Curated topics for a disillusioned church
Pastor of Christ Church Anglican in South Bend, Indiana Steven Wedgeworth takes us from Samhain to AllHallowtide and from the Reformation to the modern iteration of Halloween showing us the mishmash of Celtic, German, English, and Scottish traditions, lore, and celebrations that have shaped the holiday.
In a short four minutes Master's Seminary historical theology professor Nathan Busenitz suggests two principles for Christians to use when approaching Halloween. First, anything that is overtly sinful needs to be avoided. Second, Christians can use their Christian liberty (Romans 14 and 15; 1 Corinthians 8 and 9). To further flesh this approach out he suggests asking several questions: Is this activity something that dishonors Christ? (1 Cor. 10:31). Is this activity something that violates my conscience? (1 Cor. 8 and 9) Is this an activity that may cause a weaker brother to stumble? (1 Cor. 8)
If you didn't already know, the origins of Halloween are not cut and dry. As a result, pastor Bobby Conway says it is up to the Christian conscience on whether to participate in the holiday or not. Start at the 4:27 mark to get to the Halloween talk and don't miss the discussion about watching horror movies at the end of the podcast.
An excellent starting point for learning about the complicated, muddled history of Halloween in just 8 minutes.
There are three ways Christians can approach a holiday - we can choose to receive it, reject it, or redeem it. Former University of Toledo minister Luke Gilkerson, with four caveats, says there are four solid reasons (showing love to your neighbor, unearthing the good roots of Halloween, making use of holy horror, and teaching children that Halloween is really a mockery of the devil) to redeem Halloween. Gilkerson realizes that redeeming the holiday may not be for everyone, but provides a wealth of practical and useful advice. This article is not to be missed.
For some Christians, Halloween should not be celebrated. For others, it is an enjoyable holiday. Using Romans 14 as a guide pastor J.D. Greear says that whether you celebrate or not you should respect the other side's decision and, at the very least, Christians should use the holiday to connect with their neighbors.
A short, accessible introduction into the origins of Halloween that dates back to 5th century Celtic festival of Samhain, a Celtic New Year's festival, that celebrated the transition from summer to winter.
Halloween has a complicated relationship with Christianity. The origins of the holiday, like many holidays, has its roots in ancient divination practices and lore while also having a distinctly Christian side. The near-constant metamorphosis of the holiday throughout the centuries in addition to the fact that the holiday deals with death has resulted in a muddled picture of what Halloween celebrates. In Trick or Treat? Lisa Morton traces the practices from the British Isles to the evolution of the holiday in America brought over by immigrants from Ireland to the modern-day commercialization of the event.
Visiting historical locations such as a sugar plantation in Galveston, TX while talking with historians, residents, and pastors host Rasool Berry details the journey from slavery to Juneteenth being declared a national holiday while discussing the thread of faith embedded into the Black community. Inspiring, informative, and engaging - highly recommended.
What can we learn from the saints in history? Were they people that were on a higher spiritual plane? Did they know something we do not? In Vintage Sinner and Saints Karen Wright Marsh profiles 25 brothers and sisters of the faith in short digestible chapters telling a humanizing antidote or two about a saint while seamlessly exploring ways the saint pushes her to examine her own life and walk with God.
Sunday to Saturday 
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