Maybe. It depends. Is that answer sufficient? No? OK, here’s the longer version. If something helps you and others know and worship God more, then it’s good! If it hurts your ability and the ability of others to worship and know God, then it should probably be avoided. Our main purpose as believers is to bring God glory in all that we do and grow in our knowledge and love of Him. We should not hinder other Christians who are trying to do the same thing. The Bible doesn’t explicitly say whether we should celebrate Halloween, but it does have some things to say that we can apply to our decision.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8

Is there anything true, honorable, commendable, lovely about zombie VSCO girls, vampire politicians or Peppa Pig? Does your participation in Halloween activities prohibit you from thinking about what is worthy of praise, just, excellent?

“Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats.” Romans 14:20

What does eating food have to do with Halloween? It doesn’t, but the application does. Paul is saying if your actions cause another believer to sin, you should stop. Your freedom is not worth causing a brother or sister in Christ to sin. Does dressing up like your favorite movie monster cause others to sin? Then it might not be a good idea.

“’All things are lawful,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful,’ but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 10:23–24

This is similar to the last verse. Paul is actually answering objections that he knows he’s going to get. Yes, we have freedom under God’s grace. Our sins have been forgiven and many of the old Jewish laws no longer apply. But not everything is helpful, not everything builds up. Can we seek the good of our neighbor by participating in Halloween activities (more on this in a bit)?

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

We should always examine what we do to determine if it helps us bring God glory and know Him more or not. For example, an athlete could play his sport in a way that honors God and helps others to see God through him, or he could play in a way that honors himself and causes others to have a bad opinion of God. So for anything that the Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid (for example, we can’t murder people for God’s glory), we have to look at those qualifications. “Does it bring God glory? Does it help me know and love God? Does it help or hurt others’ ability to know God?” It sure sounds like I’m saying a Christian can’t celebrate Halloween. I’ll admit, for a lot of Christians, depending on your circumstance, that’s probably the right answer. But consider this: what other time of the year will you see ALL of your neighbors outside at the same time? What a great opportunity for gospel conversations! How many churches have some sort of event that evening? There will be so many families at churches that wouldn’t normally be there. That’s fantastic! I know teens who still get dressed up in goofy costumes and go trick-or-treating. For one night they get to forget about the pressures of adolescence and be kids again. Good for them! The bottom line is, like with anything else, does your participation in Halloween bring God glory and bring others closer to Him? If it does, then go for it. If not, then find an alternative that does. by Rob Trahan