As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions…One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. -Romans 14:1,5
Halloween fast approaches and, at least for the past twenty plus years that I have been in full-time ministry, brings with it questions about how much, if at all, Christians should engage in the holiday. Here’s how I usually respond when asked about celebrating Halloween, which is an attempt to be both measured and biblical.
The Bible says nothing about Halloween, but it does say something about celebrations and holy days and 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 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. It is true that 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 in the name of the Emperor of Rome. Probably more specific to Paul’s discussion in Romans were celebrations related to the Jewish law and its religious calendar.
Now, this was in many ways serious stuff. Yet Paul’s general exhortation seems to be, in modern English, “If someone wants to celebrate a holy day, let them, if they do not, don’t worry about it. If they want to eat meat, let them, if they do not, lay off.” Again, I think Paul has in mind here Sabbaths and religious festivals (not made up holidays), but I think there is a correlation. There are immensely important essential doctrines to which we should hold fast and fight for in the faith (like salvation by faith in Christ alone). 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 quite a few issues upon which we should not pass judgment. This does not imply that we cannot hold an opinion (maybe even a strong opinion) on these matters. Paul’s big take away in Romans fourteen seems to be that we care for the weaker brother or sister. If you have to give something up for the sake of their conscience, even if it is a lawful thing, do so. If partaking in a lawful activity or practice undermines their faith, you will be held to account if you partake of it in their presence simply to demonstrate your spiritual strength. Let love and grace win the day on non-essential matters. If you do so, all will be well.
Here are a couple examples from my own life. 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 will not cause a mature believer to grieve the Lord. I do not celebrate Halloween because I am 54 years-old and I do not want to spend my time and money on it, but I also do not want to spend my time campaigning against it. When my wife and I are at home on Halloween, we give kids candy and try to be very nice. We have found it to be a good way to get to know our neighbors. 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.
We will not have Halloween parties at the church. I think that just makes sense. But we do acknowledge Thanksgiving, Advent and celebrate Christmas. I think that also makes sense. There are a whole lot of people 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 Christ-followers should relax a bit on non-essential matters of the faith.
The kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, or what holidays we celebrate. There are of course extremes even in these areas, but Paul’s counsel seems wise here: Do not, for the sake of food (or any other non-essential matter in context here) destroy the work of God in a fellow believer’s life.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym