How would you handle this?

[Gina B]

My church seems to condone Halloween and also get involved. I don't, and don't intend to. It's not something I'd want to leave over, but around this time of year there's decorations up and related craft projects for the kids in SS, so it's not like I could just skip ONE Sunday to avoid it.
I don't know what to do about it. I'm trying to teach my kids that anything related to witchcraft is wrong, and I relate Halloween to witchcraft and so do they.
I'd hate to leave the church over something like this, but it really really bothers me and the kids don't know how to handle it and seem confused that this is done at church and by "the good people".
What would you do, say?
For those that think it's fine and are just going to answer "I'd go and have fun", don't bother. I want answers from others who believe like I do and can understand why this is a problem.
Gina

 

[Paul of Eugene]

Although I'm one of those who'd say it doesn't really matter, it is apparant that this issue does matter to lots of people and for that reason I would vote for my church to not offend people that are sensitive to the issue by having a halloween party. I'm sorry I'm not in your church to bring out that point in a business meeting.

 

[Taufgesinnter]

I know a family who is the same way about Christmas. They know it's pagan and not supported by Scripture, but everyone else in their church does it. So every year they take a little trip out of town so as to miss church that week.

 

[gb93433]

I was involved in a church years ago that used the Halloween time as an opportunity to reach out to the community as an alternative. We had booths much like a carnival. We got the people's names and addresses and they each got a letter from the church and a personal visit. Also we had an after school tutoring program with the local elementary school.

 

[russell55]

Well, I have no problem with my children doing innocent stuff to celebrate Halloween, but I still am surprised that they have Halloween stuff going on in church, because there are so many people who feel as you do, and its certainly not like its a celebration of a CHRISTIAN event like Christmas or Easter.

So how would I handle it if I felt as you do? I might just explain to my kids that even though we don't believe it's right for Christians to have anything to do with Halloween, there are other believers who don't think that way. Mom thinks they are very much wrong, but she doesn't think its something that's important enough to quit going to this church over.

I do think I'd speak to my pastor or an elder about it--just tell them you find it odd for them to be doing Halloween stuff in Sunday School, and you'd really rather your kids weren't participating. And I might also consider keeping them out of SS for however long it is they are doing Halloween stuff.

This is just my personal opinion--but I find it really odd for the church to be doing much to mark the secular holidays, not only Halloween, but the patriotic ones as well.

 

[Jailminister]

Gina l. Go here and make copies. Pass them out.
web page

 

[Living by Faith]

Gina,
I will not decarate in halloween. I dont mind harvest or giving thanks items.I personally believe there is no such thing as a little harm or a little wicked... No where in the bible can I find anything on white witchcraft. The Lord said very clearly the road to heaven is Holy and narrow. He says over and over to stay on the narrow road.I also feel that it gives children a mixed signal God is Holy but the decor people put up at this time is so evil. I let my kids pass out tracts, scripture candy, small Jesus toys.It's the only time the lost line up at our doors.
Jeanne

 

[Artimaeus]

This is a deal breaker with me. If my church celebrates evil as just a fun, innocent, and harmless activity I will leave that church faster than hot butter on a vasoline coated teflon ski slope.

II Cor 6:14 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, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

You cannot combine Christianity with Halloween, no matter how hard you try.

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

I John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

 

[GloryBound]

You cannot combine Christianity with Halloween, no matter how hard you try.

AMEN AMEN AMEN Brother Artimaeus!!!

 

[InHim2002]

Gina - if I were you I would use this as an opportunity to teach your children about the various different interpretations of Christian teaching.

Perhaps you could explain your point of view and then explain the view of those that disagree with you? You could then let them make the choice - but by giving both perspectives they will be informed enough to understand why these issues divide some churches.

You could say something like "I don't believe in this because..." then "They feel it is okay because..." and then go through any questions - it might help to prepare them for these issues in the future and once they have made a decision you don't need to worry about them at SS - whatever the class do they will have already made their decsion.

Just my opinion.

 

[Gina B]

I'll get back to this after Sunday. I was talking to another member about it and now I'm thoroughly confused as to what the church does and doesn't do and call it and why.
When I figure it out I'll be back.
Gina

 

[Don]

Art, I think I like you.

 

[Mike McK]

Believe it or not, inhim has a point.

In addition to what he said, maybe you could use this opportunity to point out to your kids that Halloween was originally a feat day in the church to celebrate the lives of saints, martyrs and heroes of the faith.

Rather than simply cursing the darkness, make this an opportunity to find the positive.

 

[Nomad]

Since I don't have children, I don't give much thought to Halloween. When I was a kid, no one seemed to worry about it. Halloween came and went with little concern. I guess times have changed.

 

[Johnv]

I write this as I'm hanging a 3 foot spider outside my front door....

I don't have a problem with the contemporary custom and I will be passing out candy on the 31st. My church will be throwing a pumpkin patch party, which is essentially a harvest carnival geared towards grade schoolers. They go around to each booth, play a game, and win a prize (which is always candy). It's a safe alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating.

 

[Felix]

Originally posted by Artimaeus:
This is a deal breaker with me. If my church celebrates evil as just a fun, innocent, and harmless activity I will leave that church faster than hot butter on a vasoline coated teflon ski slope.

II Cor 6:14 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, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

You cannot combine Christianity with Halloween, no matter how hard you try.

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

I John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

Very well put!! I have to say that I fully agree with you Artimeus!!!!!

Felix