One of my online friends asked me why my family does not celebrate Halloween. In answering, I don't want anyone to think I am pointing a finger at people. Each of us has to make our own decision about what we do in our lives. It is not up to any of us to judge anyone. My family and I feel, however, that the practices associated with Halloween are not something anyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ would participate in. It is a holiday that celebrates Satan and his demons, all of whom, if you believe in and follow the Bible, are his arch enemies. I also want to explain my belief, though, because it makes me feel uncomfortable to be leaving comments on many of your blogs when every one I visit contains pictures that in some way represent celebrating Halloween.
"There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee."
That was written in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). God definitely did not want his people to engage in any kind of spiritistic practices. The question is, does God still feel the same way? 2 Corinthians 6: 14 - 17, from the Greek Scriptures (New Testament) reads,
" Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Be´li·al? Or what portion does a faithful person have with an unbeliever? And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I shall reside among them and walk among [them], and I shall be their God, and they will be my people.Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing; and I will take YOU in."
Do the customs of Halloween fit into the description above? The Encyclopedia Americana says: “Elements of the customs connected with Halloween can be traced to a Druid [ancient Celtic priesthood] ceremony in pre-Christian times. The Celts had festivals for two major gods—a sun god and a god of the dead . . . , whose festival was held on November 1, the beginning of the Celtic New Year. The festival of the dead was gradually incorporated into Christian ritual.”
The words "Christian ritual" take on a very questionable meaning when we read Ephesians 5: 10 - 12. "Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord; and quit sharing with [them] in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness, but, rather, even be reproving [them], for the things that take place in secret by them it is shameful even to relate."
I know I have used skeletons in some of my art work, but skeletons are a natural part of our body. They are what is left of us once our bodies decay. God created our skeletons. Witches and ghosts and demons are in no way part of what God created, though. They are all part of Satan's world that he uses to misguide people and take them away from the teachings of Jesus. Jesus expelled demons. Why would his followers turn around and celebrate them?
Well, this has certainly been some heavy duty reading! I hesitated on posting it now, right before the holiday, but I didn't want anyone to feel I was ignoring their artwork by not commenting on it. I always enjoy visiting your blogs and seeing your work! I definitely enjoy your online friendships. I just won't be commenting on your Halloween creations.
The words "Christian ritual" take on a very questionable meaning when we read Ephesians 5: 10 - 12. "Keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord; and quit sharing with [them] in the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness, but, rather, even be reproving [them], for the things that take place in secret by them it is shameful even to relate."
I know I have used skeletons in some of my art work, but skeletons are a natural part of our body. They are what is left of us once our bodies decay. God created our skeletons. Witches and ghosts and demons are in no way part of what God created, though. They are all part of Satan's world that he uses to misguide people and take them away from the teachings of Jesus. Jesus expelled demons. Why would his followers turn around and celebrate them?
Well, this has certainly been some heavy duty reading! I hesitated on posting it now, right before the holiday, but I didn't want anyone to feel I was ignoring their artwork by not commenting on it. I always enjoy visiting your blogs and seeing your work! I definitely enjoy your online friendships. I just won't be commenting on your Halloween creations.
