Unmasking Halloween

Mary, the mother of Jesus versus a witch. Say what??? While this writer doesn’t recall Mary and a witch ever having a confrontation, it might be that somewhat of a confrontation is taking place in some Churches of Christ. At least “kind-of”.
While Christian people respect and honor Mary the mother of Jesus, no where are we taught in scriptures to “worship” her or to pray to her. As we enter the holiday known as “Halloween”, it is the goal of this writer to encourage members of Churches of Christ, and possibly others, to look inwardly and consider some of our practices associated with Halloween. But what does that have to do with the virgin Mary versus witches? Glad you asked. Many members of Churches of Christ who wouldn't consider dressing up in “costume” to celebrate Jesus’ birth during the Christmas season, or participate in a nativity reenactment (since it has been traditionally taught that we're not to celebrate Christ's birth) have no qualms about dressing up as witches, vampires, ghosts, and devils during Halloween. They may even take part in acting in a “Haunted House” as a part of the season’s festivities.

Something is very wrong with this picture!

Christian people need to consider the paganism which surrounds Halloween.
The Celts who practiced the Pagan religion, originated Halloween by a time of praying for their dead. (and continue to do so). Their “new year” began on November 1st. They believed that Samhain gathered all the souls of those who had died in the past year. These souls had been confined to the bodies of animals to atone for their sins. They were then sacrificed on October 31. Some of the ways pagan practices are a part of Halloween activities are evidenced by the following:

Costumes - The ancient Druids believed that evil spirits roamed the earth during Samhain casting spells and tricks on people. They believed if you wore a mask or a costume you could trick the demons into thinking you were one of them and they would leave you alone.
Trick or Treat - This came from the belief that if you set food or candy out on your door step for the night, the spirits would pass you by, not cause your milk to spoil or your cattle to have birth defects, or damage your family. The Druids would then go around collect the food and burn it as a sacrifice to their gods. They were known to burn your house down or castrate the males in the house if they arrived and the treat was not at the door.
Jack O Lanterns - An ancient symbol of condemned souls. The story originated from a guy named Jack that supposedly tricked the devil into chasing him up a tree and then Jack jumped out and mounted his crucifix so the devil could not get to him. Jack then put an ember that the devil threw at him from Hell inside a pumpkin or gourd and used it as a lantern. It was also a symbol used by the Druids and pagans to determine who was in agreement with them and deserved mercy from the tricks. Just like today we fly the flag to show our patriotism and love for our country, people lit a jack-o-lantern to show the Druids" "hey we are one of you". Currently, witches use hollowed out gourds and skulls as a light during their rituals.

Celebrating activities that are pagan in origin is contrary to the holiness of a child of God. It should also be considered that Christian people need to be able to “see things through the eyes of others”. If you were not a Christian, would you not have to wonder about a church who opposed nativity reenactments at Christmas, yet would host Haunted Houses at Halloween? The apostle Paul teaches Christians to “avoid the very appearance of evil” I Thessalonians 5:22; and to “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness” Ephesians 5:11.
Two questions to ask ourselves:
4“Is dressing up in witch, vampire and devil costumes avoiding the appearance of evil?”
4“Is taking part in the ‘dark and spooky’ elements of Halloween having a part in ‘the unfruitful works of darkness’”?

Christians are called to be a “peculiar people” (set apart), but not “peculiar” in a manner in which both unbelievers and people of other religious beliefs raise their eyebrows as our actions call our spirituality into question.

This writer has always heard that it’s never good to point out a problem without offering a solution. So why not try this:
4Instead of wearing costumes that hint of darkness and paganism, why not have costume parties in which we dress up as Bible heroes, military heroes or others whose examples would be worthy of imitation? (It seems strange indeed when members of Churches of Christ adorn themselves in costumes which would not be permitted at a “costume party” in most other churches. This writer has observed many times that when other religious groups have costume parties during the Halloween season, a special request is made in their bulletins or brochures that participants not wear apparel that relates to anything pagan in origin).
4Instead of a Haunted House, why not a “Harvest Fellowship” with the church family and visitors gathering for a cookout, wiener roast and possibly a hay ride?

As the Christmas season draws closer, I plan to post another article relating to traditional views in Churches of Christ concerning that season. Just a reminder that this blog is to encourage us to think and re-think some of the practices and beliefs that are unique to Churches of Christ.