Halloween and Reformation Day (Off-site Highlights)

(Posted by Anna)

I grew up in circles that wouldn't have touched a Halloween costume with a ten-foot pole. Basically, because of the day's pagan associations, we weren't willing to acknowledge it in any way.

Since then, I've learned more about Halloween's history and seen a wider range of ways in which faithful Christians choose to approach it. I think that these links are helpful.


Dancing on the Devil's Grave by Pastor William M. Cwirla

Ought Christians participate? The easy answer would be a flat out, fundy “no.” But every road has two ditches, and Halloween is no exception. . . . The best advice I can give is to spite the devil, honor Christ, and wipe that sour look off your face. Remember who you are in Holy Baptism: a baptized priest in Christ’s holy priesthood “that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). MORE.

Hallowe'en: A Short History by Pastor Joseph Abrahamson

The claim is that the old folklore demonstrates where we got Halloween. But folklore does not support the Neopagan or the Wiccan claims about Halloween. Instead they depend on fakelore: invented, and fake, pretend folklore, like Pecos Bill and the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd.” MORE.

I kind of wish my neighbors would choose "gourds over gore" when it came to their decorations.

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Happy Reformation Day!

Hopefully you are celebrating with some appropriate treats. Beer is always very Lutheran, but you might also consider eating a diet of worms or a Luther rose pastry. If you get bored, try making a Luther rose snowflake.

If your non-Lutheran friends give you grief for celebrating division in the church, you could mention these points.

In a sermon from a few years ago, Pastor Esget reminds us that that we, too, need reformation and, above all, God's grace.

Claus Harms, a Lutheran of the nineteenth century, wrote, “The forgiveness of sins at least required monetary payment during the sixteenth century. In the nineteenth it costs nothing. Now men serve themselves with it. They at that time stood higher than us, they were nearer to God.” How can he say that? Because they recognized that sin costs something. We mock and criticize that they paid money for the forgiveness of sins. At least they realized that sin came at a price! Do you? MORE.