Should Christian parents let their children celebrate Halloween? What does the Bible say about such matters? As Christian parents, many hard decisions must be made on behalf of our children. We want to point them to Jesus in everything we do and set them on a path of righteousness that leads to hope in Christ.
Some things seem innocent, but it’s important to remember the reality of the spiritual world we can’t see. Even when things seem harmless it doesn’t mean they won’t negatively impact our children.
My husband and I have decided not to let our children participate in Halloween, because nothing about it glorifies God. We feel that evil is presented as something to be celebrated and comes across as innocent. In life, we WILL have to give up pleasures to pursue Christ, the Bible tells us to pick up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Christ (Matthew 16:24-25 NIV).
My children by nature are disturbed by Halloween, when they pass the creepy decorations in a store they ask if we can avoid that aisle or they partially close their eyes so they don’t have to see the spooky decorations. Something within them realizes that darkness and evil is wrong and they are unsettled to even be in the presence of such things.
We considered some important questions when making our decision. Does anything about Halloween glorify God? Just because something is fun and pleasurable does that mean we should be okay with it? Can you partially celebrate Halloween, or is it that you either are celebrating or aren’t? How do we allow our kids to participate in Halloween, yet explain to them that the roots of it are evil? Is Halloween worth giving up for Christ?
Pondering these questions helped us decide why our family has chosen not to participate in Halloween. As Christian parents, we are trying to lead our children on a path of righteousness and holiness, and Halloween does not fit on that path. Honestly, since choosing to not partake in this dark holiday, we have such inner peace and it doesn’t feel like we are giving something up. It feels freeing and we know we’ve made the right decision for our family.
I’d like to add that the ultimate decision on celebrating Halloween is between you and God, and no one is in a position to judge. My heart behind writing this post is to point to God’s Word and what it says. Some topics are more challenging to talk about because there are so many different perspectives, as Christians, we should seek what God says about such matters. My hope in writing this post is to provide helpful Scriptures for Christian parents who are on the fence on this matter and to ask some thought-provoking questions for Christians to ponder about this topic.
If you are a Christian parent and you are trying to decide whether to allow your children to celebrate Halloween or not, then below are several Bible verses that can help direct you as you make this decision for your family.
What Bible Verses Offer Insight Into Whether Christian Parents Should Allow Their Children To Celebrate Halloween?
1) Ephesians 6:11- Put On The Full Armor Of God
Ephesians 6:11 NIV says “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
As Christian parents, we need to teach our children how to put on the full armor of God, to live fully for Him, and to pursue Him above all else. If we make exceptions along the way, what message does that send our children? Halloween is a dark holiday and its roots are evil, there is no light in it at all. Is there a way to biblically justify celebrating something rooted in evil?
2) Ephesians 6:12- Our Struggle Is Against Rulers, Authorities, The Powers Of This Dark World, Spiritual Forces Of Evil
Ephesians 6:12 NIV says “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
The Bible makes it clear we are fighting a spiritual battle daily, we can’t see our enemy but he is there waiting to entrap us. Knowing this as Christian parents, we need to use godly wisdom when making decisions on behalf of our children, they too have an enemy who wants to enslave them to sin and lead them into darkness and evil. Sometimes, we don’t always see the negative impact of our choices until years later.
3) Proverbs 8:13- To Fear The Lord Is To Hate Evil
Proverbs 8:13 NIV says “To fear the Lord is to hate evil.”
When we choose to live for the Lord, we choose to follow His ways and hate what He hates. His ways are pure, holy, and filled with light and hope, there is no darkness at all. As Christian parents, we should desire to lead our children into this light where darkness cannot dwell. Even if it means making some decisions that take away some of our earthly pleasures, it’s a sacrifice worth making to glorify the Lord.
4) 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22- Reject Every Kind Of Evil
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 NIV says “But test them all; hold onto what is good, reject every kind of evil.”
Halloween glorifies death, evil, and everything that is the opposite of God. As Christian parents, we have been given the responsibility from God to lead our children into His truth and to reject the evil waiting to trap our children. Knowing how real the spiritual realm is, and how the enemy wants to take our eyes off of Jesus, it’s important to grip tightly onto what is good and reject all evil, even if it’s giving up something pleasurable in the moment.
5) Proverbs 3:7-8- Fear The Lord And Shun Evil
Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV says “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
How can Christian parents teach their children to shun evil? Lovingly and gently, we can explain to them why we don’t participate in things that don’t glorify God and why choosing to not partake feels like a sacrifice now, but one day we will see what a blessing it was that God opened our eyes to the reality of the evil around. If you feel convicted to not celebrate Halloween, if deep down inside it feels wrong, follow those convictions and trust that the Lord is leading you in the right direction.
6) Romans 12:9- Hate What Is Evil
Romans 12:9 NIV says “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
Evil is all around us and often it is disguised as good. God’s Word tells us to hate evil and to avoid it at all costs. We are to cling to what is good and keep our eyes on the Lord. Something cannot be “sort of evil” it is either evil or good.
As Christian parents, we can show our children the right way and teach them to make decisions that please God even if it’s not what our flesh desires. The Bible tells us to put off our fleshly desires and to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14 NIV).
7) Psalm 97:10- Let Those Who Love The Lord Hate Evil
Psalm 97:10 NIV says “Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked.”
We love the Lord and so we hate evil because in God, nothing evil can stand. He is holy and pure and we can’t mix good with evil. If God is asking us to hate what is evil, how do we apply that to our lives and the decisions we make on behalf of our children?
8) Psalm 34:14- Turn From Evil And Do Good
Psalm 34:14 NIV says “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
The Bible tells us to turn from evil and to avoid it. When something is evil, we are to turn away from it. Anything full of darkness and evil has no place in the presence of those who desire to walk in righteousness and holiness for the Lord. Remember, we are in the world but not of the world (John 17:14 NIV), we are meant to be set apart as Children of God. We are the light in the darkness, we are not meant to blend in with darkness, but to shine brightly amongst it.
9) John 17:15- Protect Them From The Evil One
John 17:15 NIV says “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.”
We live in a world surrounded by evil and with an enemy who wants to destroy us. The Lord is our Protector and He will help us avoid evil. When we feel convicted in our hearts to walk away from something evil we should always listen to that inner nudge, because God is always wanting to protect us from the evil that is meant to hurt us or hinder our relationship with the Lord.
10) Matthew 6:13- Deliver Us From The Evil One
Matthew 6:13 NIV says “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
In this life, we will face temptation, but God is our deliverer and He keeps us in peace when we keep our eyes on Him. Some things may appear innocent at times, like participating in Halloween for the free candy and treats, but just because we get something enjoyable from that experience does that make it right to partake in?
We should always try to view things from God’s perspective and how He sees them. His Word makes it clear that followers of Christ have no place celebrating with evil.
11) James 1:21- Get Rid Of All Filth And The Evil That Is So Prevalent
James 1:21 NIV says “Therefore, get rid of all filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
God’s Word is planted in our hearts when we desire to live a life aligned with Him. Let’s choose to pursue righteousness and avoid the evil that is so prevalent all around us, full of filth that does not please the Lord. The closer we draw to God the more we find our desires change and we want to do what pleases the Lord. Things in this world start to fade away and hold less meaning for us.
12) 1 Corinthians 15:33- Bad Company Corrupts Good Character
1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV says Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
What we choose to surround ourselves with will have an impact on us in some way. As Christian parents, we can remember this when raising our children, aiming to surround them with things that align with God’s Word. Our children will be influenced by what they are surrounded by, and we can help set them up for success by using biblical wisdom to help guide us as parents.
13) 1 John 1:9- If We Confess Our Sins, He Will Purify Us From All Unrighteousness
1 John 1:9 NIV says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
We are called to live righteous and holy lives, following Jesus. When we live for the Lord God cleans us of all unrighteousness. So we must raise our children to try to live righteously and pleasing to the Lord. God is not withholding fun from us, He wants to protect us from evil that often disguises itself as good. Clinging to the Lord and seeking His will in all things helps us make wise decisions as biblical parents.
14) Ephesians 6:13- Put On The Whole Armor Of God, So When The Evil Comes You Can Stand Your Ground
Ephesians 6:13 NIV says “Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”
We need the whole armor of God to stand against our enemy, that is some serious battle going on. As Christian parents, may we use biblical wisdom and fight on behalf of our children the plans set against them by evil. Making choices that lead them closer to the Lord and standing against the evil that surrounds them. Let us not give the enemy a foothold in our children’s lives, let us surround them in God’s truth.
15) 1 Peter 2:16- Do Not Use Your Freedom As A Cover-Up For Evil
1 Peter 2:16 NIV says “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.”
We are to be fully devoted to the Lord and live our lives for Him. If something doesn’t align with His truth, we should avoid it. May we find the strength and wisdom to stand against evil in the Lord.
16) Proverbs 4:27- Keep Your Foot From Evil
Proverbs 4:27 NIV says “Do not turn to the right or left; keep your foot from evil.”
Stay on the straight and steady path of righteousness that leads to life and hope in Christ. Taking our foot off the right path leads us into temptations that can get us off track and down a scary road of darkness. May we lead by example and set a straight path for our children to follow.
17) 1 Corinthians 13:6-7- Love Does Not Delight In Evil But Rejoices With The Truth
1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NIV says “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
As Christ’s followers, we shouldn’t delight in evil in any way but rejoice in the truth and the hope we have in Christ. By participating in Halloween is that delighting in evil? Just something to think about, parents have to make these hard choices on behalf of their children, lets turn to God for wisdom and guidance.
18) 2 Timothy 2:22- Flee The Evil Desires Of Youth And Pursue Righteousness
2 Timothy 2:22 NIV says “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
God’s Word tells us to pursue righteousness, to desire to live a life that pleases the Lord. When we understand what that means, it involves giving up pleasures and desires in this world and making our goals ones that lead us closer to God. As Christians, we should ask ourselves what is it about Halloween that would make us decide to let our children celebrate it? Does our reasoning glorify God and do we feel convicted by whatever choice we made or do we feel peace?
19) 1 Peter 5:8- Your Enemy The Devil Prowls Around Like A Roaring Lion Looking For Who He May Devour
1 Peter 5:8 NIV says “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Our enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. This verse is the most intense description of the dark reality of evil and the fact that we have an enemy of our souls who wants to devour us. As Christian parents, it is our duty and our calling to protect our children from evil and show them the way that leads to life. It’s okay to want to protect your children from things even if everyone around you is participating in them. God gave you the authority over your children and the wisdom to make the best choice on their behalf.
20) Isaiah 5:20- Woe To Those Who Call Evil Good And Good Evil
Isaiah 5:20 NIV says “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
Just because Halloween offers some fun aspects like dressing up for free candy, doesn’t take away the evil roots. As Christians, we are called to expose evil and have no part in it, if we feel the deep convictions in our hearts we should obey what the Lord asks of us even when it’s not popular.
21) Ephesians 4:27- Do Not Give The Devil A Foothold
Ephesians 4:27 NIV says “And do not give the devil a foothold.”
When we choose to partake in evil we are giving the devil a foothold in our lives. Because spiritually there are doors that can be opened and they may not even have an effect on our lives for a long time. When we close the door in the enemy’s face and choose not to participate, the devil stands no chance.
22) 1 Corinthians 10:21- You Cannot Drink The Cup Of The Lord And The Cup Of Demons
1 Corinthians 10:21 NIV says “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
If we claim to be followers of Christ, we can’t be wishy-washy and only half-heartedly serve Him. We must choose who our master is and who we are living for. By allowing our children to participate in Halloween, are we permitting them to join a dark celebration?
23) James 4:7- Resist The Devil And He Will Flee From You
James 4:7 NIV says “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Find your strength to persevere in the Lord and don’t give the enemy a foothold in your life or your children’s lives. God has given us the victory, we need to walk in the freedom Christ gives us.
24) Proverbs 4:14-15- Do Not Set Foot On The Path Of The Wicked
Proverbs 4:14-15 NIV says “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”
If wickedness and evil are being praised, then we are on the path of the wicked. The Bible tells us to hate what is evil and avoid it. Our lives as Christians are meant to look different than the world, and we can lead our children onto the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life in Christ. The Bible tells us to avoid the path of the wicked and to turn away from it, if no good fruits are coming from it then it’s the path of evil and wickedness.
25) Ephesians 5:11- Have Nothing To Do With The Fruitless Deeds Of Darkness, Expose Them
Ephesians 5:11 NIV says “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
We are to expose the evil deeds of darkness and have no participation in them. If something represents evil and darkness and bears no good fruit, we should not be willing participants in it. As Christian parents, we have been given authority over our children and we can teach them how to avoid evil and expose it because having nothing to do with it means turning away from it.
As Christian parents, when Halloween comes around it can be challenging to decide if your children should participate in the celebration. God’s Word tells us that we should have nothing to do with darkness and we should expose evil for what it is. Halloween glorifies evil and portrays it as good. As followers of Christ, God has given us a responsibility to raise our children in His truth and teach them how to live a righteous life in Christ. There are several Bible verses to help Christian parents decide on whether to allow their children to partake in Halloween.
