Are we still protesting pagan holidays or did we surrender?

[Genipher]

Was it not? Halloween=all hallow's eve= all saints day?? The celebration of all saints- dead or alive?

All Saint's Day was originally May 13. Pope Gregory III moved the day to November 1. In the 9th century, when Christianity had spread to the Celtic areas, Halloween and All Saints Day "blended". "It is believed today that the church was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, church-sanctioned holiday." (1)

The Celtic festival of Samhain aka Halloween was on October 31, which was believed to be the eve where the "doors to the otherworld" opened and the undead returned to earth and wreaked havoc. It was also the night that the druids made predictions about the future. The druids would build large bonfires so the people could sacrificed crops and animals to their Celtic deities. The druids wore costumes of animal heads and skins to tell fortunes and the Celtic people would wear costumes to ward off ghosts.

So, no. The two are not the same. It was not originally a Christian holiday.

I get there are a lot of things in the world with a bad "back story" and we can't avoid it all. Still, we don't have to actively participate when we can actively refuse. The world wants to celebrate a day that is basically all about evil spirits. But we were told not to love the things in the world (1 John 2:15) or to be conformed by the world (Romans 12:2) and to be in the world but not of it. And yet here we are, running off to "harvest festivals" or flat out celebrating Halloween because this time of year is where everyone has fun celebrating and we don't want to be left out!

We were told not to eat food that we know has been sacrificed to idols (1 Corinthians 10:28)...why is this different when we know this day was created for an evil purpose? We are, in a sense, participating in a day that was used (and still is by wiccans) to sacrifice to idols and worship spirits!

And yet, despite my intense feelings on this matter, I remind myself that:
"One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Romans 14:5)

I've been persuaded in mine that this is not a day to "play around" with. But if others want to "esteem" this day, well, that's between you and Yahweh. Just don't be confused. It was NOT originally a Christian holy day.



(1) https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween

 

[Genipher]

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

I heard that our home church group, yeeeeears ago, tried to change the days of the week to Light Day, Sky Day, Plant Day, Star Day, Fish/Bird Day, Mammal Day, and Rest Day.

But, of course, nobody else outside the group had a CLUE what they were talking about so it didn't fly for long. lol.

 

[kaylagrl]

Interestingly in German culture it became such an issue that Wednesday comes from "Woden's Day" (Odin's day) that they changed the name of the day to "midweek day".

Interesting... but the other days didn't bother them, odd.

 

[Icedaisey]

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

All named for pagan deities.

https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/pagan-gods-and-naming-days-001037

 

[MatthewWestfieldUK]

For me, the concern is not about your actions on the day, its just fun right?
More, i think that anyone, regardless of spiritual life, should be able to challenge commercial events. These days are a retail business event.
I'd encourage all of you to create alternative fun, that is not dependent on spending on environmentally damaging products

 

[Lucy-Pevensie]

Interesting... but the other days didn't bother them, odd.

Not to mention the names of the months. It's a minefield out there I tell thee!

 

[Icedaisey]

All named for pagan deities.

https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/pagan-gods-and-naming-days-001037

You're right Lucy. Those days named after Roman pagan god's and goddesses are old. The names and days are centuries old.

https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-important-events/explainer-gods-behind-days-week-009465

 

[Nehemiah6]

For kids, it is an "innocent" holiday...

There is nothing "innocent" about Halloween. Just one look at all that is in the stores in connection with this evil celebration should be a red flag. Just a little study of the history of Samhain (pronounced saw-in) should be a warning. But it looks like some Christians have a double standard when it comes to witches and goblins.

 

[Lanolin]

if you are catholic, or live in a catholic country, every single day is named after a saint.

I think they have 365 saints days and you could have a feast for all of them.

 

[Lanolin]

Today, Novemeber 6 is Saint Leonards day.

the reason for halloween is because the sainst got all the other days so I guess the sinners wanted at least one day so the RCC church let them have that one day. Before designating November 1 All Saints Day (everyone else that wasnt on the list)

 

[Genipher]

Today, Novemeber 6 is Saint Leonards day.

the reason for halloween is because the sainst got all the other days so I guess the sinners wanted at least one day so the RCC church let them have that one day. Before designating November 1 All Saints Day (everyone else that wasnt on the list)

So a hermit that healed cattle and helped laboring women. Interesting.

 

[Laura798]

Many subjects get "beaten to death" in online discussions. It is the nature of the beast. Many of the things we are talking about today were discussed a hundred years ago, two hundred years ago, two thousand years ago, and they will be discussed ad infinitum until the end. No need to apologize

For me I see it as a big waste of money--every year the blow up decorations get bigger and bigger and BIGGER! I can't believe someone hasn't done a meme about them. The spending hit 10 billion this year--yes 10 BILLION. I'd rather see the money go to the poor--and go back to the days when people just rustled something up from whatever was lying around the house-you know stick a metal strainer on your head and you're a space alien or grandmas old dress and a broom--black your teeth, and voila! You're a witch! A couple of carved pumpkins for decorations... there ya go. And most parents--at least where I live, let the kids have a few pieces of candy and then throw the rest of it away.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/mone...candy-decorations-spending-record/5816767001/

 

[Laura798]

Today, Novemeber 6 is Saint Leonards day.

the reason for halloween is because the sainst got all the other days so I guess the sinners wanted at least one day so the RCC church let them have that one day. Before designating November 1 All Saints Day (everyone else that wasnt on the list)[/QUOTE

We all agree!

 

[TheLearner]

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.

I use it to do personal evangelism and give out a large candy bar, so they will come. Many have come to Jesus. I have them call other Christians to be their mentor.

 

[Oblio]

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.

Giving kids an alternative to Halloween is a good way to keep them from rebelling, and an opportunity to teach them about the spiritual realm.
Protesting Halloween does little good, I believe. We, as followers of Yahweh, for that is what we are, should sterilize our lives of all things occultic.
"
“You shall have no other gods before Me. - Exodus 20:3

 

[Lanolin]

a lot of churches do 'light parties' on halloween as an alternative.

I propose that everyone celebrates Book week and dresses up as a character from a book, they do that in Australia.

I just throw a end of year movie party with popcorn for my book lovers. I think theres a lot of pressure on parents to come up with costumes when they dont have much money to spend on real clothes.

Or you could do a bin-bag or toga party, thats cheap. One church I know did an op shop ball, and your dress HAD to come from an op shop (or cost under $10)

 

[Lynx]

Pagan Christmas zombie thread, back from the graaaaaaaaave!



We haven't had many "Christmas is pagan!" threads this year. In fact we haven't had ANY in some forums. So we must resort to the Halloween tradition of digging up zombie threads to fill the gap.

 

[SomeDisciple]

That could be a good thing or a bad thing. Good because the "LEGALIST!!"/ "IDOLATER!!!" Flaming can get ugly. Bad, because there actually are legalist/ idolatrous opinions about holidays, and maybe that should be addressed.

I don't know if the holiday-debates have ever done any good, or changed anyone's mind: but I definitely think people would benefit from researching the historic origins of holiday traditions and talk to the lord about what they do.

 

[kaylagrl]

Pagan Christmas zombie thread, back from the graaaaaaaaave!

View attachment 246975

We haven't had many "Christmas is pagan!" threads this year. In fact we haven't had ANY in some forums. So we must resort to the Halloween tradition of digging up zombie threads to fill the gap.

To No One in Particular

Last Sunday our little country church put on a Christmas service. I'll take you through the service if you will bear with me a moment.

The lights were dimmed and the young organist struck the keys as he played "Once in Royal David's City". Then the congregation joined the choir to sing,

O Come all ye Faithful, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels. Let us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Gen. 3: 8-15 Was read where sin entered the world and man became separated from God.

Gen 22: 15- 18 God makes an unconditional promise to Abraham. That all nations will be blessed and his seed would be multiplied through the earth.

The choir sang "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel.

The organist played "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" Glory to the newborn king. God and sinners reconciled.

Is. 9: 2-7 The people that have walked in darkness have seen a great Light...

The little ones from Sunday school sang "Go Tell it on The Mountain" Jesus Christ is born.

Another reading Is. 11: 1-10 Foretelling a Savior, a Messiah

What Child is This, sung by the choir. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud. The babe, the son of Mary

Luke 2: 8- 21 reading Glory to God in the Highest, peace on earth, goodwill toward men.

A short message on salvation by pastor.

Matt. 2:1-11 The Magi come to honor and worship the King of the Jews.

Silent Night, Holy infant so tend and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. With the dawn of redeeming grace.

Now we light our candles to represent Jesus the Light of the World.

O Little Town of Bethlehem the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Cast out our sin... be born in us today,

John 1- In the beginning was the Word. He is the Light of the World.

JOY to the world the Lord has Come, Let every heart prepare HIM room.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found

Full circle, man is redeemed from the curse.

Do any of you know a better sermon or testimony to a sinner?! And that little church was packed, no one wants to upset grandma or Mom at Christmas . There were several there that didn't know the Lord. Perhaps had never even heard the Message. So you can celebrate Christmas or not celebrate Christmas. But as someone who has been in ministry, I know that this time of year where little ones are putting plays, where family feels obligated to come, the opportunity to reach out to the lost is immense. More than any other time of year. I will celebrate the baby, born to be Savior of the World. If you don't, that's fine. Don't castigate people that do.

 

[Moses_Young]

To No One in Particular

Last Sunday our little country church put on a Christmas service. I'll take you through the service if you will bear with me a moment.

The lights were dimmed and the young organist struck the keys as he played "Once in Royal David's City". Then the congregation joined the choir to sing,

O Come all ye Faithful, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, born the King of angels. Let us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Gen. 3: 8-15 Was read where sin entered the world and man became separated from God.

Gen 22: 15- 18 God makes an unconditional promise to Abraham. That all nations will be blessed and his seed would be multiplied through the earth.

The choir sang "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel.

The organist played "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" Glory to the newborn king. God and sinners reconciled.

Is. 9: 2-7 The people that have walked in darkness have seen a great Light...

The little ones from Sunday school sang "Go Tell it on The Mountain" Jesus Christ is born.

Another reading Is. 11: 1-10 Foretelling a Savior, a Messiah

What Child is This, sung by the choir. This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing
Haste, haste to bring him laud. The babe, the son of Mary

Luke 2: 8- 21 reading Glory to God in the Highest, peace on earth, goodwill toward men.

A short message on salvation by pastor.

Matt. 2:1-11 The Magi come to honor and worship the King of the Jews.

Silent Night, Holy infant so tend and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. With the dawn of redeeming grace.

Now we light our candles to represent Jesus the Light of the World.

O Little Town of Bethlehem the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Cast out our sin... be born in us today,

John 1- In the beginning was the Word. He is the Light of the World.

JOY to the world the Lord has Come, Let every heart prepare HIM room.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found

Full circle, man is redeemed from the curse.

Do any of you know a better sermon or testimony to a sinner?! And that little church was packed, no one wants to upset grandma or Mom at Christmas . There were several there that didn't know the Lord. Perhaps had never even heard the Message. So you can celebrate Christmas or not celebrate Christmas. But as someone who has been in ministry, I know that this time of year where little ones are putting plays, where family feels obligated to come, the opportunity to reach out to the lost is immense. More than any other time of year. I will celebrate the baby, born to be Savior of the World. If you don't, that's fine. Don't castigate people that do.

That all sounds wonderful, Kaylagrl, but unfortunately, because you chose to do this on December 25th, which some long-extinct cultists in ancient times decided should be the birthday celebration of their fake deity, it's not going to impress those subscribing to the Christmas-is-pagan belief.

Also, while you're at it, don't you know that the Gregorian calendar was invented by one of the popes, who we all know heads the Catholic Church spoken against in the book of Revelation? Surely it would be far less pagan for Christians to use a previous calendar not endorsed by the whore of Babylon? It might cause us to miss appointments and get mixed up about when we are committed where, but it'll sure show those pagans that we won't stand for any of their nonsense. Also, aren't the days of the weeks all named after pagan deities? I propose that from now on, Christians instead of using the words "Monday" through to "Sunday" to describe days of the week use the names of Jesus' disciples - say Jamesday, Petersday, Philipsday, Thomasday, etc. Also remember, the Sabbath is on a Matthewsday, so anyone who goes to church on a Johnsday is a sinner. And don't even get me started on the planets...