🎃 Halloween & the Christian Home

An Informative, Biblical Look at Two Christian Perspectives

Every October, Christian families make different decisions about Halloween. Some enjoy the cultural fun; others avoid it entirely. And yet — both groups love Jesus.

Rather than assuming or judging, it helps to understand the heart and Scripture behind each approach, and then choose what honors God in your home.

View #1 — “We Participate as a Cultural Event”

Some Christian families focus on the lighthearted aspects:

·        Costumes and imagination

·        Meeting neighbors

·        Making childhood memories

·        Church outreach events (like trunk-or-treat)

They believe intent matters more than origins.

Their scriptural emphasis:

·        Christian liberty in debatable matters

→ Romans 14:5 — “Each should be fully convinced in his own mind.”

·        Being light in community, not hiding away

→ Matthew 5:14 — “You are the light of the world.”

·        Freedom from fear

→ 2 Timothy 1:7 — “God has not given us a spirit of fear.”

Their focus:

“We aren’t celebrating darkness — we’re participating in culture while being a witness in it.”

View #2 — “We Choose Not to Celebrate Halloween”

Other Christians feel conviction to abstain, because Halloween highlights:

·        Witchcraft and occult symbols

·        Fear and death as entertainment

·        Distorted spiritual realities

They see participation as celebrating what God warns against.

Their scriptural emphasis:

·        Avoiding works of darkness

→ Ephesians 5:11 — “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness…”

·        No connection with sorcery/witchcraft

→ Deut. 18:10–12 — “Detestable to the LORD…”

·        Distinction between light and darkness

→ 2 Corinthians 6:14 — “What fellowship has light with darkness?”

·        Guarding hearts and children

→ Proverbs 4:23 — “Above all else, guard your heart…”

Their focus:

“Darkness isn’t pretend — so we honor Christ by staying away from anything connected to it.”

What About Origins vs. Today?

Many argue, “It’s harmless now.”

Others say, “But the spiritual roots still matter.”

Both statements can be technically true, which is why Christians must apply discernment, not defensiveness.

A Shared Biblical Foundation

No matter the stance:

✅ We reject evil

✅ We honor Christ

✅ We raise kids to know the difference between light and darkness

✅ We show grace to other believers

This unity is commanded:

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit…”

— Ephesians 4:3

A Personal Family Decision

After studying Scripture and praying, some families have peace participating lightly. Others have peace abstaining.

The Bible gives us a test:

“Whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”

— Romans 14:23

So…

·        If you cannot honor Jesus through participation → Don’t

·        If you can participate with a clear conscience → Do so carefully

The contradiction is not the day itself —

but going against what the Holy Spirit is convicting you to do.

Our Household’s Choice

In our home, we have felt the Lord leading us to:

✨ Choose light over anything linked to darkness

✨Create joyful, Christ-centered alternatives

✨Stay consistent so our kids learn that conviction matters

This is not fear — it’s obedience.

But we fully respect believers who make a different decision while sincerely pursuing Jesus.

A Question for Every Believer

Can I do this in the name of Jesus and feel peace?

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

— Colossians 3:17

If the answer is yes, proceed with wisdom.

If the answer is no, obedience is your blessing.

However your family decides…

May October 31st — and every day — be lived in a way that clearly declares:

“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

— Joshua 24:15