Should we as a Christian Church celebrate Halloween?
Whether or not Christians should celebrate Halloween can be a very controversial topic. Some Christians
celebrate Halloween simply by dressing up in a costume and having fun, seeing it as innocent and harmless.
Other Christians are equally convinced that Halloween is a satanic holiday established to worship evil spirits
and promote darkness and wickedness. So, who is right? Is it possible for Christians to celebrate Halloween
without compromising their faith?
Halloween, no matter how commercialized, contains pagan aspects. As innocent as it may seem to some, it is
not something to be taken lightly. Christians tend to have various ways to celebrate or not to celebrate
Halloween. For some, it means having an “alternative” Harvest Party. For others, it is staying away from the
ghosts, witches, goblins, etc., and wearing fun costumes such as little princesses, clowns, cowboys, super-
heroes, etc. Some choose not to do anything, perhaps deciding to keep themselves in their house with the
lights off. Since scripture does not mention Halloween, because of our freedom as Christians, we are at liberty
to decide how to act.
Although scripture does not speak at all about Halloween, it does give us some principles on which we can
make a decision. There are some things associated with Halloween in which Christians should not participate:
(1) Abusive and unkind activities. (2) Destruction of other's property. (3) Any celebration of death or pagan
acts. (4) Any celebration of "All Saints" (All Hallows') day by praying to the dead. Christians should not have
any part in these acts, (Matt. 7:12; Col. 3:17; 2 John. 9).
In Romans 14, Paul argues the general proposition that there will be different levels of knowledge among
believers and that, to a certain extent, these must be accommodated for the sake of Christian unity. For
example, some, out of conviction, choose not to eat meats; others see nothing wrong with such a practice.
This Biblical principal is certainly applicable to the celebration of Halloween.
No Bible principle is violated by costume parties, children gathering candy, participating in a harvest party or
carving a pumpkin, etc. If no Bible principle is violated, there is no sin involved (Rom. 4:15). Obviously, any
who would violate their conscience by participating in any type of Halloween activity should abstain. To
violate one's conscience is a sin (Rom. 14:23).
There is nothing evil about dressing up as a princess or cowboy and going around the neighborhood receiving
treats. Are there things about Halloween that are anti-Christian and should be avoided? Absolutely, as was
mentioned earlier! If parents and/or church leaders are going to allow children to participate in Halloween
activities, they should be sure to keep them from getting involved in any darker pagan aspects of the day. If
Christians are going to take part in Halloween activities, their attitude, dress, and most importantly, their
behavior should reflect a redeemed life. (Phil 1:27).
Each October 31st , our church usually conducts a Fall “Sweet Treat” harvest festival and incorporates
costumes, encouraging a scriptural representation and environment. It is presented as a Halloween
alternative, so it cannot be confused as being a Halloween celebration. This spiritually focused activity brings
many adults and children into the church building who may not otherwise do so. Food, candy, and fun are
freely provided, all associated with a strong giving, sharing, and edifying theme. The decision is ultimately the
individual Christian’s responsibility to make. But as with all such things, we are to incorporate the principles
of Romans 14. We cannot allow our own convictions about any special day to cause division in the body of
Christ, nor can we use our freedom in Christ to cause others to stumble in their walk of faith. We are to do all
things as to the Lord and His glory!
Scripture in order as presented in the JCC answer:
Matt 7:12 “Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the
Prophets. “
Col 3:17 “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through
Him to God the Father.”
2 John 9 “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one
who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.”
Romans 4:15 “for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, neither is there violation.”
Romans 14:23 “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and
whatever is not from faith is sin.”
Phil 1:27 “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and
see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving
together for the faith of the gospel. “
Romans 14 Key Points:
1. We Should Accept All Whom God Has Accepted (14:1–3)
2. We Answer to Our Lord and Not to Each Other (14:4–9)
3. Each of Us Will Be Judged by God (14:10–12)
4. We Must Sacrifice Our Liberty for the Sake of the Weak (14:13–15)
5. Do Not Allow What You Consider Good to Be Spoken of as Evil (14:16–18)
6. We Must Do Only Those Things Which Build Others Up (14:19–21)
7. Each Christian Must Be True to His Own Convictions (14:22–23)
