12 Thoughts on Christians and Halloween

Because this question comes up every year, I am updating and reposting this blog. Here are my thoughts on Halloween: 

1. Genuine believers differ on this question, and we should be respectful of those who differ with our position. There is room to disagree on this issue and still be brothers and sisters in Christ. All of us need to prayerfully seek the Lord’s direction. 
2. If your Christian conscience tells you “no” about Halloween, trust your heart. Seek the Lord through His Word and prayer, and follow Him in this matter. You have to be able to rest at night knowing you followed the Lord’s direction as you understood it. 
3. Believers who participate in Halloween should do so with caution. My primary concern is not with the night itself, but that we sometimes numb ourselves to evil when we dress like demons, ghosts, death, etc. There’s nothing inherently wrong with wearing a costume, but I would want the costume to be God-honoring.
4. No “holiday” should give believers permission to party in ways that are displeasing to God. Whatever you do on Halloween, do all for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).
5. Handing out candy is not a poor choice. Greeting neighbors on the porch can, in fact, be an open door to developing relationships. People are coming to you, so take advantage of the opportunity. Just don’t be stingy with the candy . . . .
6. If you give out candy, consider also providing something else (like hot chocolate) to promote conversations. Engage parents and grandparents who stop for something to drink while their kids get candy. Those conversations can lead to long-term opportunities for evangelism.  
7. If you give out tracts, be sure to give out candy, too. I’d probably say something like, “Here’s some candy, and here’s a great story to read as well.” Let the kids enjoy the candy, and trust the Holy Spirit to do something with the Word.
8. Churches that offer alternatives need to do it really well. Whether it’s a Harvest Celebration or a Fall Festival, do it with excellence. Make the community want to come to your event. Budget and plan appropriately.
9. Believers might open their homes to have a party on the same day. If you’re worried about not participating in Halloween night, plan another party in your home. Invite a few families. Have fun. Eat candy.
10. Parents might consider teaching their kids generosity on Halloween. Instead of roaming the neighborhood collecting candy, maybe you and your family can take fruit and candy to a children’s home or a homeless shelter. 
11. When you give candy, whisper a prayer for each taker. My guess is that you will pray for some kids for whom nobody else has been praying.  Only God knows how much each child needs a prayer covering.
12. Be open to revising your position. The world is changing around us. The decision you make concerning Halloween this year might not be the best decision next year. In the meantime, just walk with God daily and trust Him when next October comes. 

I know this topic is a controversial one. Let me know your thoughts.