What’s wrong with Halloween?

Halloween is the antithesis of Christianity. It is rooted in ancient pagan festivals like Samhain that marks the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark season of winter. During this Celtic celebration, gods are believed to become visible and play dangerous tricks on humans stoking fear and unleashing demonic activity. These practices are at odds with the Christian faith that emphasizes holiness and separation from evil. From the time God called out his people, the Israelites, to worship Him alone, they were warned

Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Halloween’s association with the occult and supernatural as well as the glorification of fear and darkness can become a stumbling block for Christians, because engaging with these themes can be seen as endorsing practices that the Bible explicitly condemns. Halloween decorations and costumes frequently depict gruesome, terrifying, and macabre imagery. This focus on death and horror stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus, the anointed Son of God, who offers life, and light.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12.

The commercialization of Halloween raises additional concerns for Christians. The pressure to buy costumes, candy, and decorations can promote materialism and distract from spiritual priorities. For families striving to instill godly values, Halloween can seem like an unwelcome intrusion into their efforts to cultivate a wholesome, Christ-centered environment.

The good news is that October 31st offers an opportunity to create alternative celebrations, such as Reformation Day. Commemorating Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses on October 31st, Reformation Day focuses on the foundations of Protestant faith, highlighting historical and theological significance over pagan customs. This provides and opportunity to shelter children from Halloween’s darker elements, striving instead to nurture their young minds with what is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy as Paul reminded the Christians in Philippi:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8