What should Christians do on Halloween?

from the old testament

• God’s people were called to reject occult practices and spiritual practices associated with other gods, such as divination, sorcery, witchcraft, consulting mediums, and attempting to communicate with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:9–14; Leviticus 19:31; 20:6).
• Israel was instructed not to adopt the religious practices of the surrounding nations (Leviticus 18:1–5; Deuteronomy 12:29–31). The principle is not that Christians must avoid everything culturally popular, but that participation should never compromise devotion to God.
  
• The Bible contrasts God’s light with darkness (Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 60:1–2). That theme becomes especially important when considering how Christians should respond to a holiday often associated with darkness, fear, and death.

from the new testament

• Paul tells believers to have “nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness” and instead to expose them (Ephesians 5:8–11). Acts 19:18–19 shows new believers turning away from occult practices after following Jesus.
  
• Romans 14:5–6 teaches that believers may have different convictions about particular days, while Romans 14:13–19 emphasizes not using personal freedom in a way that causes another believer to stumble. Faithful Christians may reach different conclusions about Halloween while seeking to honor Christ.
• Christians should consider whether something is spiritually beneficial. Paul says, “All things are lawful,” but not everything is helpful or builds others up (1 Corinthians 10:23–24). He also says that whatever Christians do—including ordinary activities—should be done for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
  
• Christians are called to be a light to the world. Jesus told His followers, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14–16). Celebrating Halloween is different than doing something on Halloween that shows the light of Christ.

implications for today

Halloween is a controversial holiday for believers. Some Christians see it as harmless fun, while others avoid it because of its clear connections to darkness, the occult, or practices that conflict with their faith.

So what are we to do? First, we are to have biblical convictions about Halloween. Know the roots of Halloween. Know what it still stands for. Know what Scripture says. Then decide whether you will participate and, if so, how. Some people will choose to participate in trick-or-treating, choosing costumes that are not scary and appropriate. Some will choose to do absolutely nothing on Halloween because it is a pagan holiday that focuses on demonic themes. Some will choose other alternatives to be a light on Halloween. They choose to help their church put on a fall festival. They choose to turn on all the lights, play Christian music, and welcome neighbors with candy and gospel tracks. They open their homes and offer an alternative to trick-or-treating.

Halloween may be filled with darkness, but Christians don't have to hide from the darkness—they can choose to bring the light of Christ into it.