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To Halloween or Not to Halloween… That Is the Question

To Halloween or Not to Halloween… That Is the Question

Last updated on: October 26, 2026 at 9:15 pm by David Weiss

To Halloween or Not to Halloween… That Is the Question 2026-10-26T21:15:57-04:00 David Weiss

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Vintage Trick or Treaters created by Google Gemini from prompts by the author

Vintage Trick-or-Treaters created by Google Gemini from prompts by the author

This week, as I put the finishing touches on my church’s Trunk or Treat program, I’m a little frustrated. I see some people online posting about how this is something churches shouldn’t be doing. That Halloween has its roots in Satanism, and frankly, condemning people who see it differently. I’m not sure condemning others, especially other Christians, should ever be our tack. I’m not sure coming out against giving candy to little kids dressed as superheroes and Disney princesses is the best look for a group of people whose primary purpose in existence is to go into the world and make disciples.

Origins

The origins of Halloween are in Christianity. It started out as an evening vigil before the feast of All Saints day. The name itself originates in Middle English a combination of “Halowen” which means “saints” and “even” which is Old English for “evening.” It’s essentially All Saints Eve. One of the early Medieval customs surrounding this day was something called “souling,” which included going door to door asking for cakes called “soul cakes” in exchange for prayers for the dead. This could easily be seen as a forerunner for Trick or Treating. Now one can argue with the theology of some of this and you would be right to do so. Praying for the dead is seen by much of the church as being too late, but what of reaching people with the Gospel before it’s too late?

Reformation Day

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg. This was the event that began the Protestant Reformation, and the timing was not by accident. Luther used this day on purpose. The church housed a huge collection of relics of the saints. Large crowds would have gathered there on the eve of All Saints’ Days to see the relics of the saints on a day commemorating them. Many people would have seen these theses about things being done wrong by the church nailed to the church door. It could be said, that for Luther, it was a strategic way of getting the word out, perhaps reaching people before it’s too late.

Indulgences

Luther was a Catholic priest, and one of his major grievances against the church was the sale of indulgences. Indulgences were essentially a way of buying forgiveness for your sins, or more crassly, buying your way out of hell. Of course, contrary to popular belief, that’s not how God works. God gave Jesus to pay the price for our sins, and no other price will buy forgiveness. Indulgences left people with a false sense of security, allowing them to go to their deaths lost. Luther knew we’re saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. The only indulgence that matters is God’s loving grace. People needed to see that before it was too late,

The Issues With Halloween

The main issue that people today have with Halloween has to do with the pagan origins of the day and the satanic rituals that have been associated with Halloween. These people do have a point. Further, looking at some of the costumes and imagery surrounding the day only adds to the struggle. There is a lot of darkness attached to this day and I can understand the hesitation. Some would take me to Ephesians 5:10-12: “and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.” I guess I would ask, what does that mean? I’m sure that some of the imagery surrounding the day is not pleasing to the Lord, but I’m more sure running from it is pleasing either,

Taking Back What the Enemy Stole

All Saints Day and Halloween belong to the church. It’s a recognition of those in Christ who have gone before. To my mind, the enemy of our souls coopted the day. He stole it and tried to corrupt it. Does that mean we just wash our hands of it and cede it to the enemy? I never want to cede anything to the enemy. See, for the life of me, I can’t see how a church blessing the children of its community is taking part in the unfruitful works of darkness. I think instead using this day as a community outreach for the church is just the opposite. It’s taking back what the enemy stole. I know this much: that’s what we’re trying to do.

We’re trying to reach people to bring them into the light. It’s a way of opening the doors to the church using something that was ours to begin with.

Think About It…

Halloween is, from a retail perspective, one of the top holidays of the year. It is immensely popular with the populace. Now, believe me when I tell you: popularity isn’t necessarily connected with goodness, but neither is bowing out of any place where the devil shows up. Yes, darkness is associated with Halloween, but aren’t we supposed to be the light of the world? I’ll confess it to you, I’m not a huge fan of Halloween. I really hate a lot of the imagery associated with the day. That being said, I am a huge fan of people meeting Jesus, and if a lot of people are simultaneously gathering for an event, I feel like the church should be there. After all, aren’t we the church against whom the gates of hell will not prevail?

Whose Message Is Going Out?

I remember a long time ago when I participated in a Christian arts event. Just days before the event, it was announced that a group whose message runs somewhat counter to the church’s message would be allowed to present and participate. A bunch of artists pulled out as a result, and I was asked if I wanted to do the same. My response was simple. If we pull out, their message goes forth unchecked. I went and so did a lot of others. We all did what did we do, and the Gospel went forth. It’s the same way here.

Be Prepared

Halloween is going to happen whether the church wants it to or not. Our job is to be salt and light. So I am going to hand out candy, and not just any candy, good candy. I’m going to invite people to church, and meet people right where they are. Oh and one more thing. I am going to pray for opportunities to serve and bless the people who walk in the door. I am going to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks the reason for the hope that I have, and I’m going to do this with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15) To me it’s this simple. We live in dark days, and we are called to be light. We are called to go and make disciples before it’s too late. Today is the day of salvation, even if it’s October 31.

General Christian

Creative Arts Ministry

About Dave Weiss

Dave Weiss is a pastor and a traveling speaker. He has written and/or illustrated many self-published books and has his MDIV and DMIN, both with a concentration in Creative Arts Ministry. He is married to his wife Dawn and has two adult sons and a grandson named David. You can read more about the author here.

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