You're a Christian parent. Should you let your kids go trick or treating like everyone else?

Talking Points:

  • Historically, Halloween is similar to Christmas. Both have a combination of Christian and pagan roots.
  • Culturally, Halloween glorifies evil for some people. For most people, it’s just a fun holiday for kids. Leviticus 19:31
  • Christian parents should weigh the cost of forbidding Halloween. You may risk winning the battle and losing the war with your kids’ faith. The Fundamental Law of Legalism: Drawing a hard line in gray areas weakens the hard lines we draw on the important stuff.

Halloween can be a controversial topic for Christians. Some Christians think that it’s no big deal to have your kids dress up as the Avengers and come home with their weight in candy. Others think Halloween is from Satan and should be avoided at all costs.

Where Did Halloween Come from?

Halloween gets some of its origins from the ancient Christian holiday All Saints Day. This holiday was intended to remember those who were martyred for their faith. “All Hallows Eve” was the evening before All Saints Day. Over time “All Hallows Eve” was contracted to Halloween.

Halloween was celebrated at the same time as a Celtic festival that celebrated the end of harvest, the coming of winter, and death. This focus on death led to other occult practices being brought into the celebration of Halloween. Eventually, all the stuff about trick or treating began to be incorporated as well.

What Does the Bible Say About Halloween?

The Bible says nothing about the holiday itself since it wasn’t invented until long after the New Testament (NT). In the Old Testament (OT), we find that sorcery and witchcraft were totally condemned (Exodus 22:18 and Lev. 19:31).

Leviticus 19:31 Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the LORD your God.

The book of Acts in 8:9-24 condemns sorcery and occult practices, many of which have demonic origins.

What Should Christians Do with Halloween?

When it comes to Halloween, we as Christians can decide how to respond because of our freedom in Christ. The Bible makes it clear that Christians shouldn’t be involved with practices of Satan. So that’s out of bounds. Is it wrong for Christian kids to dress up as cowboys, princesses, or astronauts and ask for candy? Of course not. But it’s also well within your right as a Christian to not celebrate Halloween.

Whatever your decision, use your liberty to honor God. If you aren’t going to participate in Halloween, lovingly explain to people why you have decided not to. But if you do choose to participate in Halloween, redeem the holiday. Throw a fall festival or harvest party at your church, or hand out candy as a positive influence in your community.

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Discussion:
  1. What is your initial reaction to this topic? What jumped out at you?
  2. Did you celebrate Halloween as a kid? Why or why not?
  3. Where have you learned your information about Halloween? Are you surprised by the origins of the holiday?
  4. Read Leviticus 19:31. What is God telling the people not to do? How is this different from the modern cultural celebration of Halloween?
  5. Describe the Fundamental Law of Legalism in your own words. Have you ever seen this principle at work? Explain.
  6. Will you let your kids go trick or treating? If not, how can you lovingly explain to them why not?
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