Obviously, each one must be convicted
in their own heart what to do with Halloween. (Romans 14) For us, our response,
in fact, has changed over the years. Because of this, I give grace to those who believe differently and have also concluded
that disagreement should not negate the necessary respect in response
to those differences.
For our family, the decision about
Halloween has evolved to three basic questions: 1) Is dressing up in
costume on this particular day a sin? 2) Is going door-to-door to
collect candy a sin? 3) Are we worshiping Satan or celebrating
darkness and evil? We have concluded a resounding “No” in reply
to all three of these.
Whatever your convictions, you can know
that if you are seeking God's will He will direct your steps. He will
provide the information and resources necessary to make a right
choice that brings peace to you and your family. I'm thankful for His
grace, His forgiveness, and His direction.
Below is a wonderful list of resources
compiled by an acquaintance of mine. Kara is a woman after God's own
heart and has shared their family's thoughts regarding Halloween with
transparency and grace. God's word says that He rewards those who
seek Him.(Heb.11:6) May you be blessed by His presence as you seek Him!
John Piper on Halloween (video question and answer, but also in print)
What Christians Should Know About Halloween– (The Resurgence)
Christians and Halloween (from John MacArthur’s website–Grace To You)
Halloween and Leaving the Light On (Justin Taylor/The Gospel Coalition)
A Christian View On Halloween (from Courtney at Women Living Well)
Halloween Fast Approaches (Tim Challies)
Halloween– Trick or Retreat? (another by Tim Challies)
7 Reasons Halloween Judgment Houses Miss the Mark (Russell Moore)
We Do Not Celebrate Halloween (Many helpful resources listed explaining why a Christian would choose not to participate from a mom/writer whose genuine desire is to please God, not men).
Halloween (thoughts from Doug Wilson)
Luther Put a Nail in the Heart of Bad Religion–And 3 Other Holidays (from The Resurgence)
A Lens on Halloween (from Adam’s The Gospel Lens)
Evangelical Definition and Halloween (Russell Moore at First Things…all in good fun)
Rethinking Halloween– (by my friend Elizabeth Johnson)
Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?– (a thought-provoking post by Ashley Schnarr)
Why our Family Doesn’t Celebrate Halloween– (from Lisa Pennington)
What Christians Should Know About Halloween– (Justin Holcomb)

My hat is tipped to you. Let everyone decide for themselves with no condemnation.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. It's not an easy decision for some families, but God's grace abounds! May we all be conduits of His grace.
ReplyDelete