Latest / Pulpit to Pavement / Episode #3: Is It Wrong for Christians to Celebrate Halloween?
Transcript
- Kayla: Welcome to the Pulpit to Pavement Podcast, where we explore how the faith we proclaim on Sunday becomes the faith we live every day. As we begin, may God open our hearts, shape our thoughts, and help us hear what we need for the road ahead. May these conversations draw us closer to Christ and help us carry his love from the pulpit to the pavement. Tina: Friends, welcome back to another episode of Pulpit to Pavement. I am your host, Kayla Rowe, and joining me is my co-host Tina. Hello there. On this episode, we are going to do what we're calling asking for a friend. Because we want this to be an interactive community, even though it is online. So we encourage our listeners to send in questions they have about faith. And once a month we will answer one of those questions to the best of our ability. Kayla: Friends, welcome back to another episode of Pulpit to Pavement. I am your host, Kayla Rowe, and joining me is my co-host Tina. Hello there. On this episode, we are going to do what we're calling asking for a friend. Because we want this to be an interactive community, even though it is online. So we encourage our listeners to send in questions they have about faith. And once a month we will answer one of those questions to the best of our ability. Tina: If you'd like to submit a question, you can do so by emailing us at humcmo at gmail.com. Kayla: If you'd like to submit a question, you can do so by emailing us at humcmo at gmail.com. Tina: Today we're going to unpack one of those questions where Christians often land in various places and sometimes judge one another pretty quickly for those differences. Today's Asking for a Friend question is, Is it wrong for Christians to celebrate Halloween? Kayla: Today we're going to unpack one of those questions where Christians often land in various places and sometimes judge one another pretty quickly for those differences. Today's Asking for a Friend question is, is it wrong for Christians to celebrate Halloween? Tina: Every October, Christians seem to divide into three groups. One group is planning costumes, watching scary movies, going on haunted hay rides, buying enough candy to feed an army. Another group wants absolutely nothing to do with Halloween because of its associations with darkness, death, and the occult. And somewhere in the middle are Christians wondering: should I feel guilty about my pumpkins and skeletons? Kayla: Every October, Christians seem to divide into three groups. One group is planning costumes, watching scary movies, going on haunted hay rides, buying enough candy to feed an army. Another group wants absolutely nothing to do with Halloween because of its associations with darkness, death, and the occult. And somewhere in the middle are Christians wondering: should I feel guilty about my pumpkins and skeletons? Tina: Going back to my message on why Christians disagree so much, this is one of those areas where I once again find myself in the messy middle. Because I don't isolate myself from the cultural observances of Halloween. I dress up, but there are characters I would not be comfortable dressing up as. I put up Halloween decor, but there are certain themes I don't incorporate. Kayla: Going back to my message on why Christians disagree so much, this is one of those areas where I once again find myself in the messy middle. Because I don't isolate myself from the cultural observances of Halloween. I dress up, but there are characters I would not be comfortable dressing up as. I put up Halloween decor, but there are certain themes I don't incorporate. I think my policy would normally be if it frightens children, I'm not interested. But just the other day, my 15 month old niece came unglued when she saw my jack-o'-lanterns in the front yard, and I don't think they're very scary at all. So maybe let's just say I don't do bloody or violent. I don't do zombies or werewolves. I don't do haunted houses. And that's just that's my personal conviction. What about you, Tina? Tina: I think my policy would normally be if it frightens children, I'm not interested. But just the other day, my 15 month old niece came unglued when she saw my jack-o'-lanterns in the front yard, and I don't think they're very scary at all. So maybe let's just say I don't do bloody or violent. I don't do zombies or werewolves. I don't do haunted houses. And that's just that's my personal conviction. What about you, Tina? Well, Halloween was always a huge celebration at my house. My mom loved it. And we would get all dressed up. She loved the costumes. She loved making us costumes. But she always went all out, but it was more funny and fun and silly, clever, unique. That was more our Halloween. We didn't get into the bloody, gory stuff either. So one time my sister Kayla: Well, Halloween was always a huge celebration at my house. My mom loved it. And we would get all dressed up. She loved the costumes. She loved making us costumes. But she always went all out, but it was more funny and fun and silly, clever, unique. That was more our Halloween. We didn't get into the bloody, gory stuff either. So one time my sister Tina: was the cleaning lady from the end of the Carol Burnett show, the closing scene of the cleaning lady with the bucket, the washer woman, whatever you call her. That's awesome. And and she was spot on. I mean, my mom nailed it. She had the perfect outfit. And she loved doing stuff like that. You know, just making it fun. So I I think that she passed that on to me because my kids never really had anything gory. I think the scariest thing my son was Kayla: was the cleaning lady from the end of the Carol Burnett show, the closing scene of the cleaning lady with the bucket, the washer woman, whatever you call her. That's awesome. And and she was spot on. I mean, my mom nailed it. She had the perfect outfit. And she loved doing stuff like that. You know, just making it fun. So I I think that she passed that on to me because my kids never really had anything gory. I think the scariest thing my son was Tina: Power Ranger one time. You know, he was buzz and woody, you know, fun, just fun little Disney characters and things. of course, Star Wars. Yeah. Had to be Star Wars stuff too. So okay. So is Halloween harmless fun? Or is it spiritually dangerous? Or is this one of those places where faithful Christians can reach different conclusions? Kayla: Power Ranger one time. You know, he was buzz and woody, you know, fun, just fun little Disney characters and things. of course, Star Wars. Yeah. Had to be Star Wars stuff too. So Okay. So is Halloween harmless fun? Or is it spiritually dangerous? Or is this one of those places where faithful Christians can reach different conclusions? Tina: So, for those who might be looking for a little guidance on this, I would say you should look to three things to help you form your approach. You need to first and foremost look to the scriptures. What do the scriptures say? And then I would look at the historical background behind Halloween, how it originated. And then you need to ask what your intention is. So scripture. Kayla: So, for those who might be looking for a little guidance on this, I would say you should look to three things to help you form your approach. You need to first and foremost look to the scriptures. What do the scriptures say? And then I would look at the historical background behind Halloween, how it originated. And then you need to ask what your intention is. So scripture. Tina: History, intention. Let's talk about scripture first. And you know what the Bible says about Halloween? Nothing. Nothing. Yeah, technically nothing, because Halloween, as we know it, didn't exist in biblical times. Now, Scripture does reject occult practices, divination, sorcery. Deuteronomy 18, verses ten through twelve states. Kayla: History, intention. Let's talk about scripture first. And you know what the Bible says about Halloween? Nothing. Nothing. Yeah, technically nothing, because Halloween, as we know it, didn't exist in biblical times. Now, scripture does reject occult practices, divination, sorcery. Deuteronomy 18, verses 10 through 12 states. Tina: Let no one be fung found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist, or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, because of these same detestable practices, the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. So that's old testament. Kayla: Let no one be fungum found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist, or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. So that's old Testament. Tina: Then in the New Testament, Galatians chapter five lists witchcraft among the works of the flesh. First Thessalonians chapter five, verse twenty two says, reject every kind of evil. And the King, the King James Version actually says, abstain from all appearance of evil. So Kayla: Then in the New Testament, Galatians chapter five lists witchcraft among the works of the flesh. First Thessalonians chapter five, verse twenty two says, reject every kind of evil. And the King, the King James Version actually says, abstain from all appearance of evil. So Tina: Just a word of caution there. It would be really easy to look at that verse and think Christians must avoid anything that looks questionable to somebody else. But I mean, think about that. If we did that, we would have to avoid a myriad of things that we wouldn't otherwise avoid. We'd probably have to avoid almost everything. Contextually, Paul is talking about. Kayla: Just a word of caution there. It would be really easy to look at that verse and think Christians must avoid anything that looks questionable to somebody else. But I mean, think about that. If we did that, we would have to avoid a myriad of things that we wouldn't otherwise avoid. We'd probably have to avoid almost everything. Contextually, Paul is talking about. Tina: Testing things and rejecting what is actually evil, not living in perpetual fear that someone somewhere might misunderstand everything we do. So yes, reject evil, please. But dressing a six-year-old as a dinosaur isn't automatically participating in evil. Now, going back to the old testament, there is a very interesting story during the reign of King Saul. Kayla: Testing things and rejecting what is actually evil, not living in perpetual fear that someone somewhere might misunderstand everything we do. So yes, reject evil, please. But dressing a six-year-old as a dinosaur isn't automatically participating in evil. Now, going back to the old testament, there is a a very interesting story during the reign of King Saul. Tina: Where he consults with a medium to get information from Samuel who is already dead. And you could say that God used that medium to bring judgment on Saul, but that doesn't make that line of work permissible, right? Ray we know Rahab was a prostitute and God used and blessed her, but that doesn't make prostitution permissible. And actually, I I kind of wonder after reading that passage. Kayla: Where he consults with a medium to get information from Samuel who is already dead. And you could say that God used that medium to bring judgment on Saul, but that doesn't make that line of work permissible, right? Ray we know Rahab was a prostitute and God used and blessed her, but that doesn't make prostitution permissible. And actually, I I kind of wonder after reading that passage. Tina: If this medium wasn't so frightened by this experience that she didn't quit her job the next day. But if you're curious about that, go look it up. It's in first Samuel twenty eight. So, yeah, while the Bible doesn't tell Christians not to eat candy or wear costumes, it absolutely does tell Christians not to dabble in occult practices. But I do think participating in something explicitly occult is a is different. Kayla: If this medium wasn't so frightened by this experience that she didn't quit her job the next day. But if you're curious about that, go look it up. It's in first Samuel twenty eight. So yeah, while the Bible doesn't tell Christians not to eat candy or wear costumes, it absolutely does tell Christians not to dabble in occult practices. But I do think participating in something explicitly occult is a is different. Tina: From a child dressing as Spider-Man and collecting Snickers bars. Now, with the study of the scripture as our primary source, I would say again, the next thing to consider is the historical significance or the origins of Halloween. Tina, what can you tell us about the origins of Halloween? Well, just from experience, to start, I grew up Catholic. So we always celebrated All Saints Day and All Hallows Eve. Kayla: From a child dressing as Spider-Man and collecting Snickers bars. Now, with the study of the scripture as our primary source, I would say again, the next thing to consider is the historical significance or the origins of Halloween. Tina, what can you tell us about the origins of Halloween? Well, just from experience, to start, I grew up Catholic. So we always celebrated All Saints Day and All Hollows Eve. Tina: on October 31st. And we even got out of school early. The next day school would be called off for All Saints Day. And it was just that was a tradition in our school. And they taught us that hollow meant holy or a person or s a saint, basically a holy person or saint. And we were told also that traditionally for Halloween or all Hallows Eve, children dressed up as saints. Kayla: on October 31st. And we even got out of school early. The next day school would be called off for All Saints Day. And it was just that was a tradition in our school. And they taught us that hollow meant holy or a person or s a saint, basically a holy person or saint. And we were told also that traditionally for Halloween or all Hallows Eve, children dressed up as saints. Tina: Or a biblical figure. None of my friends ever did that. We honestly w we wouldn't even know where to start. But it you know, the closest I ever got one year, I actually got a store-bought costume once because it was also a nightgown. It doubled as a nightgown after Halloween. And it was an angel. And I had little wings and a halo. I was probably around eight. And I just remember that that was the closest I came to being some sort of religious figure. Kayla: Or a biblical figure. None of my friends ever did that. We honestly we wouldn't even know where to start. But you know, the closest I ever got one year, I actually got a store-bought costume once because it was also a nightgown. It doubled as a nightgown after Halloween. And it was an angel. And I had little wings and a halo. I was probably around eight. And I just remember that that was the closest I came to being some sort of religious figure. Tina: I got to be an angel. But historically, if you if you look into this, and I did get some information from gospelmount.com. And it talked about how in the eighth century Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints Day. So that gave me some context of when this all started. And it was to honor Christian martyrs and saints. And then the evening before was known as All Hollows Eve. Kayla: I got to be an angel. But historically, if you if you look into this, and I did get some information from gospelmount.com. And it talked about how in the eighth century, Pope Gregory the Third designated November 1st as All Saints Day. So that gave me some context of when this all started. And it was to honor Christian martyrs and saints. And then the evening before was known as All Hollows Eve. Tina: And eventually shortened to Halloween. So the church intentionally placed it at that time because it also tied in with a Celtic tradition that was called Sawan. And when I first saw that word, I I didn't know how to pronounce it. It's S A H A I N, if you want to look that up. But it is it marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Kayla: And eventually shortened to Halloween. So the church intentionally placed it at that time because it also tied in with a Celtic tradition that was called Sawan. And when I first saw that word, I I didn't know how to pronounce it. It's S-A-M-H-A-I-N, if you want to look that up. But it is, it marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Tina: So it was a time when the boundary between living and dead was believed to be blurred and spirits returned to Earth. So the people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off the wandering spirits. So it it just the information kind of mixed Christian with just different ethnic traditions of what happened around that time. So I'd love to figure out or find out when the occult Kayla: So it was a time when the boundary between living and dead was believed to be blurred and spirits returned to Earth. So the people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off the wandering spirits. So it it just the information kind of mixed Christian with just different ethnic traditions of what happened around that time. So I'd love to figure out or find out when the occult. Tina: got brought in. Yeah. Like when did all the witches and the scariness get brought into this? What seems to have started as a Christian celebration or like I said, celebrating a harvest. So it's it's not really pagan and it's not really Christian. They're just kind of all twisted up into one. Yeah. This confusing. Yeah. A little bit. So yeah. Not purely pagan, not Kayla: got brought in. Yeah like when did all the witches and the scariness get brought into this what seems to have started as a Christian celebration or like I said celebrating a harvest. So it's it's not really pagan and it's not really Christian. They're just kind of all twisted up into one. Yeah. It's confusing. Yeah. A little bit. So yeah. Not purely pagan, not Tina: purely Christian. so we need we need to hold that in the balance when we are, you know, thinking about our approach to Halloween. so with attention to that and scripture, we also need to consider our intention when deciding if we can or should interact with the holiday. if the Bible doesn't make any mention of Halloween, we don't take that to mean that everything goes, right? We need to consider Kayla: purely Christian. so we need we need to hold that in the balance when we are, you know, thinking about our approach to Halloween. so with attention to that and scripture, we also need to consider our intention when deciding if we can or should interact with the holiday. if the Bible doesn't make any mention of Halloween, we don't take that to mean that everything goes, right? We need to consider Tina: The historical significance and like I said, this scripture, but also what do we do with that? So we need to ask ourselves some questions like: Is this beneficial? Does this draw me toward Christ? What am I celebrating? What message does my participation communicate? Kayla: The historical significance and like I said, this scripture, but also what do we do with that? So we need to ask ourselves some questions like: is this beneficial? Does this draw me toward Christ? What am I celebrating? What message does my participation communicate? Tina: You know, Christian maturity isn't figuring out how close we can get to that line without technically sinning. Christian maturity asks, how can I honor Jesus in this? Now, for some Christians, the way they honor Jesus in this is they don't participate. You know, Halloween's imagery or historical associations trouble their conscience. And listen, I think that is a legitimate Kayla: You know, Christian maturity isn't figuring out how close we can get to that line without technically sinning. Christian maturity asks, how can I honor Jesus in this? Now, for some Christians, the way they honor Jesus in this is they don't participate. You know, Halloween's imagery or historical associations trouble their conscience. And listen, I think that is a legitimate. Tina: And respectable decision, you know, to some that might appear to you as uber religious or antisocial or radical, but their intention is to faithfully honor Christ through abstaining. So I think we should respect that. Another Christian response might be we participate, but with boundaries. And I'd like to believe this is where. Kayla: And respectable decision, you know, to some that might appear to you as uber religious or antisocial or radical, but their intention is to faithfully honor Christ through abstaining. So I think we should respect that. Another Christian response might be we participate, but with boundaries. And I'd like to believe this is where. Tina: you know, many Christian families land, they may allow costumes and pumpkins and parties and trick-or-treating while avoiding occult practices, you know, excessively gruesome imagery or things that would violate their convictions. they're distinguishing between participating in a cultural celebration and participating in spiritual practices contrary to Christianity. And yet another response Kayla: you know, many Christian families land, they may allow costumes and pumpkins and parties and trick-or-treating while avoiding occult practices, you know, excessively gruesome imagery or things that would violate their convictions. they're distinguishing between participating in a cultural celebration and participating in spiritual practices contrary to Christianity. And yet another response Tina: From Christians is we use it as an opportunity for ministry. And I think that's a respectable decision, too. You know, think about it. How many nights out of the year will you get a bunch of neighbors voluntarily walk up to your front door? Right? So rather than abstain, they explore opportunities for hospitality. In the gospel of Matthew, chapter five, verses 14 through 16, Jesus said, Kayla: From Christians is we use it as an opportunity for ministry. And I think that's a respectable decision, too. You know, think about it. How many nights out of the year will you get a bunch of neighbors voluntarily walk up to your front door? Right? So rather than abstain, they explore opportunities for hospitality. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter five, verses 14 through 16, Jesus said, Tina: You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. So during a holiday that is often associated with death and darkness. Kayla: You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. So during a holiday that is often associated with death and darkness. Tina: This can be an opportunity to show others that the light of Christ is greater than the darkness. And that is what we represent. So how can Christians bring the light of Christ into their neighborhoods on Halloween? Tina, tell our friends what we do at HUMC. Well, it has been a tradition here for several years to host a trunk retreat for the community. Kayla: This can be an opportunity to show others that the light of Christ is greater than the darkness. And that is what we represent. So how can Christians bring the light of Christ into their neighborhoods on Halloween? Tina, tell our friends what we do at H UMC. Well, it has been a tradition here for several years to host a trunk retreat for the community. Tina: And it's our way to serve the community, provide a safe space for families. We have games, we have a bonfire, we have a s'mores station, lots of treats, candy, fun. this year we have the brunch box coming again. Woohoo. So to serve and be available to purchase dinner. So we encourage families to come out, have dinner, hang around, play some games, trick or treat. Kayla: And it's our way to serve the community, provide a safe space for families. We have games, we have a bonfire, we have a s'mores station, lots of treats, candy, fun. this year we have the brunch box coming again. Woohoo. So to serve and be available to purchase dinner. So we encourage families to come out, have dinner, hang around, play some games, trick or treat. Tina: And this year we're hoping for a really big turnout because it's on a Saturday. Yes. So Halloween, October 31st is Saturday, and we will be here from five to eight to serve our community. And that's how we let our light shine. We just want them to know that we're here, we have a safe space, it's family oriented. we do get some scary creatures that show up, and that's okay. Yeah. It's fun. It's fun to see all the kids and the parents that dress up. Kayla: And this year we're hoping for a really big turnout because it's on a Saturday. Yes. So Halloween, October 31st is Saturday, and we will be here from five to eight to serve our community. And that's how we let our light shine. We just want them to know that we're here, we have a safe space, it's family oriented. we do get some scary creatures that show up, and that's okay. Yeah. It's fun. It's fun to see all the kids and the parents that dress up. Tina: I love the theme families when they come and they're all dressed in a theme. That is so much fun. You know they put a lot of thought into that. Yeah. You know, to get all that together. So it's just really a lot of fun. And it's right here, you know, close to town. There used to be all kinds of activities in town for kids. When my kids were growing up, we went up to safe Halloween at the school. Yeah. And every club was there and they each had a booth and games. It was so much fun. I don't know that. Kayla: I love the theme families when they come and they're all dressed in a theme. That is so much fun. You know they put a lot of thought into that. Yeah. You know, to get all that together. So it's just really a lot of fun. And it's right here, you know, close to town. There used to be all kinds of activities in town for kids. When my kids were growing up, we went up to Safe Halloween at the school. Yeah. And every club was there and they each had a booth and games. It was so much fun. I don't know that Tina: That even happens anymore. I haven't heard anything, but I don't have trick-or-treat age kids anymore. Yeah. So it that may still be going on, but I do know what we have going on here at church, and it is a lot of fun. we are at 4810 State Road B in Hillsborough. Easy to find, right off the highway. we would love for everyone to come out and have some fun and and share their light with us as well. Absolutely. It blesses us to have people show up. Kayla: That even happens anymore. I haven't heard anything, but I don't have trick-or-treat age kids anymore. Yeah. So it that may still be going on, but I do know what we have going on here at church, and it is a lot of fun. we are at 4810 State Road B in Hillsborough. Easy to find, right off the highway. we would love for everyone to come out and have some fun and and share their light with us as well. Absolutely. It blesses us to have people show up. Tina: When we have a big crowd, that just that just makes that light shine brighter. Yeah. It's so much fun. Absolutely. So yes, double what Tina said. We would love it if you could come and invite your friends. Tell your neighbors. it it is a very fun event. And we did we had a big turnout last year. And I I am anticipating hopefully an even bigger turnout this year with it being on a Saturday. But we will be ready and we will have a great time. Kayla: When we have a big crowd, that just that just makes that light shine brighter. Yeah. It's so much fun. Absolutely. So yes, double what Tina said. We would love it if you could come and invite your friends. Tell your neighbors. it it is a very fun event. And we did we had a big turnout last year. And I I am anticipating hopefully an even bigger turnout this year with it being on a Saturday. But we will be ready and we will have a great time. Tina: So, friends, here is your pavement challenge. As you discern, here's some questions you can ask about, you know, honoring Christ while celebrating Halloween. Okay. So as you discern, ask yourself: does this involve something scripture clearly prohibits? Okay. And if it does, then maybe don't make that part of your Halloween celebrations. What is it we are actually? Kayla: So, friends, here is your pavement challenge. As you discern, here's some questions you can ask about, you know, honoring Christ while celebrating Halloween. Okay. So as you discern, ask yourself: does this involve something scripture clearly prohibits? Okay. And and if it does, then maybe don't make that part of your Halloween celebrations. What is it we are actually? Tina: celebrating or participating in. And I know for us it's serving our community and letting kids and families know that Jesus loves them and we are here for them. can I do this with a clear conscience before God? So if it creates even a little bit of tension in you to dress as a witch or put zombie decor in your front yard, then maybe just don't do it. Kayla: celebrating or participating in. And I know for us it's serving our community and letting kids and families know that Jesus loves them and we are here for them. can I do this with a clear conscience before God? So if it creates even a little bit of tension in you to dress as a witch or put zombie decor in your front yard, then maybe just don't do it. Tina: Is this spiritually beneficial or could it pull me somewhere unhealthy? So, you know, going back to the divination and the sorcery, I would I would advise against participating in seances and Ouija boards, you know, things of that nature, because scripture clearly says to avoid such things. So not only does that pull you to somewhere unhealthy, it pulls you to somewhere dark, out of the light. How does this affect other people? Kayla: Is this spiritually beneficial or could it pull me somewhere unhealthy? So, you know, going back to the divination and the sorcery, I would I would advise against participating in seances and Ouija boards, you know, things of that nature, because scripture clearly says to avoid such things. So not only does that pull you to somewhere unhealthy, it pulls you to somewhere dark, out of the light. How does this affect other people? Tina: Especially children, and can I genuine I'm sorry, can I genuinely participate while honoring Jesus? And if you're a parent, I would also say, don't just set the rules. Explain your theology to your kids as best as you can at their age level. If your family doesn't celebrate Halloween, explain why. And if you do celebrate Halloween, Kayla: Especially children, and can I genuine I'm sorry, can I genuinely participate while honoring Jesus? And if you're a parent, I would also say, don't just set the rules. Explain your theology to your kids as best as you can at their age level. If your family doesn't celebrate Halloween, explain why. And if you do celebrate Halloween, Tina: Explain why. And don't just say Christians can or cannot do this. Say we're followers of Jesus. So when our family makes decisions, we ask if it is good, whether it's wise, whether it honors God, and whether we can participate with a clear conscience. That teaches them a framework they'll eventually use for much bigger decisions than Halloween. Scripture may give us room. Kayla: Explain why. And don't just say Christians can or cannot do this. Say we're followers of Jesus. So when our family makes decisions, we ask if it is good, whether it's wise, whether it honors God, and whether we can participate with a clear conscience. That teaches them a framework they'll eventually use for much bigger decisions than Halloween. Scripture may give us room. Tina: For Christians to reach different conclusions about Halloween itself. What scripture doesn't give us room to do is participate in genuine evil. So maybe the question isn't can Christians celebrate Halloween? I think the better question is: what would it look like for me to follow Jesus faithfully on October 31st? And for one Christian, that may be abstaining. And that's okay. For another, Kayla: For Christians to reach different conclusions about Halloween itself? What scripture doesn't give us room to do is participate in genuine evil. So maybe the question isn't can Christians celebrate Halloween? I think the better question is: what would it look like for me to follow Jesus faithfully on October 31st? And for one Christian, that may be abstaining. And that's okay. For another, Tina: It may mean costumes and candy. And that's okay too. For another, it might mean turning on every light in the house, pulling some chairs into the driveway, buying the full size candy bars. And if you are, I'm coming to your house, and spending an evening getting to know your neighbors. And that is awesome. Different practice practices, same calling, honor Christ. Kayla: It may mean costumes and candy. And that's okay too. For another, it might mean turning on every light in the house, pulling some chairs into the driveway, buying the full size candy bars. And if you are, I'm coming to your house, and spending an evening getting to know your neighbors. And that is awesome. Different practice, practices, same calling, honor Christ. Tina: I know my family will continue to celebrate Halloween just the way I was raised. Fun, clever, cute. Yeah. And in a positive way. living in a rural area, I always appreciated the events that were available in town for my kids to go to a safe environment and trick or treat. I know my daughter, they have a tradition in their subdivision, and it's so much fun. I've gone up there before too, because it's just Kayla: I know my family will continue to celebrate Halloween just the way I was raised. Fun, clever, cute. Yeah. And in a positive way. living in a rural area, I always appreciated the events that were available in town for my kids to go to a safe environment and trick or treat. I know my daughter, they have a tradition in their subdivision, and it's so much fun. I've gone up there before too, because it's just Tina: fun how they all get together, they meet out in the cul-de-sac. They have a fire pit. They all hand out candy together, take turns taking the kids trick or treating and all meet back. It's just, it's a very family oriented environment. So I'm glad we can provide that here at our church because a lot of people don't have neighborhoods or cul de sacs that they can hang out in. Exactly. So I I'm really excited and I it's just always going to be a part of my family just Kayla: fun how they all get together, they meet out in the cul-de-sac. They have a fire pit. They all hand out candy together, take turns taking the kids trick or treating and all meet back. It's just, it's a very family oriented environment. So I'm glad we can provide that here at our church because a lot of people don't have neighborhoods or cul de sacs that they can hang out in. Exactly. So I'm I'm really excited and I it's just always going to be a part of my family just Tina: As I was raised. Yeah. So. Thank you, Tina. So yeah, if you need a safe place to take your kids trick-or-treating this year, remember your friends at Hillsborough UMC. We are here for you. And whatever you do this Halloween, shine the light of Christ. Let me pray for us. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the freedom we have in Christ and for the wisdom of your word that guides us through life's decisions. Help us to seek your will in all that we do. Kayla: As I was raised. Yeah. So. Thank you, Tina. So yeah, if you need a safe place to take your kids trick-or-treating this year, remember your friends at Hillsborough UMC. We are here for you. And whatever you do this Halloween, shine the light of Christ. Let me pray for us. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the freedom we have in Christ and for the wisdom of your word that guides us through life's decisions. Help us to seek your will in all that we do. Tina: Even in the seemingly small things, Lord, give us discernment to recognize what honors you and also what draws us away from you. Help us stand firm in our convictions while extending grace to those who may see things differently. Remind us that our unity is not found in agreeing on everything, but in our shared love for Jesus Christ. And Father, wherever we find ourselves this Halloween. Kayla: Even in the seemingly small things, Lord, give us discernment to recognize what honors you and also what draws us away from you. Help us stand firm in our convictions while extending grace to those who may see things differently. Remind us that our unity is not found in agreeing on everything, but in our shared love for Jesus Christ. And Father, wherever we find ourselves this Halloween. Tina: Help us to be a reflection of your light. May our words, our actions, and our interactions with others point people toward your goodness and love. Above all, may we be known not by what we celebrate or avoid, but by the way we love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. Kayla: Help us to be a reflection of your light. May our words, our actions, and our interactions with others point people toward your goodness and love. Above all, may we be known not by what we celebrate or avoid, but by the way we love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you for joining us today on Pulpit to Pavement. As you go, remember, faith isn't just something we hear about, it's something we live out. So take what God has placed on your heart today, carry it into your week, and put your faith into motion. Until next time, may God bless you, guide you, and use you wherever the road takes you. Keep the faith and take it to the pavement.