Should Christians Embrace or Avoid Halloween Traditions?

Celebrating Halloween looks different for each person. For some, it's about wholesome family fun, with kids dressed as their favorite characters from movies like Frozen or Super Mario Bros and venturing out into the neighborhood for candy. Or maybe your thing is staying in to paint pumpkins while enjoying hot chocolate. For others, it's a night of scary adventures in haunted houses, ghost stories by the campfire, and your favorite scary movie. And unfortunately, for some it means dressing in the least amount of clothes while consuming the most amount of alcohol…candidly, this is what my Halloweens looked like before I became a believer.

Your Reason for Celebrating Halloween (or Not) Matters

Your motive for why you want to celebrate matters. If the intention is to embrace evil or seek attention through a “sexy” costume, then it's not aligned with what God is cheering on. As "Christ Followers,” Christians are called to exemplify love, compassion, respect for others, and good stewardship over their body (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit - 1 Corinthians 6:19).

Does Halloween Provide an Opportunity to Share the Gospel?

I have what is sometimes called a "redemptive theology." I believe that Christians can still use what the world seeks to corrupt for holy purposes. Christians didn't build on pagan foundations. They excavated pagan traditions, dug out all rot, and then built beautiful new traditions on top of the evil that was once there. All Saints Day, where the origins of Halloween are rooted, is a beautiful holiday. 

You're welcome to hand out candy to neighbors and fill your bags with theirs if your conscience allows. And if not, peace to you (and more candy for me). If you exchange presents or hang stockings on Jesus' birthday, it is a similar act to redeem a day that the world views as a moral "purge." Don't dress as a devil or act like one. Live as a saint.

Transforming Darkness into Light

So, can Christians participate in Halloween? I believe so, but with a purpose that aligns with our faith. Handing out candy to neighbors and engaging in meaningful conversations can be a way to spread love and light. It's about connecting with others, fostering community, and sharing the Gospel. The act of redeeming this day from its potentially negative connotations echoes the essence of our faith! To transform darkness into light. Matthew 5:16 says, 

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." 

Halloween can be an opportunity to exemplify these teachings, reminding us of our duty to reflect God's light, even in the most unconventional settings. Whether or not you choose to celebrate Halloween, consider how you can leverage any opportunity to advance God’s Kingdom. Use these moments to show the world Jesus in all you do. Remember Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Let’s take even the darkest of nights and shine a light that glorifies our Heavenly Father.

Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Siarhei Kalesnikau

Jonathan “JP” Pokluda is the Lead Pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, TX. He was formerly the leader of The Porch in Dallas, TX, which grew to be the largest weekly young adult gathering of its kind in the country. JP didn’t come to understand the grace of the Gospel until his early twenties after being involved in different denominational churches his entire life. This ignited a desire in him to inspire young adults to radically follow Jesus Christ and unleash them to change the world. JP's partner in ministry is Monica, his wife of seventeen years, and together they disciple their children Presley, Finley, and Weston.
He has written 5 best-selling books, and is currently working on “Your Story Has a Villain.” This book is for you if you’re weary from the struggle and ready to embrace the abundant life God has for us. It will help you explore the tactics of Satan, equip you to overcome spiritual battles, and remind you of the victory already secured through Jesus. Learn more at his website, jonathanpokluda.com. Click here for Unite Us, a movement of college students united to lift the name of Jesus.