars (anticipating a growing crowd) and have our college homegroup helping through prayer, handing out candy, welcoming people at the bottom of our stairs, and looking for opportunities to talk about Jesus. After being loved, welcomed, and blessed with king-sized bars, each person will be pointed to Jesus through signs on the way out proclaiming Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

WE ARE SINNERS TOO
Let us not forget, that the only reason we are saved is because Jesus condescended into the filth of our life, met us where we were at, and extended grace and love to us there. We are no less sinners than those we seek to reach. We are simply great sinners with a greater Savior! Let us not fall into the trap of the Pharisees, thinking in our religious arrogance that we are better than those who don’t know Him. For Jesus Himself said, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you [religious leaders].” Matt 21:31

“It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” 1 Tim 1:15

Let’s remember our Lord’s charge to us on nights like tonight, not to run from darkness but charge toward it with the loving light of the gospel. “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15

http://static.squarespace.com/static...0/?format=750w

http://static.squarespace.com/static...4/?format=750w

The sign Kelly is holding says "...We have KING SIZE bars, cause there's not a KING as generous as ours."

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

yep, every one of them is a pathetic hardup loser in your eyes.
How about a lost soul who needs to be saved, nah , just pathetic losers who arent worth my time. Who is the real pathetic hardup loser...

Losers? Some judgement there. That your focus is on hookers says a lot. If you're male, you probably have a lust issue. If a female, it's likely that you're afraid of your sexual desires. You probably only believe is sex to procreate and bathe in bleach afterward.

These losers that you speak of need Jesus.

I don't get the way some christians react to Halloween. It's the evilist day of the year! MUAHAHAHAHA! Mmkay, no! If you want to give a day to Satan, have at it. Others will redeem the day.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Yeah they are losers!!! Because there is usually about three little girls that are with them and they are all dressed like mini-hookers. AND some times they have a little boy with them and he is in a dress!

Oh Sorry I am judgmental because I want parents to raise their kids with decency, morals and self respect. Yeah, I get it. They shouldn't be ashamed. I should be ashamed for being a big bad judgmental Christian.

Sometimes I think this is the Atheist Friends Forum. Shees some people.

Hey if you all want to have a Halloween party I don't care. Invite all your hooker, transvestite friends over and party down. To me that sounds like Hell. :laffatu

Why do you have expectations from sinners.

And you have a terrible attitude. Repent.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

Jesus never participated in pagan religious ceremonies in order to "reach the lost". The "sinners" he associated with were sinners IN THE EYES OF TALMUDIC PHARISAISM, that is, they did not follow the mitzvot of the mishna nor the halacha of the Rabbis. They were not dope-smoking drunkard fornicating devil-worshipping idolaters. They were God-fearing people. They eere REPENTANT.

Re: What's the Big Deal About Halloween?
 

As a child, I went trick or treating. Never once did I consider myself to be worshiping the dead, or idols, nor did I consider myself to be involved in witchcraft or satanism. Why? Because I was not doing any of those things.

Unless one is doing with intent those things, I have no problem with a Christian going trick or treating. Those who disagree with it should not be putting down those who do and the reverse holds just as true.

This is a holiday that I see going to the wayside anyway. As a child, there would be many children participating. But as our society has changed and the treats cannot always be trusted as safe to eat, and because it can be dangerous going to a strangers home, I have not seen nearly as many children doing this. It has been that way for years. I believe many are opting for safer alternatives, such as parties or going to malls.

Fallen angels have no special power on Halloween.