The true Halloween  

 

I don’t know about you but unless I understand something and it sinks in, I find it hard to remember and even harder to apply to my life, so with this in mind and as its coming round to the 31st of October “The night of Halloween” I thought it was time I found out for my self what was behind it all and how I should treat it.

The following pages will give you some solid information and allow you to decide for yourself if celebrating Halloween is something you should get into or not.

You may be thinking of course “but why do I need to know” or “I know all I want to about Halloween”, but there is one thing I have found in this life to be more dangerous than just about anything else and that is ignorance and the truth I have found is more valuable today than ever before because of the many counterfeits that are around. So I beg you find the truth and make an informed decision.

So Halloween is it just a bit of harmless fun where the kids dress up and go trick or treating and it’s a good excuse to have a party and have a few drinks with friends or is there some thing else to it.

First of all, I am not against anybody enjoying themselves and having fun and I would be first in the queue to get together with my friends, but even so:

 

  • Whatever we join in with we inevitably become part of
  • Whatever we become part of must have our agreement,
  • Whatever we join in with is given our backing and authority.

 

So Halloween, what are we getting into? What are we by not knowing getting involved with and letting our kids get involved with?

 

 

A quick history lesson then

Halloween as we now call it started its life as a Celtic celebration on the 31st of October, called “Sanheim" which means summers end, this was also the end of their year, and so 1st of November would be the Celtic New Year’s Day.

They believed that Sanheim was the time when the worlds of the living and dead drew close together, and it was a time when the veil between the two worlds was said to be so thin that the dead could be seen walking on the earth. Some publications state that Sanheim was a bloodthirsty lord of the dead, however there is no proof of this and in fact of the 300 or so deities listed in Celtic history Sanheim was not one of them. Also and if you look closely at the Celtic society, although they had a belief in fairies and goblins they were essentially worshippers of nature and it is unlikely they had any idea of what God means in our terms.

You may have heard of the druids? well they were the religious leaders, lawmakers and generally the higher rank of the Celtic society and as a part of their New Year celebration they would extinguish all the individual hearth fires and gather around a central fire and offer sacrifice. These were certainly animal in nature but there is little evidence that they offered any human sacrifice. This celebration would mark the end of the year, and the individual fires would then be rekindled from the central fire and that was about it.

No knocking on doors, no devil worship, no kidnapping of virgins, no human sacrifice no tricking or treating all these were added into the mix later and have become part what we now know as Halloween.  

 

After the birth of Christianity, Rome being the centre of the Catholic Church engaged in a huge evangelistic program across Europe. But it was found that because of the many deep set traditions Pagan and otherwise, the ordinary folk of the day remained divided between the New Church and their ancient traditions and celebrations.

So the decision from Rome was made to absorb these native celebrations into the Christian calendar and change their emphasis’ from Pagan to Christian. Pope Gregory the 1st issued the famous message to his missionaries concerning the native beliefs and customs of the people and that was, rather than try to obliterate peoples' customs and beliefs, he instructed his missionaries to use them and said.

“If a group of people worship a tree, rather than cut it down, consecrate it to Christ and allow its continued worship”

Following this "Sanheim" November the 1st was given the new title of  "All Saints day” and the eve before this was called "All Hallows eve", this then changed over the years and became what we have today Halloween which is mixture of the two.  

Pope Gregory’s strategy was to a great degree very successful and the majority of people left behind their ancient traditions and were happy to follow this new faith from Rome, however there were some who didn’t, and this was where the problems began.

There is no definitive point where we can say Rome’s message of Grace became law, but there is a general opinion to support the fact that the evangelistic message from Rome hardened with its strengthening position as head of the church, and their edicts became regarded as law. This was further supported by the parliament of the day revoking Queen Elizabeth 1st law concerning Witchcraft and instituting the Witchcraft Statute of 1604, which was the most severe law possible, making Witchcraft a capital offence and punishable by death.

From this point on led by men Such as Matthew Hopkins (The original witch- finder general) Pagan worship and just about any other celebration outside of Catholicism became heresy and was very likely to be branded as witchcraft. The Vigilante became commonplace along with the practice of Witch hunts, burning at the stake, torture and the ducking stool and it was at this point I believe that Sanheim, All Hallows Eve” or call it what you like changed and became a celebration and focus of something much darker and more dangerous than summers end.

 

In any society fear is the perfect soil for superstition and where fear and superstition exist evil will surly find a home.

So when this is coupled with the expectation of terrible things happening on the night of Halloween the perfect annual event for all manner of evil to take place was created.

In latter times this has been strengthened by business and commerce cashing in on just about anything to give a marketing edge be it right or wrong. Films have been made on the subject and added to the momentum until Halloween has genuinely become a night focusing on every sort of darkness and evil.

 

A recent article was published regarding this by The RT Rev David Gillett.

"I share the view of many Christians that large retailers are increasingly keen to commercialese Halloween celebrations in a way that pressurizes parents to purchase goods that promote the dark, negative side of Halloween and could encourage anti-social behavior," he said.

"I am worried that Halloween has the potential to trivialise the realities of evil in the world and that occult practices should not be condoned, even if they are only being presented in a caricatured, light-hearted form."

He added: "Those in the Church supporting this move towards a more positive approach to the event are not being killjoys, but are simply reflecting the concerns of many parents and teachers across the land.

 

Some popular Halloween past times.

 

Trick or treat

This tradition originally began in England but certainly gained popularity in mid and post war America. “Trick-or-treating" probably dates back to the early All Souls' Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor citizens would beg for food and families would give them pastries called "soul cakes" in return for their promise to pray for the family's dead relatives.

The distribution of soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. The practice, which was referred to as "going a-souling" was eventually taken up by children who would visit the houses in their neighborhood and be given, food, and money.

 

Dressing up

The tradition of dressing up in costumes at Halloween has its root in European history and is not exclusively limited to the celebration of Halloween. It is likely that it is associated with the practice of the poor "going a-souling" and not wanting to be recognized. A simple play or musical would be performed to encourage the good will of the homeowner which was known as mumming or guising. 

 

Pumpkins

These are a recent addition. Pumpkins, beets and turnips were once used as lanterns (all year round not just Halloween) and were a very clever adaption of something very common to those that could not afford a metal lantern.

The title Jack o Lanterns may also be used which follows from the 18th Century Irish legend concerning a man called Jack who was it said to mean to enter heaven and had tricked the devil so he couldn’t enter hell, thus his incarceration in a lantern.

Apple ducking

This was Celtic in origin and was for the divination concerning a suitable marriage partner, not much different from tossing a posy at a wedding.

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

That then is a brief and concise history of the roots and customs of Halloween.

But what next “now I know the facts what should I do with them”?

The answer to this really goes back to my point at the beginning of this study and that is:

 

  • Whatever we join in with is given our backing and authority.

 

From the study it can be seen that Halloween has become a celebration of evil (whether it started that way or not) and if we join in with it and let our kids get involved we are there fore siding with something that celebrates evil. 

To put it bluntly would any sane person allow their kids to join in with a satanic rite of sacrifice, or would you or I say that Adolf Hitler was an ok guy and that we totally support his attempted genocide of every race that was not Arian. 

No, and I would be surprised if anyone would, so why do we allow ourselves to be softly caressed into joining ourselves to evil in the guise of Halloween.

There is simple fact and that the world is divided, good and evil, light and dark. One is governed by the kingdom of God and the expectancy of Gods word to be fulfilled in goodness. The other side is governed by Satan where darkness rules and is driven by Fear and the expectancy of evil.

If we choose to celebrate and participate in Halloween it is an action of our will and we are choosing to side with something that celebrates darkness.

So regardless of creed race or faith we need to make a decision on where we stand for ourselves and families.

 

For Christians there are many scriptures that are appropriate (I will note some of them in the references at the end of this article) but I like what the Apostle Paul says at the end of the love chapter in Corinthians 13:

 

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I thought as a child, I reasoned as a

child. But when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

 

I will say this bluntly as Paul did, there are times when we need to grow up, and to do this it is essential that we recognize the truth and base our lives and consequent life message on fact not fiction. As a spiritual people we must understand that our spirituality is not a floating in the clouds out there condition but that we are rooted in the foundation of God revealed in his people and through his word illuminated by the Holy Spirit and complete victory of Jesus Christ.

Living the Christian life is not about adding authority to hell by preaching flawed facts and superstition, and if the world is to be changed our spirituality must be walked out everyday knowing the power of God working in us and through us for the building of Gods kingdom.

Halloween should be a time when we shine even brighter because of the prevailing darkness, and it is not a time for sitting in the corner battling principalities and powers in the heavenlies. I am talking about getting out there and telling people the truth, seeing souls saved and spreading the goodness of God to people who cannot see.

 

 

 

Let our message be truth and light not darkness and fable. Our victory is complete and total in Jesus Christ who did it all on the cross

James 4:7 says “Therefore submit your selves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”.

Rom 16:20 And may the God of peace bruise Satan under your feet.

 

 

Practical Stuff

 

Q: What about trick or treating is it ok for the kids to go out door to door?

A: The first question I would ask is “Do you normally let your kids go door to door” How about finding an alternative and invite the other kids to that.

 

Q: What about Kids dressing up.

A:  There is not much wrong with dressing up, but what are we dressing up as should be the question? A vampire, devil, mass murderer (it speaks for itself really).

Why not dress up as something funny or good then have your own party and make it a celebration of what is good and have some real fun.

 

Q: What about apple bobbing or some of the games like that?

A:  Use your hands it’s much easier. But seriously there is a difference between being spiritual and just plain weird, let the Holy Spirit guide you and if you feel in doubt or uncomfortable with anything simply say no.

 

Q: How should I treat others that take part in Halloween?

A: Love them, pray for them and set an example by your actions. If asked tell them the truth, but remember there is no condemnation in Christ, he came to free people not bind them up, nobody will be changed by beating them up truth or not.

 

 

 

 

Some good references

Deuteronomy 18:10-12  There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, an observer of clouds, or a fortune-teller, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or one who calls to the dead. For all that do these things are an abomination to God.

Thessalonians 5:22 1Th 5:22 Abstain from every appearance of evil.

1Th 5:23 And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blamelessly at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), proving what is acceptable to the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.  But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.  Therefore he says, "Awake, sleeping ones! And arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light."

 

/ BBc.co.uk/ www.new-life.net /The Jack o lantern legend / Encyclopedia Britannica/Highland superstition/ Folklore/ Celtic Mythology/

 

Witchcraft today.

 

Today the word Witch craft covers many practices and seems to have become a catchall for Paganism, Satanism, New age, Occultism etc. However all these practices have one thing in common and that is they all stand on the same side of the dividing line.

The dividing line is sharp and decisive and is the border between good and evil, light and dark, the bible calls it calls it a two edged sword with the ability to discern the inner thoughts of our heart (Hebrews 4:12). This division runs contrary to mans preference because with a sharp line or border there are then absolutes, which means we become accountable and responsible for our actions and decisions. With a line of division there are no grey areas for indecision and uncertainty that allow our hearts and minds the luxury of excuse, we must decide where we stand and are unable to sit on the fence. Jesus said “He that is not with me is against me” (Matt 12:30) and he that does work with me works against me.

 

  • It can be seen then that there is a choice to be made, so on which side of the line are witch craft and every other cult and practice.

 

The bible says it in plain English and there is little doubt how God feels about it.

Deuteronomy 18:10 Don't practice divination, sorcery, fortunetelling, witchery, casting spells, holding séances, or channeling with the dead. People who do these things are an abomination to GOD. Be completely loyal to GOD, your God.

God feels this way because he is jealous for us and loves us with a never-ending love. As a Father he also knows what’s best for us and like any parent tells us so, to keep us from harming ourselves or getting into trouble. 

So how can we harm ourselves by taking part in séances, listening to mediums, turning tarot cards etc, after all there only a bit of fun aren’t they?

First of all, no they are not just a bit of fun, they are real and although they can seem to answer our wants, the power that drives these practices is not on Gods side of the dividing line and it comes straight from hell. Its use and practice are destructive and undermining to the heart of man, and they have only one purpose and that is too enslave, imprison and eventually kill those that would use it.

This applies to Black magic, White magic (there is no distinction in Gods view) Satanism, occult practices, séances, mediums, tarot cards, divination, reading your stars, new age etc. All of these things are a dark counterfeit of Gods power for good and as such have the ability and appearance of giving us what we want, but they are lure with a hidden hook,  that will catch us and slowly reel us into hell itself.

You may be wondering why God allows these things’s to continue if he loves us so much. The answer to this is that there is one thing that separates Christianity from every other faith and that is that God the Father wants us to come to him of our own free will. If all choice were removed we would be automatons and slaves, we would have no option.

This would then be slavery that hell offers not the freedom of God, no man can be forced to love that is why there is choice.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

This is how much God loves us, he sent his son Jesus Christ to defeat the power of Hell and the grave so we would have a choice of where we stand and which side of the line we are going to choose. God’s word says “All those that call upon the name of the Lord will be saved”, I beg you call on Christ now and make your choice, because you will have to choose one day ready or not.