Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

What should we as Christians think about cultural, national, or religious holidays and celebrations? Should a Christian celebrate Halloween? What about other holidays that are observed in our society like Thanksgiving, Independence Day, or Veterans Day? These are essential questions for us to consider as we navigate being both in the world but not of the world (John 17:14).

As we considered these questions, the three pastors looked at a passage of scripture from Colossians 3:

16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh (Colossians 2:16-24).

From this text we learn a few crucial truths that help us answer our questions:

• Christ is the only Head of the church and the primary source of all spiritual life.

• All activities that are explicitly outlined as sinful in scripture should be avoided.

• No holiday is mandated nor specifically prohibited for Christians.

• Therefore, we may choose to celebrate or abstain in honor of Christ to the glory of God 

  • If we choose to celebrate, let’s be sure to do so in a way that is pleasing to God, which means we need to avoid participating in sinful activities that might be associated with a particular celebration.

  • If we choose to abstain, let’s be sure to do so in a way that is pleasing to God which means we need to avoid being self-righteous and putting legalistic burdens on others.

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