2008 Woodie Awards
Christian groups stand strongly in opposition to 'celebration of evil'
Michael Rivers
Issue date: 10/27/04 Section: News
- Page 1 of 3 next >
As Halloween approaches, many question the motivations for what they view to be an essentially evil celebration. Wearing costumes, trick-or-treating, and going to parties are ritualistic for most people and are looked forward to every year, thought of as nothing more than harmless fun. "Halloween gives you the chance to be somebody you're not and party," according to Nelson Perez. However, not everyone feels so at ease about Halloween.
Several local churches and religious organizations have stated their strong opposition towards the participation in Halloween events. "Today Halloween is a time when evil is really celebrated. Magic and fear are also celebrated at this time. These are two things that the Bible opposes. The current means to celebrate this holiday are directly opposite to our beliefs." stated Ken McAnulty, Pastor of Glad Tidings Church and the head of the Chi Alpha student organization on campus.
Chi Alpha President Caleb Wells and Vice President Karen Abshire declined to make official comments; however, both stated that they do not feel that Halloween should be celebrated. The Pentecostal Student Center also declined to make an official statement, but confirmed that they do not support the celebration of Halloween. Local Assistant Pastor for Living Way Pentecostal Church, Eddie Sermon, had this to say, "We do not support anything demonic or that celebrates evil in any way. At the same time, these kids are not viewing Halloween as something supporting demons. They are just having fun." The Catholic Student Center did not feel the question over Halloween was something important enough to offer a response to.
"I think the world sometimes views Christians more for what they stand against than what they stand for. Whether we celebrate an American holiday with distant Celtic pagan roots or not does not show what true Christianity is all about. Paul said in the book of Romans, 'The Kingdom of God is not about [regulations pertaining to] eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.' Christians pursuing godly righteousness, peace, and joy would not desire to celebrate a holiday in a way that would celebrate pagan practices," stated Todd Strain, head of the student BCM.
Several local churches and religious organizations have stated their strong opposition towards the participation in Halloween events. "Today Halloween is a time when evil is really celebrated. Magic and fear are also celebrated at this time. These are two things that the Bible opposes. The current means to celebrate this holiday are directly opposite to our beliefs." stated Ken McAnulty, Pastor of Glad Tidings Church and the head of the Chi Alpha student organization on campus.
Chi Alpha President Caleb Wells and Vice President Karen Abshire declined to make official comments; however, both stated that they do not feel that Halloween should be celebrated. The Pentecostal Student Center also declined to make an official statement, but confirmed that they do not support the celebration of Halloween. Local Assistant Pastor for Living Way Pentecostal Church, Eddie Sermon, had this to say, "We do not support anything demonic or that celebrates evil in any way. At the same time, these kids are not viewing Halloween as something supporting demons. They are just having fun." The Catholic Student Center did not feel the question over Halloween was something important enough to offer a response to.
"I think the world sometimes views Christians more for what they stand against than what they stand for. Whether we celebrate an American holiday with distant Celtic pagan roots or not does not show what true Christianity is all about. Paul said in the book of Romans, 'The Kingdom of God is not about [regulations pertaining to] eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.' Christians pursuing godly righteousness, peace, and joy would not desire to celebrate a holiday in a way that would celebrate pagan practices," stated Todd Strain, head of the student BCM.