Fun-Ideas-And-Resources-For-Moms-Series
because there are several resources that I want to share with you before we get any closer to October 31st and Halloween.
So...on that note...
Should Christians participate in Halloween?
My husband and I are in agreement when it comes to this topic. But, I'm not going to tell you what our family does when it comes to Halloween (though you can probably guess where our convictions fall by just glancing through old photos from past Octobers).
I'm not going to tell you, because that really isn't the point.
What our family does, may change as God raises conviction or transforms our hearts.
What our family does, may not be what God has designated for your family.
So how do we decide about Halloween?
We look to God's Word (though as you'll see below, even amongst Christians who truly recognize God's Word as the Ultimate Authority...there is disagreement about this decision).
We honestly analyze our own motivation (self-deception is such a comfortable mask to slip on).
We choose humility over pride (knowing that we are a work-in-progress and God often convicts and changes hearts in His own timing).
We seek out wisdom from godly men and women (while acknowledging that no one is infallible and that God's plan for each family or person may be different when it comes to matters-of-the-conscience).
We pray and ask God (with a sincere heart and listening ears that are ready and willing to obey).
We give grace to those with differing viewpoints (realizing that godly men and women fall on both sides of this discussion and that it isn't an issue critical to salvation).
We seek God's glory (above our own traditions and comfort levels and fears and needs).
After several profitable discussions about Halloween this week (with women I respect greatly), I want to share a few of the resources that we have and are processing & praying through as we seek God's wisdom in this area. My prayer for us and for those considering this dilemma is that these would be food-for-thought, but above all else, that honoring God and living as light in the midst of darkness would be our true aim. And as always...
What is the best safe-guard against false teaching?
Beyond all doubt the regular study of the Word of God,
with prayer for the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible was given to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm. 119:105.)
The man who reads it aright will never be allowed greatly to err.
~ J.C. Ryle
What If We Approached Halloween as Christians On Mission? (From Piper's church-- Bethlehem
Baptist)
John Piper on Halloween (video question and answer, but also in print)
What Christians Should Know About Halloween-- (The Resurgence)
Christians and Halloween (from John MacArthur's website--Grace To You)
Halloween and Leaving the Light On (Justin Taylor/The Gospel Coalition)
A Christian View On Halloween (from Courtney at Women Living Well)
Halloween Fast Approaches (Tim Challies)
Halloween-- Trick or Retreat? (another by Tim Challies)
7 Reasons Halloween Judgment Houses Miss the Mark (Russell Moore)
We Do Not Celebrate Halloween (Many helpful resources listed explaining why a Christian would choose not to participate from a mom/writer whose genuine desire is to please God, not men).
Halloween (thoughts from Doug Wilson)
Luther Put a Nail in the Heart of Bad Religion--And 3 Other Holidays (from The Resurgence)
A Lens on Halloween--(from Adam's The Gospel Lens)
Evangelical Definition and Halloween (Russell Moore at First Things...all in good fun)
Would love to hear your thoughts...
* Sharing with thanks at Messy Mondays, Hearts for Home, Finding Heaven, Don't Waste Your Homemaking, Women In the Word, Raising Homemakers, We Are THAT Family.
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