READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 8

Halloween can be a controversial time for Christians. While some view Halloween as a celebration of all that is dark, demonic, and evil, others view it as a community-building opportunity to share Jesus with their neighbors. Both sides have valid points, so which one should we pick?

The origin of Halloween is definitely worrisome. It was a pagan holiday, believed to be a day when spirits came to earth to wreak havoc. To avoid being haunted, people would disguise themselves so that the spirits wouldn’t recognize them. Halloween has long been linked with witchcraft, evil spirits, and death, so naturally some Christians feel we should avoid it.

Other Christians, however, view modern-day Halloween as so far distanced from its pagan roots that it has turned into a harmless night of fun and fellowship. They note that many Christmas and Easter traditions have pagan roots too, but Christians now use these celebrations to glorify God. “So,” they say, “Why not do the same with Halloween?” They may use Halloween as a way to connect with neighbors they rarely see and even tell them about Jesus.

So who is right? Well, probably both. In 1 Corinthians 8, Paul is discussing a very controversial issue in the Corinthian church: is it okay to eat meat that has been sacrificed to an idol? Paul says, if I may paraphrase, “Well, it’s up to you. You are free in Christ, so idols hold no power over you. Eat if you want, but watch those around you. Are you causing a fellow believer to stumble? If so, then don’t eat. It’s not worth it.”

Paul’s wise advice can be applied to many controversies that are not central to our faith. If your family celebrates Halloween, take full advantage of the opportunity to reach out to others, but don’t make other Christians feel bad because they choose not to recognize this holiday. And if your family doesn’t celebrate Halloween, don’t look down on those who do. The most important thing is to love one another in Christ even when we disagree. • Taylor Eising

• Do you celebrate Halloween? Why or why not?

• As Christians, how can we demonstrate love to one another even while discussing topics we disagree on?

• Why is it important to know your reasons for practicing the things you do (or don’t do)?

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)