Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. – Romans 14:22
Halloween fast approaches and, at least for the past twenty-five years that I have been in full-time ministry, it brings with it questions about how much, if at all, Christians should engage in the holiday. What follows is my opinion, not a biblical mandate (nor LifePoint Church policy), but it is generally how I respond when asked about celebrating the day, which I trust is measured and fits into a biblical worldview.
The Bible says nothing about Halloween, but it does say something about celebrations, holy days, festivals, and judging fellow believers. Romans chapter fourteen addresses those who regard one day as more holy than another. It also speaks to the common situation in the apostle Paul’s day where serious concerns were often raised in regards to rites of purity, questions about kosher foods, and meat that had been offered to pagan gods in rituals prior to being sold in the open market. What does this have to do with Halloween? Well, nothing…and everything. Believers in Paul’s day were not concerned about a day called “All Hallows Eve,” but they were concerned about days in which pagan gods were celebrated, and days when sacrifices were made on behalf of the Emperor of Rome. Probably more specific to Paul’s discussion in Romans fourteen were celebrations related to the Jewish law and religious calendar.
Now, this was in many ways serious stuff, and yet Paul’s general exhortation seems to be, in modern English, “Hmm, why are we becoming enemies in regards to these matters? If someone wants to celebrate a special day, let them. If they do not, that is fine too, but let’s not split fellowship over matters such as these.” Some believers in Paul’s day did not want to get into all the fine details concerning how a meal was prepared before they cut into their steak. Others felt strongly that if they cut into a steak dedicated to a pagan god they would be united to that god in some type of mystical/spiritual sense. Paul understood both viewpoints. Granted, I think Paul had in mind religious festivals and group celebrations over a meal, not made up holidays, but I think there is a correlation.
There are immensely important essential—or first order—doctrines to which we should hold fast as Christ-followers and fight for (metaphorically) in the faith. Hold fast to them, separate from others (in worship) who do not hold them as sacred, and be willing to confront when appropriate. There are also many issues and situations in people’s lives upon which we likely should not pass judgment. That does not mean we cannot hold an opinion—maybe even a strong opinion—on these matters. Paul’s big take away in Romans fourteen seems to be this; whatever we do, we must care for the weaker brother or sister. If a more mature believer has to give something up for the sake of the weaker brother/sister’s conscious, even if it is a lawful thing, they should willingly do so. If partaking in a lawful activity or practice undermines a weaker/younger believer’s faith, the more mature believer will be held to account if they partake of it in their presence simply to demonstrate their spiritual maturity. Let love and grace win the day. If one does so, all will be well.
Here are a couple examples from my own life. As a general rule, I do not drink alcohol because I do not want to cause a brother or sister to stumble, but responsible alcohol use is not a sin. I do not mow my grass on Sundays because my neighbors know I am a pastor and may still have reservations about seeing that kind of work done on the Lord’s Day. But mowing grass on a Sunday, in and of itself, does not grieve the Lord. I do not celebrate Halloween because I am 56-years old, not 9-years old, and because I do not want to spend my time and money on it. However, I also do not want to spend my time campaigning against it. You may feel differently. Use your freedom in Christ to do what you think is best, but remember, we are not talking about first order doctrines here. (As a side note, we do hand out candy from our home when we are in town because we have found it is a good way to get to know our neighbors).
We will not have Halloween parties at the church. I think that just makes sense. But we do acknowledge Advent and celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. I think that also makes sense. As it relates to this issue, there are multiple billions on this planet today who do not care what I think. That probably makes sense too. We should all, however, care what an apostle of Jesus Christ thinks, and he seems to think that we should all relax a bit on non-essential matters of the faith, and practice graciousness.
If you disagree with me on this yourself, be gracious. (smile)
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym