Expert: John of AllFaith - 10/30/2010

Question
I was raised Southern Baptist. But not a real Christian atmosphere as far as a child. Parents divorced when I was 5. Father disappeared and mother raised us the best she could. But it was not like she made us go to church every Sunday because she usually had to work. Now I am almost 40 years old. I do think kids deserve to experience the fun in trick or treating. I was Baptized about 7 years ago with my ex husband. My daughter and son 15 and 13 know more about God and Jesus then I did at their age. My question is How do Southern Baptist feel about Halloween? This year its on Sunday. My church is having a Trunk or Treat. But I remember that in the past if Halloween fell on a Sunday then you trick or treated on Saturday because you never celebrate Halloween on the Sabbath or Sunday. I have very mixed feelings about it. So maybe if I had an in sight as to how the Souther Baptist actually viewed Halloween maybe I would not be so confused. I was always told that Halloween was the most evil day and night of the year. Lost and confused on Halloween. Please try to help me understand. Thanks in advance.
Susan Estes

Answer
Hi Susan,

--- ...My question is How do Southern Baptist feel about Halloween?...

Baptists form the second largest Christian denomination and Southern Baptists are the largest sub-denomination so... there are differences of opinion on most points.

I can share the Pagan history etc. of the holiday if you would like, but most Baptists take part in it. In my opinion observing the Pagan festival and practices of Samhain (Halloween) as a Christian is unacceptable. HOWEVER/AND it is argued that your little ones and your neighbors would merely be doing something fun with no thoughts of its actual meaning.

Romans 14:14  I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

As a Missionary and Southern Baptist child (40, 50 years ago) I did not know there was a Pagan connection (I did not even realize Paganism was a religious system). It was just a chance to dress up, get lots of candy etc. Today however we understand the Pagan connections, there are groups that publicly celebrate Samhain in public parks, groves, high places etc (Leviticus 26:30). "Cultural Sensitivity" training now takes place in the schools etc. and kids are being taught Paganism and its history, at least in part (generally only the positive elements), as desirable alternatives while worship of the One God is presented as negative and intolerant. Wicca and other forms of Witchcraft and Paganism are now active and legally recognized religions in the US and EU and what we used to think of as non-religious holidays are now clearly Pagan practices of the same nature the Jews were ordered to shun in the Old Testament.

For these reasons, plus because the Bible is so clear that we are to (II Corinthians) 6:17: "...come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you" I would not take part in this holiday nor would I allow my children to.

If (God forbid) when your kids get into their teens and twenties they convert to some form of Paganism such rituals could well be contributing factors. I believe that lovingly showing children what their parents believe, and do not believe, and hold sacred is important:

Proverbs 22:6  Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Conversely, train up a child with the practices of Paganism....

But that's just me. Most Southern Baptists celebrate the holiday but I think that it is unwise for those who love the Lord our God with our full hearts and minds to honor demons, Pagan gods and goddesses and their religious rites.

Hope this helps,
Feel free to write back,

~ John