I have found that this statement brings about 2 things:
Curiosity...
or defensiveness.
Curious? How did we come about this decision? You would think it would be obvious by the claim that we are a Christian family. Would you be surprised to know we are very much in the minority of this choice within our Christian community?
Halloween is celebration of a darkness, period. We can fluff it w/ cute costumes, fun games, laughter, & reasoning... but the underlying purpose is dark. Yes, there is plenty of good argument to go around (All Hallow's Eve, Saints fest, etc), & yes, we did our homework, extensively. Ultimately, we, as a family, are led not to give our attention, our time, our talents, or our treasures to glorify this event.
Defensive? Are you offended by my initial statement? or does it make you feel uncomfortable? I find this common among our Christian friends. My friends, we are not judging others of their choice to celebrate this holiday or not. We are accountable to God for raising our children; God has led us down this path. Funny enough, non Christian folk don't seem much bothered by our decision not to celebrate Halloween. They may think we are strange, or roll their eyes at us 'church folk', but will shrug us off with a live/let live attitude.
It does sadden me. I gently express this. Our kids are exposed to so much darkness this particular month. The commercialism is geared toward our young. "It's just for fun" Witches, blood, vampires, and the thrill of a scare factor... all for fun.
But is it?
Satan is having a blast, I am sure... but is God pleased?
As with any other day, is our choice of actions pleasing to God?
These are the questions I am responsible to ask myself....
Curiosity...
or defensiveness.
Curious? How did we come about this decision? You would think it would be obvious by the claim that we are a Christian family. Would you be surprised to know we are very much in the minority of this choice within our Christian community?
Halloween is celebration of a darkness, period. We can fluff it w/ cute costumes, fun games, laughter, & reasoning... but the underlying purpose is dark. Yes, there is plenty of good argument to go around (All Hallow's Eve, Saints fest, etc), & yes, we did our homework, extensively. Ultimately, we, as a family, are led not to give our attention, our time, our talents, or our treasures to glorify this event.
Defensive? Are you offended by my initial statement? or does it make you feel uncomfortable? I find this common among our Christian friends. My friends, we are not judging others of their choice to celebrate this holiday or not. We are accountable to God for raising our children; God has led us down this path. Funny enough, non Christian folk don't seem much bothered by our decision not to celebrate Halloween. They may think we are strange, or roll their eyes at us 'church folk', but will shrug us off with a live/let live attitude.
It does sadden me. I gently express this. Our kids are exposed to so much darkness this particular month. The commercialism is geared toward our young. "It's just for fun" Witches, blood, vampires, and the thrill of a scare factor... all for fun.
But is it?
Satan is having a blast, I am sure... but is God pleased?
As with any other day, is our choice of actions pleasing to God?
These are the questions I am responsible to ask myself....
6 comments:
You go girl! We are a house divided. I do not enjoy Halloween and agree with you 100%. My husband is in the "it is just for fun" crowd. I have to, as a Christian wife, express my opinion and then let him make the decision. Not something that is easy for me. I think if you run into defensive Christians it is because they know you are right and are not able, or willing to make the stand. We are called to be in the world and not of the world. Very hard balance for most. I honor your decision.
I love your conviction :) I have given you a Versatile Blogger Award! You can go to my most recent blog post to see your mention.
Mary :)
Ah, then you would have enjoyed my kids "history fair." They don't celebrate Halloween but the kids have a history party and dress up as historical characters and give reports then we go for a parade around the neighborhood. It was great fun. I have to admit though I love carving pumpkins and roasting seeds and dressing up. I'm always game for a family party!(Though I've dressed as a nurse in my nursing cap from years gone by for years and years.) I don't like the scarey side of it! Thanks for your thoughts on Halloween.
@ Elaine~ It is honorable to respect your husband. =) We started by researching Halloween for a History project. Even if we celebrate it, we should be educated of the origins. =)
@ Mary- Thank you, I will try to get it, lol.
@ Carol~ I love creative ways to create our own fun. Another bloggy friend does Costume Day w/ a historical-ish themes too. Brilliant!
~Sheri
I have to agree with you.We do carve pumpkins,and trick or treat.I do not allow any costumes bloody,satan etc.Yes,some are just awful.All very commercialized.Also I really do not like the candy after.My Mother inlaw showed up the other day with all these presents.For halloween?Yep,one I could do without.Good for you,and your family.Blessings,Marla Grace
Right there with you. We do not, in any way, acknowledge or celebrate Halloween.
Nor ... do we attend any type of "Harvest Party" on Halloween or the week of Halloween. (call it what they may, but if it is on Halloween, it IS a Halloween Party)
I do not agree with the others that have History Parties or some such thing, IF it is the week of, or close to, Halloween. Why not have a History Party in September or January. We do not need "alternatives" to Halloween, because that, then, acknowledges and emphasizes Halloween.
This evening ... we will turn of all of our outside and upstairs lights, and go down into our basement to watch a family movie, or play games, or whatever else we choose. I won't even open the door to the Trick or Treaters. I don't want any part of it.
Just wondering ... Am I the only one who had trick or treaters show up LAST NIGHT? The night BEFORE Halloween??? Is it now a 2 day holiday? Yikes!
Laurel
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