The Pagan Roots of Halloween: Our Response

Halloween is a widely controversial topic among Christians today. Some believers think it's okay as long as parents explain to their kids what the Bible says about evil and as long as the costumes stay away from evil, gruesome characters. Others decide to avoid the "trick-or-treating" and celebrating altogether. But how should a Christian view Halloween? If we don't focus on all the evil and scary aspects of it, is it okay to participate in? Or should we abstain from it altogether? Does celebrating it in a "lighter" fashion make it acceptable?

Our family has personally chosen not to participate in the festivities of Halloween, for the most part. I agree with my parents decision. Although this choice is ultimately up to you and the Lord, don't take this decision lightly! Halloween is more than just kids dressed up as pirates and fairies going door-to-door for candy. Evil is real, and for me, Halloween is a very real reminder of the evil in the world.

Halloween is not the only thing being celebrated on October 31, though. A very important event happened on that day. Do you know what it is? Okay... on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed the ninety-five theses to the church in Whittenberg. Instead of celebrating Halloween, why not celebrate Reformation Day? (You can read a little more about Martin Luther HERE and HERE.)

So, what do you do for Halloween (or instead of)? Do you have any neat ways to celebrate the Reformation?

Remember, even though there are many ideas of how Christians should view Halloween, we can still use this "holiday" as an opportunity. Just think about it: you have kids and parents coming to your door!!! You have an excellent opportunity to share the Gospel - without going anywhere! It couldn't be easier. Just simply handing out a tract with a piece of candy is a seed planted in someone's life!


3 John 1:11
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

Ephesians 5:11-12
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.


I would really recommend that you read up for yourself more in depth about the history and Christian perspectives of Halloween! I've listed some informative articles below that I have found very helpful in my research.

The history of Halloween A detailed history of Halloween, including the origins of trick-or-treating, jack-o-lanterns, and more; many Bible verses are used to back up their conclusions.

Should Christians participate in Halloween? A Biblical perspective of Halloween, including relevant Scripture for this topic. It also addresses the topic of "Fall Festivals" at churches.

The pagan roots of Halloween Find out the history of some of the "traditions" and customs of Halloween.

A different perspective on Halloween An excerpt from Randy Alcorn's novel, The Ishbane Conspiracy, written from the perspective of a demon (this part is specifically on Halloween).

Witch Alert Test your knowledge on what the Bible says about occult practices.

Another Christian perspective Still more on the origins of Halloween practices