Halloween? Your thoughts..... is it okay to celebrate?

[MoreCoffee]

Everyone wants acceptance... I don't think the "church" is all it's cracked up to be. I don't think what most call the church is truly the church. If it is... wow, how sad...

What I wish is that I could be myself, and be accepted by those who say they love God. I wish people knew how amazing He is... rather than talking about Him, to experience relationship with Christ.... rather than attacking their brothers and sisters, maybe knowing and loving Him would extend into being more loving and compassionate toward others.... ?

People can accept you without sharing your stated views.

 

[Joy]

People can accept you without sharing your stated views.

Oh... so in order to be accepted, I must not state my views on anything... because they may be different than yours or someone else's? Okay... thanks for clarifying....

Except, what kind of acceptance is that if someone doesn't know me... wouldn't it help to get to know someone... then, that is true acceptance... based on who the person is. A person's views is part of who they are...

 

[MarkFL]

Oh... so in order to be accepted, I must not state my views on anything... because they may be different than yours or someone else's? Okay... thanks for clarifying....

Except, what kind of acceptance is that if someone doesn't know me... wouldn't it help to get to know someone... then, that is true acceptance... based on who the person is. A person's views is part of who they are...

I believe what MoreCoffee meant is that you can be accepted by people who don't hold (share) the same views on everything you do...not that you shouldn't express your views (share them with others).

 

[MoreCoffee]

Oh... so in order to be accepted, I must not state my views on anything... because they may be different than yours or someone else's? Okay... thanks for clarifying....

Except, what kind of acceptance is that if someone doesn't know me... wouldn't it help to get to know someone... then, that is true acceptance... based on who the person is. A person's views is part of who they are...

You have stated your views. Nobody stopped you. Nobody's rejected you. Some disagree with your stated views and state their reasons for disagreeing. Seems like a fair exchange to me.

 

[Joy]

I believe what MoreCoffee meant is that you can be accepted by people who don't hold (share) the same views on everything you do...not that you shouldn't express your views (share them with others).

I hope that's what he meant... only no one means it. We'll see... Mark, why are people so cold? Why do people automatically become offended and mean when someone shares their views and experiences? Why doesn't it cause someone to feel compassion or shock when you say that rituals happen at halloween time ... that children are being abducted (you see it in the news a lot this time of year) ... that people die... that children are being tortured.... and that I myself experienced this as a child... why do God's people react by attacking the person who shares their experience, rather than love, compassion, or even outrage that such things are happening? Why aren't God's people willing to give up their night of "fun" in order to spend time in prayer and intercession and warfare for their communities, against the rituals that are happening .... why don't people care? I wish they did...

Good night...

 

[Joy]

You have stated your views. Nobody stopped you. Nobody's rejected you. Some disagree with your stated views and state their reasons for disagreeing. Seems like a fair exchange to me.

Yes, it would be more fair minus the cold accusation that I have somehow demonized something that is already about satan... that wasn't my doings...

 

[MoreCoffee]

Yes, it would be more fair minus the cold accusation that I have somehow demonized something that is already about satan... that wasn't my doings...

Demonised what exactly?

 

[Joy]

Demonised what exactly?

halloween...

 

[MoreCoffee]

halloween...

You did say it was demonic didn't you?

As an aside I had a friend who was one of Jehovah's witnesses. Back in the last century that friend often commented that there may be demonic influences in items of jewellery, clothing, books, and dates/days for worldly celebrations. The main targets of concern were Christmas and Easter but if Halloween were a significant worldly occasion here then it would have been included. I don't think of books, jewellery, clothing, or dates and days as demonic. I do not think of Halloween much at all but some people from the USA do think about it and comment on it. Yours was one of many comments I've seen over the years and with which I disagree for the reasons I previously gave.

 

[Joy]

You did say it was demonic didn't you?

As an aside I had a friend who was one of Jehovah's witnesses. Back in the last century that friend often commented that there may be demonic influences in items of jewellery, clothing, books, and dates/days for worldly celebrations. The main targets of concern were Christmas and Easter but if Halloween were a significant worldly occasion here then it would have been included. I don't think of books, jewellery, clothing, or dates and days as demonic. I do not think of Halloween much at all but some people from the USA do think about it and comment on it. Yours was one of many comments I've seen over the years and with which I disagree for the reasons I previously gave.

Strange reply... but not one that I'm surprised by. It just confirms what I said. You completely overlooked what I shared.... to say that I demonized something. Your friend who said that certain items could be demonized simply was trying to explain to you that in the occult, they do pray (to satan) over certain items (jewelry, books, movies, etc) to attach demons to them. Then, people purchase them and unwittingly bring home something that has a demonic assignment attached to it. I doubt very seriously that your friend was saying that EVERY book, movie, piece of jewelry, etc are evil and demonized.

I disagree with you as well... good night....

 

[MarkFL]

I hope that's what he meant... only no one means it. We'll see... Mark, why are people so cold? Why do people automatically become offended and mean when someone shares their views and experiences? Why doesn't it cause someone to feel compassion or shock when you say that rituals happen at halloween time ... that children are being abducted (you see it in the news a lot this time of year) ... that people die... that children are being tortured.... and that I myself experienced this as a child... why do God's people react by attacking the person who shares their experience, rather than love, compassion, or even outrage that such things are happening? Why aren't God's people willing to give up their night of "fun" in order to spend time in prayer and intercession and warfare for their communities, against the rituals that are happening .... why don't people care? I wish they did...

Good night...

I'm certain no one here would trivialize any kind of traumatic experience you experienced personally, nor those of others. Teachers have been known to victimize children, but this doesn't mean we should shun all teachers or keep our children away from all schooling. If it weren't for Halloween, I am fairly certain people who do evil against others would find any number of other reasons or occasions to commit their acts. Most Christians I know allow their children to take part in the festivities, without putting much meaning into the pagan aspect of the roots of the holiday. Some guide their children away from costumes that have any kind of relationship to evil entities as defined by Christianity (like devils, ghosts, witches, etc.), but that kind of thing is a personal decision on the part of the parents, and taking part in the otherwise innocuous festivities shouldn't be seen as a mocking of or apathy towards those who take part in evil acts against children, or animals. At least that's how I look at it (but then I'm not a Christian myself).

 

[Stravinsk]

Halloween is not largely celebrated in Australia - although certain vendors have recognized a marketing opportunity and tried to promote it in various ways. Participants in the celebration are normally immigrants from countries where it is normally celebrated (such as the USA).

The roots of the holiday are partly religious and partly nature based - and for the latter, do not apply to countries where our seasons are opposite to most western nations. It is early spring here in Australia, not Autumn. As such it is the beginning of the life cycle of many things, not the end.

As for it being "occult" (in the sense most people take that word - "evil, mysterious, pagan" etc) I suppose. I'm sure evil things happen on the day, but to me there is nothing mystical about this and nothing inherent in the day itself - it is only the guide of certain religious literature (for instance - satanic literature, or Druidic tradition) that "guides" otherwise evil people into doing horrible things.

I've stated before but it bears stating again - all the word "occult" means is "hidden". It does not mean "evil". That being said, evil acts are often hidden, or meant to be - but this does not equate the terms in any kind of moral sense.

 

[MoreCoffee]

The evening & night of 31st-October each year is just an evening & night. It has not inherent spiritual significance.

 

[Krissy Cakes]

I know a few hardcore Christians (my sister in law and brother in law) who has a child and they go Trick or treating and its just fun for them.

 

[psalms 91]

Strange reply... but not one that I'm surprised by. It just confirms what I said. You completely overlooked what I shared.... to say that I demonized something. Your friend who said that certain items could be demonized simply was trying to explain to you that in the occult, they do pray (to satan) over certain items (jewelry, books, movies, etc) to attach demons to them. Then, people purchase them and unwittingly bring home something that has a demonic assignment attached to it. I doubt very seriously that your friend was saying that EVERY book, movie, piece of jewelry, etc are evil and demonized.

I disagree with you as well... good night....

Sad isnt it that people deny demons and especially their ability to work in this world. Not surprising since many deny that the power of Zgod also works today. Do not despair sister as your esperiences are real and your knowledge is right on, dont waste your time with those who choose to see it as just another day. Sad

 

[Lamb]

I suppose this site, like most other "Christian" sites is fully of bullies... why is it that people who name the name of Christ are the most hateful? I don't get it.

I find kinder people coming out of the occult... when they find Jesus, they are the most amazing servants of Jesus Christ, and have the most compassionate hearts, because they know what evil is... and then to taste and see that the Lord is good... totally transforms hearts!!

But here, I can already see cold hearts abound.... I am sorry... I don't know why I came here....

Flaming our members is against site rules. I'm sure since you've been on many forums that people aren't always going to agree with your viewpoints. When they disagree, that's not bullying. If they say something against you personally then that would be bullying.

 

[psalms 91]

Joy know that you are child of God and that you are loved and protected. Know also tyhat many choose to not see the pain and suffering that is associated with this so dont condemn, just leave them alone to their thoughts and ideas. You know the truth and if it isnt accepted then it is ok, there are others who will accept it. Your experiences are real and I feel your pain. It is ok

 

[Rens]

These guys just use Halloween to do outreach. Problem solved.

 

[Joy]

I'm certain no one here would trivialize any kind of traumatic experience you experienced personally, nor those of others. Teachers have been known to victimize children, but this doesn't mean we should shun all teachers or keep our children away from all schooling. If it weren't for Halloween, I am fairly certain people who do evil against others would find any number of other reasons or occasions to commit their acts. Most Christians I know allow their children to take part in the festivities, without putting much meaning into the pagan aspect of the roots of the holiday. Some guide their children away from costumes that have any kind of relationship to evil entities as defined by Christianity (like devils, ghosts, witches, etc.), but that kind of thing is a personal decision on the part of the parents, and taking part in the otherwise innocuous festivities shouldn't be seen as a mocking of or apathy towards those who take part in evil acts against children, or animals. At least that's how I look at it (but then I'm not a Christian myself).

You aren't a Christian... how did you come to be here, Mark? I'm very relieved to have met you here.

I am a Christian... but I don't "fit" within most Christian circles, because ...well, you can see, most do not accept me. For me, as someone who has known the depths of evil, it's hard to see the church world so blinded and filthied by it, intermingled, and enmeshed... as if it's normal and innocent. My experiences have caused me to be very passionate about my relationship with God. Quite honestly, I wouldn't be here if He had not rescued me.

Anyway, I don't feel every teacher is bad... or that every professing Christian is mean, judgmental, cold, and hateful... but my experience for 30 years as a Christian has been that 95% of them are... and not everyone who says they know Christ actually do (else, their hearts would not be so cold).

Btw... I think that if satanists and pagans had another date other than halloween, that was their high holy day... those who call themselves Christians would find an excuse to participate. lol (sorry)

Mark, I am a person... a mom with children who receives threats to my life, and that of my children because of leaving what I was born in to... who has served God for most of my life... yet, cannot get help, love, compassion, or even a kind word from my supposed brothers and sisters (for the most part). It is a matter of fact... not opinion. I experience it over and over... and over... until I no longer seek a church home. No one wants to know ... it's like the homeless children in the slums who are being sold for sex in places like the Philippines... and rich people go there for vacations, walking past these children... and choose rather to turn a blind eye and go on with their fun. Just cold...

I use that example, because I have a dear friend in the Philippines (one of those rare persons with a true heart for Christ and love for the hurting and the broken) ... he and his wife live in the slums among the homeless, the street kids who have no one to care for them... and they minister to them, not only the Gospel, but practical things like food, clothing, housing, medical needs, etc. But my friend said he talked to an American nurse who came there for a vacation, and he showed her the street kids, and the homeless, and her response was... "Well, they're okay... it's all they know... " ... her heart wasn't even moved to help even one little child. Isn't that sad?

Mark... it's nice to meet you. I'm very grateful for your kindness... I really am. Thank you.

 

[Joy]

Sad isnt it that people deny demons and especially their ability to work in this world. Not surprising since many deny that the power of Zgod also works today. Do not despair sister as your esperiences are real and your knowledge is right on, dont waste your time with those who choose to see it as just another day. Sad

Yes sir, it is very sad.
I am grateful to have met you here.... thank you for your kindness!