With Halloween coming up I’m curious. Are American Christians still refusing to participate or have we come to acceptance of it? Seeing a lot of churches participating and hosting “trunk or treats” in my community.
There was a very interesting footnote in the Bible I'm reading this year under the book of Esther: "During Purim (a Jewish holiday,) feasting and gift-giving are part of the ceremony, as is dressing in masks and costumes."
Wikipedia says that Purim includes: "Celebrations include listening to (the book of Esther being read) in the synagogue, sending food parcels and giving charity, dressing up in costume, eating a festive meal, parties and parades, and drinking alcoholic beverages, especially wine."
So in other words, Purim apparently combines EVERYTHING that is criticized during Halloween and Christmas.
This is what drives me crazy about the Christian culture. If it's done under some kind of religious title, then it's ok and even pleasing to God; but if it's ever given any worldly name or association (such as during Halloween or Christmas,) then it must be of the devil -- even if EVERYTHING being done is EXACTLY the same.
I personally believe that it all comes down to intention of the heart. God Himself commanded days-long feasts and celebrations in the Old Testament. If a person is doing these things with the thought of honoring God, finding fellowship with believers, and maybe influencing a few unbelievers, then why not?
But if a person is doing so with no care about revering God, just wants to have a good time at a wild, drunken party, and is dressing up as unsavory characters, then most definitely, that person needs a heart check into why they're doing what they're doing -- and whether or not they should be doing it at all.