Why Should I Fear? – I Choose Life
Trick or treat give me something good to eat! It’s the season when leaders and loved ones tell the youth to not celebrate Halloween. But why not? The history of North American Halloween is rooted in Samhain, a festival celebrated by Celts, who are ancient Europeans, Irish, and Scottish. The festival focused on the transition between the fall and winter seasons. It was believed that during the darker months, spirits of the dead would return and have open access to interact with the living. The Celts would adorn themselves in costumes from animal skins to not be terrorized by evil spirits. Years later, Catholic leader Pope Gregory III would change the date of All Saints Day, a day set to honor saints, to November 1. This was an attempt to replace the festival, however it incorporated the pagan rituals and supported the widespread of Halloween. While the Bible does not specifically mention Halloween, it does discourage saints from participating in idol worship (Isaiah 45:20), interacting with familiar spirits, such as witches, spells, talking to the dead, horoscopes, and ouija boards (1 Samuel 28:7-14; Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-14) and to separate from works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11).
Why is any of this even important? If we believe that God is all supreme, we don’t need to rely on anything outside of Jesus for answers, comfort, or enjoyment. Zechariah 4:6 shows us that it is not by might, nor by power, but by [His] spirit! For God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). The main goal of Halloween is to place fear, terror, and anguish into the hearts of people. That is not the plan of God. God wants us to embody peace, kindness, love, and joy. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). So why should we participate in activities that engage in deception (Galatians 5:22-23)? 2 Corinthians 11:14 lets us know that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.
Am I being Christ-like on October 31st, and every other day? John 10:10 encourages us that the thief (the enemy of our souls) comes to kill, steal, and destroy, but God comes to give us ABUNDANT life! Philippians 4:8 tells the children of God to think about things that are pure and lovely, but Halloween centers our thoughts towards death, with decorations of tombstones, skeletons, vampires, and mummies. During Halloween, death is rooted in agony and worry. Yet, the Bible states, “oh death where is thy sting?” (1 Corinthians 15:55-58). We have received victory through Jesus Christ. Why celebrate an ideology that opposes our victory?
Like any decision you make on this Christian journey, it is a choice whether you want to partake or not in Halloween. After reading this and conducting your own research you may still believe there is nothing wrong with Halloween. After all, it’s just about getting candies, dressing up in a cute costume, watching a scary movie with friends or going to a haunted house. I encourage you to speak with your youth leaders or have a group discussion to continue this conversation to gain understanding (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6). Remember that God is our advocate and our teacher; you’re never alone. He will remind and direct you. I pray that we all get to the place where we can say, “If God isn’t pleased by it, neither am I. Take a second and ask yourself if God is receiving glory during these activities? (1 Corinthians 10:31; Matthew 5:14-16). If God isn’t aligned with it, neither am I. I am different. I choose life!”
Shakirah Wright
Brooklyn, New York