My Thoughts About Halloween
“Prowlin Cat” ©Teresa Kogut, all rights reserved
Halloween can be a controversial holiday. While I am a Christian and I love my Catholic faith, I believe, as Christians, we can enjoy Halloween without offending our Lord.
I recently had someone ask me to remove a Halloween image from my business Facebook page because she doesn’t want anything to do with Halloween. Even though I respect her opinion and certainly never intended to offend anyone, I did not remove the image. It was a postcard promoting a show in Michigan that offers handmade Halloween-only works of art by some really talented folks, shown below.
Here’s why I didn’t remove the image. Through my business Facebook page, my blog and all other social media platforms, I want to be authentic, I want to be me and I don’t have a problem with Halloween. In fact, I find it a delightful holiday to create art for because there are countless whimsical characters I can paint.. I can let my imagination run wild. I will admit, however, that I don’t like any evil or devil images. I like the fun and whimsical nature of the holiday.
“Walking Silhowitch” ©Teresa Kogut, all rights reserved
One of my favorite spiritual leaders is Dr. James Dobson. He provides sound biblical advice for Christian marriages, family and parenting through his radio program “Family Talk”. Here is an excerpt from his site:
“Halloween is a rather different story. Whereas it can be argued that Christmas is a Christian holiday with Christian origins that has suffered the effects of growing secularism, Halloween can be traced to distinctly pagan sources. It is reasonable, then, that many believers would find some aspects of its celebration disturbing. I agree with them in that regard. The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches and devils, death and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this “darker side” of Halloween.
Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones.
Let me add, again, that I’ve given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial among committed Christians, and I’m sensitive to the reasons for their misgivings. My final word to parents on the subject would be “Stay true to your own convictions.”
Halloween is a rather different story. Whereas it can be argued that Christmas is a Christian holiday with Christian origins that has suffered the effects of growing secularism, Halloween can be traced to distinctly pagan sources. It is reasonable, then, that many believers would find some aspects of its celebration disturbing. I agree with them in that regard. The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches, devils, death, and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this “darker side” of Halloween.
Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones.
Let me add, again, that I’ve given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial among committed Christians, and I’m sensitive to the reasons for their misgivings. My final word to parents on the subject would be “Stay true to your own convictions.”
– See more at: http://drjamesdobson.org/Solid-Answers/Answers?a=86659425-3111-42b7-8fcd-f574956248e2#sthash.9icn4ZiJ.dpuf
Halloween is a rather different story. Whereas it can be argued that Christmas is a Christian holiday with Christian origins that has suffered the effects of growing secularism, Halloween can be traced to distinctly pagan sources. It is reasonable, then, that many believers would find some aspects of its celebration disturbing. I agree with them in that regard. The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches, devils, death, and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this “darker side” of Halloween.
Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones.
Let me add, again, that I’ve given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial among committed Christians, and I’m sensitive to the reasons for their misgivings. My final word to parents on the subject would be “Stay true to your own convictions.”
– See more at: http://drjamesdobson.org/Solid-Answers/Answers?a=86659425-3111-42b7-8fcd-f574956248e2#sthash.9icn4ZiJ.dpuf
Halloween is a rather different story. Whereas it can be argued that Christmas is a Christian holiday with Christian origins that has suffered the effects of growing secularism, Halloween can be traced to distinctly pagan sources. It is reasonable, then, that many believers would find some aspects of its celebration disturbing. I agree with them in that regard. The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches, devils, death, and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this “darker side” of Halloween.
Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones.
Let me add, again, that I’ve given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial among committed Christians, and I’m sensitive to the reasons for their misgivings. My final word to parents on the subject would be “Stay true to your own convictions.”
– See more at: http://drjamesdobson.org/Solid-Answers/Answers?a=86659425-3111-42b7-8fcd-f574956248e2#sthash.6nUCjiwu.dpuf
I am in total agreement with Dr. Dobson’s view. God knows our hearts…..I believe as long as we look at Halloween as a fun, whimsical holiday where kids get to play “dress up” there’s no harm done.
While, I too, respect other people’s opinions, I feel we each have to make the decision to do what we believe is the right for ourselves and our families. If you BELIEVE in your heart that Halloween is evil, then, yes, I understand why you’d avoid anything to do with Halloween. I am not here to judge anyone or change anyone’s mind about Halloween, I simply wanted to share my viewpoint.
“Tis a Merry Halloween” ©Teresa Kogut, all rights reserved
“It’s Halloween” ©Teresa Kogut, all rights reserved
Thanks for stopping by and reading my article. I would love to hear your opinion about this controversial holiday.
Halloween is a rather different story. Whereas it can be argued that Christmas is a Christian holiday with Christian origins that has suffered the effects of growing secularism, Halloween can be traced to distinctly pagan sources. It is reasonable, then, that many believers would find some aspects of its celebration disturbing. I agree with them in that regard. The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches, devils, death, and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this “darker side” of Halloween.
Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones.
Let me add, again, that I’ve given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial among committed Christians, and I’m sensitive to the reasons for their misgivings. My final word to parents on the subject would be “Stay true to your own convictions.”
– See more at: http://drjamesdobson.org/Solid-Answers/Answers?a=86659425-3111-42b7-8fcd-f574956248e2#sthash.6nUCjiwu.dpuf
Halloween is a rather different story. Whereas it can be argued that Christmas is a Christian holiday with Christian origins that has suffered the effects of growing secularism, Halloween can be traced to distinctly pagan sources. It is reasonable, then, that many believers would find some aspects of its celebration disturbing. I agree with them in that regard. The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches, devils, death, and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this “darker side” of Halloween.
Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones.
Let me add, again, that I’ve given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial among committed Christians, and I’m sensitive to the reasons for their misgivings. My final word to parents on the subject would be “Stay true to your own convictions.”
– See more at: http://drjamesdobson.org/Solid-Answers/Answers?a=86659425-3111-42b7-8fcd-f574956248e2#sthash.6nUCjiwu.dpuf
Halloween is a rather different story. Whereas it can be argued that Christmas is a Christian holiday with Christian origins that has suffered the effects of growing secularism, Halloween can be traced to distinctly pagan sources. It is reasonable, then, that many believers would find some aspects of its celebration disturbing. I agree with them in that regard. The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches, devils, death, and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this “darker side” of Halloween.
Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones.
Let me add, again, that I’ve given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial among committed Christians, and I’m sensitive to the reasons for their misgivings. My final word to parents on the subject would be “Stay true to your own convictions.”
– See more at: http://drjamesdobson.org/Solid-Answers/Answers?a=86659425-3111-42b7-8fcd-f574956248e2#sthash.6nUCjiwu.dpuf
Halloween is a rather different story. Whereas it can be argued that Christmas is a Christian holiday with Christian origins that has suffered the effects of growing secularism, Halloween can be traced to distinctly pagan sources. It is reasonable, then, that many believers would find some aspects of its celebration disturbing. I agree with them in that regard. The traditional emphasis upon the occult, witches, devils, death, and evil sends messages to our kids that godly parents can only regard with alarm. There is clearly no place in the Christian community for this “darker side” of Halloween.
Even here, however, there is a place for some harmless fun. Kids love to dress up and pretend. If the Halloween experience is focused on fantasy rather than the occult, I see no harm in it. Make costumes for your children that represent fun characters, such as Mickey Mouse or an elderly grandmother, and then let them go door-to-door asking for treats. This side of Halloween can be thoroughly enjoyable for the little ones.
Let me add, again, that I’ve given you my personal opinion. I realize that the topic is controversial among committed Christians, and I’m sensitive to the reasons for their misgivings. My final word to parents on the subject would be “Stay true to your own convictions.”
– See more at: http://drjamesdobson.org/Solid-Answers/Answers?a=86659425-3111-42b7-8fcd-f574956248e2#sthash.6nUCjiwu.dpuf
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Teresa, excellent post. Also, the term “Halloween” has been corrupted through the years. The real spelling is “Hallowe’en”, which means “All Hallows Eve or Evening – the eve before All Saints’ Day when we honor all of those Christians who have passed before us. Like many other Christian and pagan holidays, they have, over the centuries, combined. Such is the case with Hallowe’en. I agree – it can be a fun and whimsical time. I also don’t like the evil, devil and occult side of it. Each person has a right to their own beliefs and how they act upon them.
Your comments were informative. Thanks!!
Thanks for your input, Diane. Halloween has evolved over the years and in each culture it evolved a little differently. Somewhere along the way some people interpreted Halloween as evil, but everything I have read about the origin of Halloween has been more about the harvest celebration. Where “death” comes into play is because winter was coming and that was a time of illness and death way back in time. The stories go on and on and I find it interesting to read about the origins of this holiday. But for you and me, it’s fun and whimsical and so much fun to paint for.
I agree totally with your thoughts about celebrating Halloween. I am Lutheran and am strong in my faith. I have only happy memories of Trick or Treating with my Sisters and continued with my daughters and small Grandlkids. It is kind if like almost nothing is bad if in moderation. As an adult, I can judge if something is of an evil content and then totally avoid