Jonah: I’m genuinely concerned about Christians participating in Halloween. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:11, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Halloween’s origins in pagan and druid traditions, as well as its contemporary associations with witchcraft and the occult, make it a celebration of darkness.

Carl: I appreciate your viewpoint, but we should remember that many Christian holidays have origins in pagan traditions, like Christmas and Easter, and yet we’ve managed to repurpose them to celebrate our faith. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 reminds us that “there is no God but one… for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live.” Halloween can be an opportunity for Christians to shine a light in the darkness, rather than hide from it.

Jonah: But it’s not just about the origins. It’s about what it represents today. Ghosts, witches, and even demonic symbols are prevalent. Philippians 4:8 says, “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.” Celebrating Halloween encourages thoughts on the opposite.

Carl: I understand that concern. However, for many people, especially children, Halloween is about imagination, creativity, and community. It’s about dressing up, sharing candy, and enjoying the company of neighbours. If we approach Halloween with a sense of fun and community, rather than focusing on the darker aspects, we can turn it into a positive experience. Moreover, Romans 14:14 states, “I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.” It’s all about our approach and intent.

Jonah: There’s no denying the evident evil in the world. And on Halloween, people often glamorise that evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 instructs us to “Avoid every kind of evil.” Shouldn’t we be setting ourselves apart, living as an example to others?

Carl: But Jesus also ate with tax collectors and sinners, showing that it’s possible to engage with the world without being corrupted by it. In John 17:15-16, Jesus prayed, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” By participating in Halloween in a wholesome way, we can be in the world, but not of it, providing a positive influence and perspective.

Jonah: It’s essential to remain vigilant. I believe there are better ways for Christians to engage with their communities without compromising their values.

Carl: As Romans 14:5 says, “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” It’s crucial for each Christian to follow their conscience and convictions when it comes to matters like these.

Jonah: You mentioned Christmas and Easter earlier, Carl. It’s true that they have origins in pagan traditions, but Christians have overtaken those holidays and shifted the focus to Christ’s birth and resurrection. However, Halloween remains a day where death, fear, and the supernatural are glamorised. 2 Corinthians 6:17 says, “Come out from them and be separate,” urging us to distinguish ourselves from worldly practices.

Carl: While I see your point, Jonah, I believe the distinction is in how we approach and handle these situations. Paul, in Acts 17, went to Athens, a city full of idols, and used one of their altars “To an Unknown God” as a bridge to share the gospel. In a similar vein, Christians can use Halloween as a bridge to connect with others. A church might host a harvest festival or a “Trunk or Treat” event to provide a safe space for children while sharing God’s love.

Jonah: But are we diluting our message? By trying to Christianize everything, we might be watering down the potency of the Gospel. In Revelation 3:16, the Lord speaks about the lukewarm church, saying, “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Could participating in Halloween be a symptom of lukewarm Christianity?

Carl: I believe it’s all about the heart and motivation, Jonah. If a Christian celebrates Halloween with the intent of building relationships, showing love, and potentially sharing the gospel, then they’re being mission-focused, not lukewarm. 1 Corinthians 9:22 says, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” It doesn’t mean compromising our beliefs but adapting our methods to reach others.

Jonah: I fear we might be sending mixed signals to young believers or those weak in their faith. They might see Christians celebrating Halloween and think that indulging in occult practices or dabbling in the supernatural is okay. The Bible warns in 1 Corinthians 8:9, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”

Carl: A valid concern, Jonah. But that’s where discipleship and guidance come in. Mature Christians and church leaders should educate the younger generation about the line between innocent fun and activities that might be spiritually harmful. And just as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God,” we can guide them to approach everything, including Halloween, with the intention of glorifying God. For many people, Halloween is deeply rooted in childhood nostalgia. It’s about memories of carving pumpkins, watching fun spooky movies with family, or going trick-or-treating with friends. At its core, for many, it’s a harmless tradition that revolves around community and childhood joys, much like a family gathering around the Thanksgiving table. We don’t necessarily need to ascribe deep spiritual meaning to every cultural tradition.

Jonah: But Carl, nostalgia shouldn’t be the driving force for our actions, especially when it could potentially conflict with our faith. In Luke 9:62, Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” This suggests we need to be forward-focused in our faith, not clinging to past traditions for sentimentality’s sake.

Carl: I’m not advocating for holding onto past traditions that directly contradict our faith. What I’m saying is that we can distinguish between harmful practices and simple, innocent nostalgia. Proverbs 22:6 mentions, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” If children are taught to differentiate between the harmless joys of Halloween and the more concerning elements, then they can carry those lessons into adulthood and remember the tradition fondly without compromising their faith.

Jonah: It’s just that the line between nostalgia and being influenced by secular practices can be thin. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Even if something seems innocent, there could be unseen influences.

Carl: That’s a fair point, Jonah. But I believe that we should give credit to the strength of our faith and teachings. Just as Paul in Athens, which I mentioned earlier, recognised the culture and found a way to introduce Christ, we too can acknowledge the cultural significance of Halloween without being consumed by its potentially negative aspects. It’s about balance and understanding. And if we approach Halloween, or any other cultural celebration, with knowledge, love, and the right intent, we can navigate through the potential pitfalls.

Jonah: I guess what I’m hoping for is clarity for believers, especially the younger ones. We should ensure that in our pursuit of nostalgia and cultural engagement, we aren’t confusing or leading anyone astray.

Carl: And I couldn’t agree more, Jonah. Communication, guidance, and understanding are key. It’s up to us, the older generation, to provide that clarity and teach them how to discern the harmless from the harmful. And, as always, everything we do should be done in love and reflection of Christ’s teachings.

Our faith calls us to continuously seek wisdom and understanding. It’s vital for us, as Christians, to engage in these dialogues, always aiming to reflect God’s love and wisdom in our lives and the lives of those around us.