Updated 09:38 pm.EST, Fri November 20, 2009

Ministries|Fri, Oct. 30 2009 11:55 PM EDT

Should Christians Boycott Halloween or Seize Opportunity?

By Ethan Cole|Christian Post Reporter

While many Christians choose to boycott Halloween or go to an alternative church party, some believers contend that the best approach is to join in the trick-or-treat festivities.

Halloween is not an “evil” holiday, insists Dave Trout, host of the nationally syndicated Christian music program “Under the Radar,” on the blog “Think Christian.”

Trout cites a 1999 CCM magazine article by John Fischer, a senior writer with PurposeDrivenLife.com, in which the writer highlights the fact that every day is a spiritual battle.

“Not to diminish the reality of spiritual warfare – something to be taken seriously by all believers – but the last day of October is not a spiritual battle any more than any other day,” Fischer wrote. “If Satan comes out on Halloween, he doesn’t go back into hiding the next morning.”

Not only is Halloween no more “evil” than other days, but it also offers an opportunity for Christians to get to know their neighbors and possibly share their faith with them, Trout argues.

For his part, Trout and his wife annually host a “Halloween Haven” on their block and set up a tent on their driveway where neighborhood kids can play games and win prizes. The Trouts serve hot dogs, hot cider, and coffee inside their garage where they hope to strike up conversations with neighbors, including ones regarding their Christian faith.

“Many Christians feel the best approach is to attend a Halloween alternative party at church,” writes Trout. “I believe this only adds to the problem.”

So on Halloween day, Trout is calling on Christians to carry “Jesus’ light” into their neighborhood.

“October 31 will be one of the biggest community hand-outs of the year, but where will the Christians be?” he poses.

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  • Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:32 pm Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    Have you checked out the video posting that was on Pat Robertson's website? It has been taken down but can be found on YOUTUBE along with a discussion on MSNBC. A woman was alerting American to the the witches who have prayed over all the candy so that demons would infect the kids. Apparently she travels the country with her Godly warnings.

  • Sun Nov 01, 2009 5:19 pm Agree: 1   Disagree: 0

    Just having a harvest party or "alternative" event is a waste of time. At least when the Catholics ran across pagan celebrations they made a true Christ-focused alternative like Christmas. I know a church that does a road to heaven and hell. People are tempted down the road to hell and find out that were tricked and it leads to death and fear. Then they are told they have a second chance and can find the real treats on the road to heaven. At the end they are asked which path they are on in real life and are basically given the gospel and an opporunity for prayer to receive Christ. Each person is given a bag with candy, a tract, and a church flyer. You would be surprised at the response. If someone is not interested, they are still invited to continue to fellowship. Where sin abounds grace abounds. In most places, Halloween is just a secular holiday, but having lived in the Bay area in a hub of Wicca and Satanism, Halloween can be much more than that, but why waste such a great opportunity to share the gospel.

  • Sun Nov 01, 2009 8:42 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    gem_of_tki »Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:16 pm Agree: 2 Disagree: 0 Flag Delete

    For a good laugh search google for "most of the candy sold during this season has been dedicated and prayed over by witches"

    http://www.google.com/search?q=most+of+the+candy+sold+during+this+season+has+been+dedicated+and+prayed+over+by+witches

  • Sat Oct 31, 2009 10:09 pm Agree: 4   Disagree: 0

    Hey, give the kids the candy, but everything else is matter of conscience. As far as I'm concerned, it's Reformation Day for us die-hard Lutherans. Sooner or later, it's All Saints Day for my Catholic friends.
    Won't pull the plug on those who think Halloween is a party-night. I'm not one of those curmudgeons who "bah humbug" holidays. Webmonk is right. A little less gore is good, but even now the family is watching a "Harry Potter" movie. Hope they have a good night's rest, without nightmares and "things that go bump in the night."
    Remember when Halloween was just "trick or treat," kids' fare with no self-respecting adult seeing it as more than that?

  • Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:16 pm Agree: 5   Disagree: 0

    Flagged as inappropriate. show For a good laugh search google for "most of the candy sold during this season has been dedicated and prayed over by witches"

    http://www.google.com/search?q=most+of+the+candy+sold+during+this+season+has+been+dedicated+and+prayed+over+by+witches
    hide

  • Sat Oct 31, 2009 11:39 am Agree: 2   Disagree: 0

    Indeed, this could be an interesting discussion as many have been brought up different ways. There's nothing wrong with harvest festivals, for example, as they are great outreaches...but what of your own neighborhood? If we don't demonstrate love or try "love our neighbors" at every given opportunity...we're missing the boat. We don't have to celebrate the gore and excuse for sinful acts to focus on the chance to dress up, get candy, and ultimately show love to our neighbors.

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