Friday, October 31, 2008

Halloween


"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." (1 Timothy 4:1)



Halloween was a corruption of "Hallowed E'en," the evening before "All Saints Day" in which civil disobedience and sinful license were tolerated prior to the forgiveness and penance sought the next day.






Although the level of debauchery and wickedness has waxed and waned over the centuries, nothing "hallowed" has ever been associated with the practice--until more recent times among evangelical churches. Now we promote a "Harvest Festival" or a "Bible Character Dress-up Night"--much of which encourages the practice of costuming and treats as a harmless alternative.




The difficulty is not with the church activities, but with the timing and the association with that which is evil. That obvious connection with a pagan holiday will undermine resolve to "come out from among them, and be ye separate" (2 Corinthians 6:17.




Yes, no doubt that passage warns against an "unequal yoke" in marriage--but its primary focus is on church and individual purity! "What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (2 Corinthians 6:14-15).




As a parent, I know the pain of restricting my children from participating in the "fun" of Halloween. And as a former pastor, I know the pressure to accommodate the majority of church members who see no "harm" in such things. However, our allegiance and our responsibility are to the Lord, not men (Colossians 3:23). HMM III



From daily devotions by ICR.org


2 comments:

  1. I'm glad to see a lot more people are beginning to see the light in this. I was disappointed yesterday when we went to girl scouts and the event which was supposed to be a birthday party for Juliette Low, the founder of girl scouts, was nothing more than a Halloween party, complete with all the kids dressed up in Halloween costumes, including the leader, who was dressed up as a witch! My kids did not come dressed up at all, somehow we were not informed in the change of plans... I think we wouldn't have come if we had known. It was gross and creepy, and the kids recognized it right away. Maybe we should have left, but I dropped off the two oldest because we were late and I had to run to the pharmacy. By the time we got there, they were in the middle of relays and other games, and it would have made such a scene. I must be more proactive in the future to make sure this doesn't happen again! The sad thing is, other than the Mormon leaders, I think all the other families are Christian, and some others also do not celebrate Halloween. They went along with it...


    Oh bother. Do you think I should say something to the leaders or on the Yahoo group for our troop, or just let it go?


    Carol

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amen. I agree totally. It's just so encouraging to we do not stand alone on this one. Hmmm, I wonder where everyone else is?

    ReplyDelete

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