Friday, October 29, 2010

I don't get Halloween

Well, this might get me into trouble, but I don't think I can keep it in any longer, so here it goes. 
I don't get Halloween.  Well, let me rephrase that.  I don't get why Christians celebrate Halloween.  Please, someone, explain to me why Christians celebrate Halloween?  I asked Casey the other day, "Are we just super-conservative, weird, Jesus-freak type people for not participating?"  Most probably think we are.  I guess that's okay with me, but I really do want to understand why the those who love God think that it is just another fun day.  And, maybe more, why do churches have harvest parties and such and encourage it?  I've been told that it is to create a "safe" alternative for kids.  If we need a "safe" alternative then shouldn't that be the first hint that it's not a good thing? 

Now, I'm not getting into all the history of the day, because in modern day it's pretty irrelevant.  What is  currently celebrated in America on this day?  Ghosts, witches, vampires, blood, gore, darkness and death is what I see around me as we get closer and closer to the day.  A little trip to any retail place will reveal that. So why celebrate that?

I don't have a problem with kids dressing up and being cute.  Mine have a bucket of super hero costumes that they like to wear occasionally.  I don't have a problem with candy (once in awhile).  I don't have a problem with games and having fun.  I DO have a problem when the Church doesn't look any different from the world.  I guess mostly I just find it frustrating because I don't have an answer.  And maybe because I just don't get it...and yes, I think most things are black and white, so that's probably part of it.

And, just in case I haven't mentioned it lately, I love you dear, sweet friends (and family) regardless of whether or not you celebrate Halloween with your families. 

"...whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." Phil. 4:8

2 comments:

  1. I agree! It is so easy to "give in" to the fall festival stuff, especially when it is at church. We are guilty of it, although we do not celebrate Halloween in and of itself. My husband and I were talking about the very same thing that night, on the way to the trunk or treat :-/

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