ChristiaNet.com (http://www.christianet.com), the world's largest Christian portal with twelve million monthly page loads, polled readers on the question, "Is Halloween an evil holiday?" One reader responded, "Although the occasion is touted in a light-hearted manner, the underlying theme glorifies the evil spirit world and spiritual death. This is advanced through the depiction of ghosts, the telling of spooky tales, magic, and various links with witchcraft." Out of 344 people surveyed, 219 agree that it is an evil National Holiday. (http://www.christianet.com/holidays/)
Seventy people said that it is not an evil National Holiday. The overall consensus of this group is that Halloween is fun for children and it depends on the attitude of the one celebrating it. One participant said, "Halloween is the day that precedes 'All Saints Day', a day where Christians poke fun at evil. Why else do you think it became popular in a nation that is predominantly Christian?" There is nothing evil in dressing up in a make believe costume and getting candy. Several participants in this group did mention that the costumes should not depict evil characters.
Fifty-five respondents were unsure about the day being an evil National Holiday. One person surveyed said, "it is fine for small children to dress up and get candy but if teens and adults use it as an excuse for bad behavior then it becomes evil. Years ago, people didn't worry about this holiday being safe to participate in but today it is different. There is the possibility of children receiving tainted candy so many people take their children to friends and neighbors that they trust."
Shopping malls have become popular places to go, since many of the stores give out candy to trick-or-treaters. One respondent said their church offers a Fall Fun Festival as an alternative celebration. Many feel that it just isn't a holiday that Christians should be participating in. What kind of message are we sending our children, that it is okay to celebrate evil one day out of the year? Maybe a good way to make a decision on whether or not to participate is to ask, "What would Jesus do?" Perhaps give out Christian tracts instead of candy? For more information, visit: http://www.christianet.com/articles/
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