ST. JOSEPH, Mich. - TelAve -- The Question Every Fall

As autumn leaves turn and pumpkins appear on porches across America, a familiar debate returns to Christian homes: Should we participate in Halloween, or should we firmly close the door on trick-or-treating and all its trappings?

Where Halloween Came From

Halloween's roots stretch back more than 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the harvest's end and winter's onset in Ireland, the UK, and France. The Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead blurred on October 31, so they wore animal-skin costumes to ward off evil spirits, lit bonfires, and left food offerings to appease the supernatural.

When Christianity spread through Europe, the Church sought to redeem these practices. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints' Day, honoring saints and martyrs, and the eve became "All Hallows' Eve" -- Halloween.

Yet today, Halloween has drifted far from this redemptive intent. Hollywood, streaming platforms, and big corporate retailers have commercialized it for profit into a celebration of gore, horror, and the occult.

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What Scripture Says About Darkness

The Bible is clear: "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them" (Ephesians 5:11).

Modern Halloween revels in the very things Scripture warns against. Costumes glorify death, violence, and witchcraft. Even the familiar "trick or treat" carries the undertone of extortion: provide payment (the 'Treat'), or suffer a consequence (the 'Trick'). Is that the generosity Scripture teaches and you wish to teach your children?

The Hidden Costs of Halloween

• Spiritual Confusion: Exposure to occult imagery can normalize what Scripture explicitly forbids (Deuteronomy 18:10–12).
  
  
• Moral Drift: Children rehearse greed and threats under the guise of fun.
  
  
• Health Concerns: The candy collected during a typical Halloween often amounts to several pounds of sugar, contributing to childhood obesity and dental issues. The American Academy of Pediatrics consistently warns about post-Halloween spikes in related health concerns.

What to Do Instead

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Rejecting Halloween doesn't mean rejecting joy. It's an invitation to something richer. Across the country, churches are already offering alternatives:

• Light Parties & Fall Festivals: Games, wholesome costumes, and Scripture-centered activities.
  
  
• Community Service: Collect food for shelters instead of candy. Serve those in need (Matthew 25:35–40).
  
  

The Call for Christians

So, should Christians shun Halloween? Absolutely -- let's create traditions that reflect the gospel's light. Let's raise children who understand that joy doesn't come from shadows but from the Savior. And let's remind our communities that in a world obsessed with fear, there is a greater hope.

About the Author

Reeves Abram is a pastor and artist at PastorReevesStudio.etsy.com based in Saint Joseph, Michigan. His studio creates faith-inspiring artwork that uplifts and renews one's spirit.