It's not just innocent fun, ya know.

Well, it's that time of year again. Ugh!

As the leaves change color and the air becomes crisp, Halloween, with its costumes, candies, and decorations, once again approaches. For many, this holiday is a fun and lighthearted celebration, but from a Torah pursuant perspective, it's essential to consider the spiritual dangers that Halloween may present. While harvest time can be an innocent and enjoyable time for some, it's equally important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of participating in this custom.

Dark and Occult Themes

One of the most significant spiritual concerns surrounding Halloween is its historical association with dark and occult themes. The holiday has its roots in Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival that marked the end of the harvest season and was believed to be a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred. Over the centuries, Halloween has absorbed various elements from pagan, Wiccan, and occult traditions. For Believers, participation in activities or decorations that glorify witches, ghosts, and other occult symbols can be spiritually dangerous. The Bible is clear about avoiding any form of witchcraft or sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Engaging in practices or imagery associated with these themes can lead believers away from the light of Messiah.

Trivialization of Evil

Another spiritual danger of Halloween is the way it often trivializes evil and fear. The modern celebration of Halloween frequently includes gruesome costumes, haunted houses, and horror-themed movies. While these may seem harmless on the surface, they can desensitize individuals, especially children, to the seriousness of evil and the reality of spiritual warfare. As Believers, we are called to "be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Trivializing evil can lead to a complacency regarding the spiritual battles we face in our lives.

Blurring the Lines Between Good and Evil

Halloween also has a tendency to blur the lines between good and evil. Many costumes and decorations feature elements of darkness and evil, alongside those that are innocent and pure. Such juxtaposition can lead to moral confusion and make it challenging for Believers to distinguish between what is righteous and what is not.

The Bible teaches us to "abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good" (Romans 12:9). Engaging in Halloween festivities that mix the two can be spiritually harmful by causing moral relativism and compromising one's commitment to righteousness.

Temptation to Excess

Halloween, like many holidays, can encourage excess and overindulgence. For some, this may manifest in excessive spending on costumes, decorations, or treats. For others, it might involve the overconsumption of candy and alcohol. This emphasis on excess can lead to sinful behaviors and detract from a Believer's commitment to a disciplined and moderate lifestyle.

Physical Danger

It is well known and documented by law enforcement that at this time of year, children and even small pets go missing more than at any other time. As parents, we warn our children not to accept candy or gifts from strangers and yet, we encourage them to go door to door and do exactly that! Predators use this holiday to lure unsuspecting children into their homes and cars. Even worse, practitioners of Wicca and even more hard-core forms of Satanic ritual have been known to be “on the hunt” for a sacrificial victim; the younger and more innocent, the better.

Incidentally, practicing witches will go to stores that sell Halloween candy and “pray” over bags of this candy to create a spiritual attachment with unsuspecting young consumers. To them, it is like planting a seed of spiritual bondage in anyone who partakes of these “tricky treats”. Of course, some of us remember when there was a rash of needles, pins and razor blades found in candy, apples, and popcorn balls. These were meant to cause a form of blood sacrifice to be made unbeknownst to the trick-or-treater.

In conclusion, it's important for Believers to approach Halloween with a discerning and prayerful attitude. While it's tempting to participate in the holiday, there is great danger in doing so. We must be discerning and act in a manner that aligns with Torah values. It's equally crucial to be aware of the spiritual dangers that may accompany Halloween celebrations. By being mindful of the potential pitfalls of Halloween, Believers can navigate this holiday season in a way that honors their faith and their relationship with Messiah. Remember that ultimately, your faith and commitment to Messiah should guide your choices and actions, especially during times when spiritual dangers may be more prevalent.

For more information on the pagan origins of Halloween, there is a tract that we have made available for you to download as well as a copy of the poster displayed at the beginning of this article for you to print and put in your window or on your door. Arm yourself with the facts about this pagan practice and train up your children in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it. (Psalm 22:6)

Shalom

The Pagan Origins of Halloween - 2023.pdf

Download PDF • 369KB

Anti-Halloween Poster3.pdf

Download PDF • 347KB