UPDATE:
Sorry about the broken link. I had to uninstall then re-install my word processor the other day and forgot to turn off the curly-cue quotes. That screwed up my html. Works now. guess, I better check passed posts too.A carving we will go. - Here’s a serious question for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in light of the coming holiday.
What Christian values are found in Halloween?
Worth reading is Ambra’s post, "Halloween", she begins:
I've said it often and I'll say it again, American is more pagan than we care to admit. This Sunday, the last day of October will mark the annual celebration of what I believe to be one of the most disturbing and widely accepted holidays of the year: Halloween. I won't be celebrating, and I have my reasons.
Make sure your read her full post.
So will you be celebrating Halloween and what Christian values are found in this holiday?
Update: 2004.10.29
Check out these related links from ChristianityToday.In Perspective: The Christian and the Jack-o'-Lantern.
A note to parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles …
Update: 2004.11.01
Rob sent me a link to a report by Vincent Pierri for the Daily Herald posted on Yahoo!® News.It's titled, "Real witches try to break old myths.
It opens:
While kids beg for candy, another group will peer into black mirrors, cast spells, read tarot cards and generally take advantage of what they say is the best time of year to commune with spirits.
Pagan minister Adam Holtzinger says "the veil between this world and the next is thinnest" during Halloween - what Wiccans call Samhain.
The article goes onto discuss the growing pagan religions. One example was Pagan Pride Days on college campuses.
I'm wondering, anyone heard of a Christian Pride day on college campuses?
Also examined is how the Internet is helping to spread the pagan religions.
One interesting quote from a Angie Buchanan who heads the pagan group Gaia's Womb said:
"Women who are trying to revive the goddess within their religious traditions are being met with resistance," she said. "Paganism offers the perfect balance between male and female divinity."
Those that are following this post will get that quote.
Pierra also reports:
Steve Harmantas, senior pastor at Good Shepherd Bible Church in Lake Zurich, says people following this spiritual path are trifling with evil powers whether they know it or not. He said participants open themselves up to spiritual oppression if not possession.
"Satan has a kingdom," he said. "The powers of darkness are real. The Bible says that the devil masquerades as an angel of light. The devil doesn't show up wearing horns. He sugar coats his presence."
