Halloween is one of the most widely celebrated secular holidays worldwide. Every 31st day of October, several people from different cultures all over the world participate in this festival which is considered enjoyable from every perspective. Despite being a secular holiday, many Christians have confessed to participating in the festival. However, some are still worried about taking part in the holiday and have been asking, is celebrating Halloween a sin?
Many Christians believe that celebrating Halloween is not a sin if it is done in a godly manner. However, based on its roots, many scholars and theologians term it as a sin. This is a holiday that many have reservations about and their reservations are valid owing to the theme of the festival and the costumes involved. Some Christians would like to do good during that festival but are unsure if it is acceptable in the eyes of God to participate in the holiday in the first place.
Many Christians have many unanswered questions about Halloween. Where did the festival come from? Does the Bible allow Christians to participate in Halloween? By taking part in Halloween, will I be sinning? This article will discuss these questions and more as we unravel the relationship between Christianity and Halloween.
Where did Halloween come from?
Halloween is believed to have originated from the Samhain festival that was celebrated at the beginning of every Celtic year. The Celts also used this festival to prepare for the upcoming winter festival. They did this by bringing livestock back from the summer pastures and making their harvests.
This was also their religious festival for offering sacrifices to their gods. They did this by burning both plant harvests and animals as they tried to appease their gods. The ancient Celts believed that this was the time of the year when the veil between the natural and supernatural world was the thinnest.
They believed that during this time, the living and the dead could interact and share future secrets that the dead possessed. This was also believed to be the ideal time for fairies to cast their spells. Scholarly writings have associated Halloween with these customs and assume this association came to life over 2000 years ago.
What is the concept behind celebrating Halloween?
Since Halloween is a holiday derived from ancient festivals, the concept behind celebrating the day has changed over time, with some traditions being merged. From offering sacrifices and mingling with the dead, the festival today involves wearing different costumes and masks and performing some activities. The festival is performed to honor the dead, and this is the main concept behind its celebrations.
During this day, participants wear costumes and play trick and treat while sharing candies and fruits.
What does Halloween mean in the Bible?
The Bible does not address the festival of Halloween directly, nor does it give its direct meaning since Halloween did not exist during its writing. However, there were pagan festivals during those days that were equated to Halloween by some scholars. Halloween is not a Christian festival and does not trace its root to Christianity. Furthermore, Halloween incorporates imagery of witches, demons, skeletons, and such beings that God disapproves of. Halloween is therefore regarded as a pagan holiday in the Bible and ought to be treated as such.
What does the Bible say about celebrating Halloween?
The Bible warns against mixing the works of God with those of the world since the two do not mix. Halloween is a pagan-inspired holiday and traces its roots in paganism. Several verses warn Christians against participating in activities that do not glorify God.
3 John 1:11 says, “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” Part of Halloween involves imitating supernatural creatures like demons, goblins, and witches. In Christianity, demons and witches are part of the dark world and have been agents of perpetrating evil in the world. Imitating them might be a mockery of God, who never supports evil and evil-doers at any time. Wearing those costumes and masks seems to glorify those creatures at the expense of God’s glory, which is unacceptable in the eyes of God.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 is a message to Christians to avoid mingling and doing what unbelievers do. The deeds of unbelievers are compared to darkness, while those of a Christian is compared to light. The verse, therefore, warns Christians against doing what unbelievers do since light and darkness cannot mix. Since Halloween is not a Christian Holiday, we are warned against participating in it as it glorifies the dark world while God belongs to the world of light.
Ephesians 5:11 says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” Since Halloween is a festival that seemingly glorifies evil, a Christian is not expected to take part in it.
1 Corinthians 1:10-12 says, “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. The Bible is clear here that one cannot be on the side of God but still glorify the deeds of darkness. One has to choose one side. As a Christian, once you have chosen the side of God, you are expected to remain loyal to the course until the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Romans 12:2 advises Christians to avoid conforming to the patterns of this world. Halloween is considered a worldly festival and conforms to worldly patterns. Therefore, it is a no-go zone for Christians since God disapproves of conformity to worldly deeds.
What does the church say about celebrating Halloween?
Different churches treat Halloween in different ways. Some churches are reserved and do not allow their members to celebrate Halloween, while some are liberal and have no issue. Some churches base their arguments on the scripture and have warned their congregants against participating in Halloween. For some, as long as the congregants dress appropriately and only participate in noble activities, they are allowed to participate.
Some churches have changed the day to their harvest day, where they collect grain and animal offerings. For some, it is a day of sharing their belongings and candies with the less fortunate.
The church does not have a common stand regarding Halloween, with different denominations treating Halloween differently.
Is Halloween an evil holiday for Christians?
Halloween can be regarded as an evil holiday for Christians because it has pagan roots, and it also glorifies evil creatures like demons and witches. Anything that does not glorify God is poisonous to a Christian and should be avoided. Christians are advised to only participate in activities that build their faith in Christ, drawing them closer to him. Since Halloween does not glorify Jesus Christ, it can be rated as an evil holiday for Christians.
Can Christians celebrate Halloween without sinning?
Christians can celebrate Halloween without sinning by doing good deeds like Christ always taught. A Christian can wear decent costumes and go out sharing the word of God, gifts, and candies with the less fortunate. This can be a great way of celebrating Halloween without sinning.
Does Halloween have pagan origins?
Halloween is believed to have pagan origins. Pagans were known to like idols, masks, and costumes and took part in celebrations to honor the dead. The imagery and activities during Halloween are pagan-like and not Christian-like. We can therefore agree that Halloween has pagan origins.
Why should Christians not celebrate Halloween?
Christians should not celebrate Halloween because it traces its roots to paganism and therefore is not a festival honoring God. Anything that does not have its roots in Christianity is not acceptable in the eyes of God. Since the holiday incorporates and glorifies evil creatures such as demons and witches, it should be avoided.
How can Christians spend the Halloween holidays?
Christians can celebrate Halloween by visiting the less fortunate, doing a bible study, or even attending a worship session. As long as the activity one does is not glorifying evil, a Christian can do it during Halloween.
Is Halloween the same as All Saint’s day in the Catholic Church?
Halloween is not the same as All Saints Day in Catholic Church. Halloween is celebrated on the 31st of October, the eve of All Saints Day, which is then celebrated on the 1st of November.
What kind of costumes do Catholics wear on Halloween?
Catholics wear modest costumes while celebrating the eve of All Saints Day. Sports costumes and costumes of their favorite saints are usually encouraged. Costumes with images of demons, witches, goblins, and other evil supernatural creatures are discouraged.
Bible verses about Halloween
Romans 12:2 warns Christians about taking part in worldly activities like Halloween.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 advises Christians not to take part in whatever unbelievers do. This includes Halloween, which is not a Christian festival.
Ephesians 5:11 tells Christians not to participate in the works of darkness but rather expose them.
3 John 1:11 admonishes Christians against imitating evil.
References
What the Bible says about Celebrating Halloween
Why Christians should not Celebrate Halloween
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
