Auto-generated Transcript:
Hello and welcome to another Five Good Minutes, where I answer your questions in five minutes or less. Today’s question: Should Christians celebrate or participate in Halloween?
This is a hot topic with a variety of opinions among believers. To approach it properly, we need two things: context from history and insight from Scripture.
Historically, Halloween traces back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, a harvest celebration where people believed the dead roamed the earth. They lit bonfires to ward off spirits. As Christianity spread, the Catholic Church established All Saints’ Day on November 1st, with the evening before known as All Hallows’ Eve—later shortened to Halloween. Originally, it was an alternative to pagan practices.
Today, Halloween is a blend of ancient customs and commercial traditions. While it now includes costumes, candy, and community events, it also often glorifies dark themes like gore, death, and witchcraft.
So, is it sinful to celebrate? The Bible doesn’t mention Halloween specifically. It doesn’t condemn a child dressing up as a princess or superhero to collect candy. But it does condemn glorifying evil, celebrating witchcraft, or dressing as demons or Satan. Scripture also urges us to avoid things that promote violence, fear, or spiritual darkness.
1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us: “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” Christians are called to avoid what is clearly sinful, but are also free in areas not directly addressed—as long as our actions are done in faith, with a clear conscience.
If your conscience doesn’t allow you to participate, then don’t. As Martin Luther once said, “To go against conscience is neither right nor safe.” Ironically, October 31st is also Reformation Day—the day Luther nailed his 95 Theses and sparked a revival of gospel truth.
Whether you call it Reformation Day or take your kids trick-or-treating, use this day as an opportunity to share Christ. Halloween is one of the few times your neighbors come to you. Be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you.
This has been another Five Good Minutes.