Greetings! I wanted to share an article I recently wrote with our readers. Scott Faubion Home haunting, owning a haunted house or simply enjoying the Halloween season is not against Christianity or morally wrong.
I have encountered people in life who feel that if you enjoy Halloween, haunt your home, own a haunted house or watch horror movies, you are evil. I remember one man who lived a few doors down from my family in the early 2000s. One evening, he started yelling across the quaint suburban yards that I need to "find God." (Ironically, I am a member of a Methodist church but he didn't bother to ask.) I am sure he got on this soapbox because 1) he had been drinking and 2) my wife and I run an online Halloween prop store and also decorate our home for Halloween. Enjoying the Halloween season is morally right, not wrong.
Owning a haunted house (or Halloween store) is a way to make money and enjoy the Halloween season. Many people also "home haunt." This is where Halloween lovers decorate their homes and yards, turning them into suburban haunted houses. This is done because dressing up in creepy costumes and jumping out at neighbors and children tripping through your garage or professional haunt is fun. It is fun for the actors and for the patrons. Haunted houses and home haunts are not built for the devil and love of death. They are created because the owners and actors love life.
Furthermore, simply decorating your home with spider-webs, creepy skulls and scary bats for Halloween parties is okay, too. I can honestly say I have never thought how pleased dark spirits will be when I decorate my living room for a party. I have never wondered if the devil will be happy I picked out the vilest horror movies for a get-together. I often think, "am I doing enough to entertain party guests? Will this decor please family and friends?" Yes, dark spirits can sit on the curb. They are not invited to my Halloween parties and, I am sure, to none of the parties home haunters and haunted house owners I know prepare.
What about trick-or-treating? Is it wrong? Will it taint the minds of children? I say no. I know many other Christians who agree. Some of my best memories of childhood are trick-or-treating with my parents throughout our neighborhood and even traveling to the homes of other relatives to beg for that sweet candy. I remember approaching my paternal grandparents' home multiple Halloweens. Grandpa could be found sitting on their front steps passing candy out to the roaming trick-or-treaters. I remember him smiling, enjoying the happiness the candy brought the bright-eyed kids. I remember how much fun it was to approach him, and other relatives, hold out my plastic pumpkin and say "trick or treat!?"
No, there is no evil in loving Halloween, home haunting or owning a haunted house. Halloween is fun and a way to bond with friends and family. It is way to enjoy life (and nab some good candy)!
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