It's unfortunate and downright deplorable how so-called "Christians" willfully participate in the celebration of Halloween. This year (2021), Halloween falls on a Sunday, which will increase congregational support of this demonic holiday. I'm sure there'll be pastors and church leaders who disagree with me concerning this article and will boldly rebut involvement in this pagan holiday. They will boast how their ministry offers an alternative to Halloween, such as Harvest Festivals, Hallelujah Night, and Trunk or Treat events—implying that what they’re doing has no connection whatsoever to the traditional practices of the holiday. For years I've had leaders debate me over this subject, stating that there's nothing wrong with a ministry hosting the events mentioned earlier as an alternative to Halloween, as long as the costumes are appropriate.
Such a response might satisfy the majority and be considered a satisfactory reply for the babe in Christ. However, none of those reasons are scriptural nor warrant the believer's participation. As the Body of Christ, we must come to know God's issue with Halloween and possess the aptitude to explain why. The problem goes far beyond that of jack-o'-lanterns, candy, black cats, and costumes. If anything, those things serve as the outgrowth of the core issue.
God's issue with Halloween lies within the origin. Let's examine a few terms and definitions to assist in establishing our case, shall we?
Origin (The etymological breakdown)- is c. 1400, "ancestry, race," from Latin originem (nominative origo) "a rise, commencement, beginning, source.
Origin (Webster's Dictionary)- the point or place where something begins or is created: the source or cause of something
Notice, etymologically origin has to do with the commencement (the beginning or start) or the source of something. As Christians, it is our responsibility to search out the basis of a practice, doctrine, belief system, organization, religion, or whatever it is before supporting, aligning, implementing, or ascribing to it. Understand, regardless of how one might try, you can't alter or redefine the source of existence. Halloween's genesis (beginning) and progenitor is Satan! The modern-day, culturally modified church leaders and ministries try to justify their "alternative" services; however, the reality is their demonic union with Satan in celebration of Halloween.
According to 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, the Bible is crystal clear in its instructions to the believer in Christ.
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
The ecclesia (church) of Christ has no reason or excuse for its fellowship with unrighteousness/darkness, in which Halloween is a clear example. Forgoing the use of the term Halloween and replacing it with Harvest and Hallelujah or switching out Trick with Trunk doesn't negate the reality of the church's union with the idols of this pagan holiday.
In part two of this article, I'll deal specifically with Halloween's origin, further expounding on God's issue concerning it. To be continued!