On Being a Christian and the Inevitable Topic of Halloween

originally posted Halloween 2014

Each year it is the same, some Christians point out the origins of Halloween trying to convince everybody how bad it is. Some non-Christians point out the origins of Halloween hoping to goad a few Christians.

Me? I know that Halloween is largely a secular holiday here in America where really the scariest thing about it is all the sugar that will be consumed over the next several days. Our kids dress up in fun costumes. The scariest we've had is the evil queen from Snow White. This year we've got an Elsa and a Robin Hood. Yes, my 16-year-old is having some friends over and they will be trick or treating too.

I don't worry about trick or treating influencing my children's faith. They are out in our neighborhood, hanging out with friends, talking to neighbors who we don't see often due to all the busy schedules. We hand out chocolate because, you remember, that's the best treat. It's just a fun evening. And, as a result of getting to know our neighbors more this night, we get the opportunity over the coming days to share our faith.

I have a far greater worry when it comes to my children's faith. Prosperity teachers on television. These are the folks who have turned religion into a pyramid scheme. The flaunt their wealth. Their outfits costs thousands of dollars. They live in mansions and often have multiple ones at that. Private jet? Of course. Luxury sedans? You betcha. Where are they getting that money? Folks are watching them on TV and greed (or desperation) sets in. Often these folks are struggling to make ends meet and can't wait to take part in this 'spiritual' lottery. They want that blessing too and so they send them money just knowing God will return the blessing. Why does this bother me so? I grew up with this and this breed of preachers on our own TV. I've seen first hand the damage these teachings can do.

No, when it comes to Halloween, trick or treating is far less scary to me as a Christian than some of the 'christians' on the television. You can't scare me. I've survived a childhood of televangelists.