The Hornet's Nest of Halloween

No doubt if you've been in church at all in the past few years, you've heard this question: Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

Let's just go ahead and open a hornet's nest, shall we? *grins*

For me, in order to respond to this question, I need to know what you mean by celebrate? If you mean taking part in a black mass and trying to raise evil spirits or engaging in rituals expressly forbidden in Scripture, then the answer is an emphatic no. Period.

If however, celebrating means to enjoy the company of neighbors you seldom see more than once a year, enjoy candy, and playing dress-up, then celebrate away. 

Now, you may say, but Sean, the roots of some of the activities are based in old pagan ceremonies and we should take no part in them. The Bible also teaches us via Jesus that it's what in the heart, or the intentions, that make the difference -- such as in lusting is the same thing as committing the adultery. The inverse also holds true, I believe. Innocently enjoying children and neighbors without seeking to worship demons or evil doesn't go down in your heart as "celebrating paganism." 

And if you're going to harp on Halloween, then be consistent and clean up your Christmas too, and move it away from the pagan solstice, get that tree out of your house, and stop playing the Santa Claus game (especially those of you who have that ridiculous ornament with Santa kneeling down to worship at the manger). 

Just saying.