Journal: Puritan Reformed Journal
Volume: PRJ 01:2 (Jul 2009)
Article: Because Men Love Darkness: Culture’s Dangerous Infatuation With Halloween
Author: David J. Bissett

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PRJ 1:2 (July 2009) p. 238

Because Men Love Darkness: Culture’s Dangerous Infatuation With Halloween

David J. Bissett

In John 3, the Lord Jesus Christ not only spoke of God’s great love for the world and the offer of life through the incarnate Son, but also of the condemnation of those who remain in their spiritual darkness. The Word of God declares, in John 3:19-21,

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

In these past few decades, we have seen American culture grow increasingly enamored with the celebration of Halloween and all its grim accessories. In mid-October, many otherwise plain, suburban American homes are found decorated with white-sheeted ghosts hanging from tree limbs; vampire, monster, or witch figures perched on the porch; and cardboard tombstones arranged on the front lawn. Often Halloween home decorations are simply orange leaf-bags in the color and shape of a jack-o-lantern, but more and more decorative themes include gruesome presentations of violence and death. Even the very houses that will, in a few short weeks, display colorful fabric banners saying “happy holidays” or even “joy to the world,” display banners featuring black cats or the grim reaper (complete with scythe), wishing passersby a “happy” Halloween. And more startling still, the infatuation with Halloween has spread among self-professed evangelicals and churches. Perhaps you’re not surprised to learn that some evangelical

PRJ 1:2 (July 2009) p. 239

churches actually sponsor “Haunted Houses” in a dramatic attempt to present those who attend with the gospel of Jesus Christ!

What is being celebrated at Halloween? Is it something that Christians ought to be involved in? On what basis do we determine when a culturally acceptable practice is not acceptable to disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ? Ought churches to attempt to frighten people into the kingdom of Christ? In order to provide biblical answers to these questions, let’s first look at the historical roots and development of what is today known as Halloween, and then some relevant passages of Scripture.

Origins And Evolution Of The Day

Just as the story of the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ tells of lives reclaimed from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the kingdom of light and life, so, too, the story of church history and kingdom-liv...

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