For those torn over whether to celebrate Halloween today, Texas megachurch pastor Matt Chandler says it’s OK for Christians to celebrate the festive holiday.
Poll: Shocking Percentage of Christians Don’t Celebrate Halloween
Last week, Chandler, the lead pastor of The Village Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, made his case with Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 8, when the apostle argued it is permissible to eat meat that was once sacrificed to idols as long as it is done in an appropriate way.
“We want to reject the evil aspects of it, and we want to redeem what’s good in it,” Chandler explained, later adding, “I think we should carry that principle on over into Halloween and just say, ‘Look, Halloween’s history, it has both pagan and Christian background.’”
The Southern Baptist minister said it’s also OK for people to skip Halloween if they don’t want to celebrate, “but if your conscience is clear and you’re free,” then its fine to participate in the fall holiday.
He then outlined a few guidelines for Christians who plan to celebrate Halloween, encouraging believers to stay away from costumes and themes that are “evil and demonic” or “sultry and sensual.”
“We also don’t have to dress up as John the Baptist, right?” Chandler noted. “[U]se this opportunity to be in your community, meeting your neighbors, practicing hospitably, beginning Gospel conversations with your neighborhoods and your friends.”