7 Truths About Halloween Every Christian Needs to Know
Every year, some Christians ponder celebrating Halloween saying it’s harmless fun, just costumes and candy. Others sense something darker behind it and are resolute to abstain. But what does the Bible say? This post will provide seven biblical reasons why followers of Jesus should stay away from this holiday and walk in the light instead of darkness.
The Bible’s Warning About Fellowship with Darkness
In 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Paul warns believers to flee from idol worship. He reminds us that while idols themselves are nothing, demons hide behind them. When we participate in pagan practices, we are not just engaging in culture, we are having fellowship with demons.
Paul outlined four principles for Christians living in a pagan society:
1. Meat in the market – Buy it without worrying about where it came from.
2. Invitation to dinner – Eat freely unless someone tells you the food was offered to idols.
3. Eating in temple restaurants – It’s fine unless it causes a weaker believer to stumble.
4. Pagan temple parties – Do not attend, because they involve fellowship with demons.
So when we think about Halloween, which of these do you think it resembles? Is it a casual dinner or a pagan party? I believe it’s more like the latter. Here’s why:
1. The Origins of Halloween Are Pagan
Halloween’s roots go back to an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain (pronounced Sow-en). People believed the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds was thinnest on October 31. They wore costumes to ward off evil spirits, lit bonfires, and practiced rituals to communicate with the dead. (Read this article for further details.)
Even today, those in witchcraft and occult circles view Halloween as a sacred night. The Bible clearly instructs believers not to imitate the customs of those who practice sorcery or divination. God told His people in Leviticus 18:3, “After the doings of the land of Egypt, wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, shall ye not do: neither shall ye walk in their ordinances.” Some things can be redeemed, others must be removed. Halloween falls into the latter.
2. Halloween Means More Than Candy to Those in Witchcraft
For many, Halloween is just about treats and costumes. But for those involved in witchcraft and Satanism, it’s one of the most spiritually charged nights of the year.
Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, once said he was glad that Christian parents let their kids “worship the devil at least one night a year.” While we don’t take his words as truth, they reveal how significant Halloween is for the dark side.
As Christians, we must recognize that what the world sees as entertainment, the enemy sees as opportunity. We can’t mix light with darkness.
3. Halloween Has Not Been Redeemed for God
Some Christians try to “redeem” Halloween by hosting alternative events. But let’s be honest, Halloween is darker today than ever before. The rise of witchcraft, horror films, and fascination with the demonic proves that culture isn’t being redeemed, it’s being hijacked.
The early church responded to pagan celebrations by creating All Saints’ Day on November 1 to honor godly men and women. Yet the evening before, All Hallows’ Eve, eventually turned into what we know as Halloween. Instead of becoming more Christian, it became more demonic.
You can’t purify what was designed to glorify darkness. Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is separate instead of repackage.
4. Celebrating Halloween Is Conforming to Culture
Many Christians celebrate Halloween out of fear of looking strange or missing out. But Scripture tells us in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
When we join in the same celebrations as the world, especially ones rooted in darkness, we blur the line between holy and unholy. Daniel didn’t bow to Babylon’s idols to fit in. Neither should we.
The world promotes spirituality without Christ, supernatural experiences without truth, and darkness disguised as fun. We are called to be set apart—not strange, but different—because of Jesus.
5. Halloween Promotes Darkness, Death, and Fear
Christianity celebrates life, light, and faith—not death, darkness, and fear. The Bible says in 1 John 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”
Think about it. Halloween glorifies skulls, ghosts, and the grave. It celebrates the night rather than the light. The only death Christians celebrate is the death of Jesus, which defeated sin and death once and for all.
Jesus is the Light of the World, and He calls us to reflect His light. You can’t do that while participating in what glorifies fear and evil.
6. Halloween Is Fellowship with the Works of Darkness
Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:8-11, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: [9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) [10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
If you walk into any store in October, you will usually see ghosts, witches, blood, horror, and fear. Nothing about it reflects light, faith, or purity. As Christians, we should be able to quickly discern what is dark.
When you participate in Halloween, even “innocently”, you are still engaging with what Scripture calls unfruitful. Light cannot coexist with darkness.
7. Halloween Activities Don’t Honor the Lord
Finally, many of the activities tied to Halloween simply don’t honor God. Dressing up as demons, witches, or provocative characters grieves the Holy Spirit. The Bible says in 1 John 2:15-17, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”
Halloween often involves drunkenness, drugs, and identity confusion. On this night, people pretend to be something they’re not, while the world is already drowning in confusion about identity. Why would we join that?
Satanists don’t celebrate Good Friday, so why should we celebrate their holiday? We don’t owe darkness a single day of our devotion.
What We Should Celebrate Instead
Instead of joining in with Halloween, let’s turn our focus to what truly matters as believers. This season is a perfect time to lift up the name of Jesus and celebrate what He has done for us.
Celebrate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. That’s where our victory over sin and darkness was won. Every day is Resurrection Sunday for those who walk in His light.
Celebrate the light of God’s Word. His Word drives out darkness and gives direction when the world around us feels confused and lost.
Celebrate faith over fear. Fear opens the door to torment, but faith opens the door to peace. When you trust the Holy Spirit, you live with confidence and courage.
Celebrate purity instead of popularity. Holiness will never go out of style in heaven. Choosing what pleases God, even when it’s unpopular, brings real joy and freedom.
Celebrate evangelism over entertainment. While others give out candy, give out hope. Use this time to share the gospel with someone who needs Jesus.
When the world grows darker, the light of Christ in us should shine even brighter. Don’t just avoid Halloween. Use this time to glorify Jesus and show that real joy is found in Him.
When you understand its origins, its meaning, and the spiritual influence behind it, it becomes clear that Halloween does not belong in the life of a believer.
We are called to walk in holiness and reflect Christ in everything we do. There is no fellowship between light and darkness. Instead of filling our homes with fear and shadows, let’s fill them with worship, prayer, and faith.
Light does not hide from darkness. It exposes it. Let the light of Jesus shine through your life.