This whole Halloween thing really bothers me. Throughout time, as the gospel has spread to different lands and cultures, the church will step in and take over the holidays of the surrounding pagan culture. This is true of Christmas and Easter. But for some reason, this was not done with Halloween.
Argue all you want, Halloween is all about death and evil. You look at the decorations, the costumes and the celebration. The message is clear.
Unfortunately, some Protestant organizations have tried to supply alternatives to Halloween but have failed miserably. They call them "Harvest Festivals" and then go on to give out candy, dress up and have fun houses. This is not even remotely close to what the church has historically done. The modern day efforts are merely Halloween in a different dress. A pathetic moralization of a pagan holiday.
Something different needs to be done or we need to drop the whole thing all together. I would suggest something that actually celebrates life and beauty. Incidentally, October 31 is the name day for Saints Cosmas and Damien, two unmercenary saints. Our celebration then could be centered on honoring them and their self sacrificial work of helping and healing others. We really need to put some thought into this.
Taking dominion of the world should be a comprehensive effort.
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Halloween
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My church put on one of those "harvest festivals" too - I appreciate the thought of trying to create a wholesome alternative to the usual parade of latex devils and slutty accountants but I'm going to have to agree with you here: while there may be marginal victory in appropriating a pagan holiday, there would be much greater good in forging a new and distinctive landmark of celebration. Sometimes I feel like a "fuddy-duddy" for avoiding festivities but I don't see why I should participate in what no longer holds any meaning or enjoyment to me.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather gather a few fellow believers and celebrate the day some random modern-day saint stood for their beliefs in the face of an angry secular crowd, for example, than a stolen holiday of dubious and ambiguous meaning.