Who is really tricking who and what do you really have to lose?
Just the simple facts for you to digest… I just ask that as you read this, have an open mind and see the world as it is. As Paul Harvey would say, here’s the rest of the story.
Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).
The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter. To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.
The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of “bobbing” for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints’ Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints’ Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls’ Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints’, All Saints’, and All Souls’, were called Hallowmas.
The Tale of Jack
An Irish legend tells of Jack, a lazy but shrewd farmer who used a cross to trick the Devil, then refused to free him unless he agreed to never let Jack into Hell. The Devil agreed. When Jack died, the Devil wouldn’t let him into Hell. So, Jack carved out one of his turnips, put a candle inside it, and began endlessly wandering the Earth for a resting place. He was known as “Jack of the Lantern”, or Jack-o’-Lantern.
Romans 1: 18-22
18 But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them.20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.
21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-23
Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22Abstain from every form of evil.
23Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, who is fooling who? Do you see Christ or His traits in Halloween? Just think about it and ask God if He would give His seal of approval! Remember if you say your god would not mind, your right or are you! Just maybe, that is the god you created in the image that is acceptable to you, not the one and only God of all that is good.
You can have a costume party anytime of the year, why celebrate on this day knowing what we know? The Great Compromise, maybe, afterall you don’t have to worship Satan to be his, just don’t worship God and you are his!
Closing Arguments
Look at Romans 14, please take the time and read it. I can sum it up with 3 major points for Christians to consider. Let your heart and conscience before God alone tell you what is right and wrong (on those matters that are not clear in the Bible).
1. So, do you have freedom in Christ and a clear conscience before God to do whatever you want in the those areas that are not clear?
2. Do not pass judgement on your brother because they have freedom that you don’t have!
3. And, if you have freedom in Christ in an area because of your strong faith, never, I repeat never, let your freedom cause a weaker brother to stumble.
Hear this please, I am being extra careful to stress that some areas are crystal clear and strictly forbidden in Scripture. I am not talking about issues like adultery, theft or even murder. Romans 14 talks about those matters that are not clear. The reason most of us are in fellowship today is because of the rules, regulations and traditions imposed on us because of personal likes and dislikes, rather than the Word of God.
Romans 14 clearly shows that we are to avoid making rules and regulations as though they have equal standing with God’s Laws. The closing thought is this, verses 21-23 say… It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble.22 You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right.23 But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.
Look to live as Christ, carrying those that are weak in their faith so they may not stumble in their walk with Christ. Read God’s Word and trust Him. And remember there is no grey area, just black (darkness) and white (light)
Tuesday, 25. September 2007
So much for an open mind. You did a good job until you made a judgment call. I suggest that you do a lot more studying and research. Halloween and Samhain have nothing to do with Satanism. And it’s also obvious you have no knowledge of what Satanism teaches to begin with.
Just because a person is not a Christian doesn’t automatically make them an evil person. Perhaps it’s attitudes like yours that drives people away from Christianity.
Judge not lest you yourself be judged.
Tuesday, 2. October 2007
No one said anything about halloween having to do with Satanism. The Bible tells us that if it is not of God then it is of the world, which is against God and there for for Satan. Because all he wants is for you to be against the will of God which brings you into his house. So in worshipping the things of this world you are in fact worshipping Satan, maybe not in words but in actions.
Saturday, 6. October 2007
You all need to lighten up, its just a day of fun and games. No harm, why not enjoy it for what is is now!!!
Thursday, 11. October 2007
You so called Christians need to take a long look at yourselves, it’s our day of celebration and unlike you, we welcome everyone to celebrate with us. So either enjoy it or leave it alone.
Kindest Regards
Wednesday, 31. October 2007
The Israelites thought the same thing when they came out of Egypt that is what Tabatha is saying. Jesus helps us to appreciate you cannot sit on the fence because it all belongs to Satan outside of bible principle. Every one has good intentions but the bible does clearly stipulate in both Matthew 20:28 and John 3:16. The exercise of faith is what the real life is about (1 Timothy 6:19). You enjoy now and the day WILL come when you will say I could of had a V8 (bible study). 1 Peter 5: 6-8. Understand the wording.
Wednesday, 31. October 2007
MT,
Would that be verse 8 of 1 Peter 5, Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Great thoughts.
Tabatha,
I couldn’t agree more with the statement So-Called-Christians. I pray that we will open our eyes to God’s true desire for His children. As for the rest of your post, not so much. But it is your opinion and I respect that.
Anne,
The harm is already done.
Miss T,
Well done at exposing the condition of Bri’s heart. The name Epona belongs to an ancient belief in a Roman goddess (lower case g). So we know where she stands and why she doe not understand scripture.
I will leave you with this thought…
Romans 1:28
Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.
Seek first God!
Wednesday, 31. October 2007
V8 is the commercial of vegetable juice to an alternative (ergo bible study Acts 8: 34-40/ Matthew 28:19,20/ Roman 15:4)
Saturday, 1. November 2008
Who are you to make such claims. Not all people that celebrate halloween and/or are witches are evil. Try considering that there is a difference between white and black magic and wiccan’s are not Satanist. Sounds like someone is trying to scare the _____ out of you. Get your facts straight about wiccan’s and you see our beautiful covenant. Matter of fact we’ve been around longer than you christians.
Saturday, 1. November 2008
Even though I am a Christian I also agree with Ms Lydia that halloween is nothing but a fun time of year for our kids. They get to go out and collect candy with there friends. Why all the fuss? Anything can be made evil, it is how you want to look at it. I encurage my children to role play it helps to develope there inaginations.
Just because you think it is bad doens’t make it bad!!! Like you even said in Romans 14, don’t you try to impose rules on everyone that are not clearly defined by God. I have freedom in Christ!
Saturday, 1. November 2008
“So much for an open mind. You did a good job until you made a judgment call. I suggest that you do a lot more studying and research. Halloween and Samhain have nothing to do with Satanism. And it’s also obvious you have no knowledge of what Satanism teaches to begin with.”
Where does the subject of comparing Satanism & Halloween come in?
And talk about judging, it appears that you have already. No one said you had to come to this blog or read it. No one even said you needed to respond. You could have ignored it, but no. You want to push your opinion as fact and Pastor Larry’s as subjective “rhetoric” or here-say.
So who should I listen to, you an unknown stranger at best or Pastor Larry, whom we know and can easily check on?
Saturday, 1. November 2008
Once again At Home Mommy you have done nothing to glorify our Lord and King and have literally put Him under your shoe and stepped on Him. Maybe next year you and Ms Lydia can take your Children out trick or treating together, or maybe just a little role playing.
Please Please, watch how you choose your words At Home Mommy you are not portraying what Christians are to stand for.
I personally do not care what Holloween and Satanism or Samhain stand for, they all have evil intentions and Christians are to turn away from any evil practices. Read God’s word black and white.
Lord forgive them for they know not what they do!!!!!
Sunday, 2. November 2008
@home, do you realize that you are supporting a professing witch (Ms Lydia). Whether she says see is a good or bad she is one by her own admission!
What religious group are you with the Unitarians or some strain of that?
Granted we are all to care for and reach out to the world, but to compromise the work of Christ, come on. This goes far beyond whether you feel you have the liberty to celebrate a secular holiday or not!!!!
Please consider your words and desires, are they pleasing to God or yourself. You cannot serve two masters.
Sunday, 2. November 2008
@home
How is it that your statement pleases God? Where is the sweet aroma. You appear to be more about grudges and division.
The sad thing is that now I am giving you a forum, yet I have this overwhelming need to say this. So don’t mistakes this as a conversation this is not for your benefit, but for the sake of the body.
Monday, 3. November 2008
I had never heard of Unitarians so I went and looked them up and WOW!!!
AND I am not even talking about Halloween!!!!! Halloween is but a tick on the back that itches you to argue and fight. When you should be more worried about - Every word in Every day in Every action and how that effects others and their view of THE CREATOR and our wonderful SAVIOR.
Part of the def was -Unitarians sum up their faith as “the religion of Jesus, not a religion about Jesus. What a scary thought right
But then I realized as I read some of the old blogs with some of our uhh… favorites talking. That they may not feel this way yet they sure live this way.
They use His name left and right and to explain away everything they want. While at the same time spewing out vile and filth into the world in his name..
They make it about Him not OF Him in their worldly wickedness.
This is really a tragic thing and all to common in the “Christian” community.
So so sad
-2cents spent thanks-
Tuesday, 4. November 2008
Lamb, do you want your change?
Tuesday, 4. November 2008
Your all hopelessly blind, @home mommy thanks for the kind words. I can see that you are a wonderfully aged soul with much love and wisdom to share with this world.
Wednesday, 5. November 2008
I’d love some change LOL! The Jesus kind!
Wednesday, 5. November 2008
Ms Lydia dont misinterpret @ home mommies words as a kindness towards you. She will pretty much agree with anyone or anything that makes it look like shes right or has someone on her side. @ home mommy the statement you made about making anything evil its just depends on how you look at it. That seeems to be your general philosophy about ever thing. Just like you take scripture and make it to fit you needs.What you believe isnt wrong its all just how you look at it right? I see you havent sought help with your understanding of the scriptures. Maybe some day.