Why discuss this topic?
As Halloween grows in popularity, it’s worth helping our children think about how to be in the world but not of it (John 17:15). This isn’t about everyone reaching the same conclusion, but about thinking theologically and guiding our families wisely.
A brief history
Halloween has its roots in a Celtic pagan festival, Samhain. This festival was celebrated at the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. The belief was that at this time of the year there was a blurring of the boundary between the living and the dead. From the 8th-9th centuries the church established All Saints Day (1 November) and the day before was named All Hallows Eve (31 October). All Saints Day was instituted to remember believers who had died. But there was also a blending of biblical and extra-biblical ideas with prayers offered for the dead and potentially for those in purgatory.
On 31 October 1517, the German friar, Martin Luther, nailed his 95 theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg. This event was an important beginning of the Protestant Reformation. It was the recovery of the truth that our only hope for salvation was in Jesus alone. Later, the ‘five solas’ were used to summarise the key ideas recovered in this movement: we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as revealed in the Scriptures alone, to the glory of God alone.
The reformers rejected purgatory, and while many retained All Saints Day (a remembering of the example of the saints) and All Hallows Eve (a preparation for the coming feast day), many also introduced a celebration of the Reformation: 31 October was Reformation Day. They celebrated this event recognising that light had once again come to the church by making clear the salvation we have in Jesus.
As the Protestant church grew, some rejected any marking of All Hallows Eve altogether because it could be misconstrued as supporting false ideas like prayers for the dead and purgatory. They wanted to be clear that they were having nothing to do with darkness (Eph 5:11).
But in the Anglican tradition, some saw that when viewed rightly, Halloween could be an opportunity to celebrate the faithfulness of previous believers while also affirming the truth that when Jesus was raised from the dead, he defeated all spiritual powers opposed to him. Christ is victorious. Halloween in this tradition is to celebrate that in Jesus his followers too have victory over the dark powers of the world (Col 2:15). Glen Scrivener summarises this poetically here.
Over the centuries, the religious meaning of Halloween faded. Today it’s largely a commercial event—fuelled by advertising, decorations, and mountains of confectionery—though faint echoes of its spiritual past remain.
Given this complex history, how should followers of Jesus respond?
Possible responses
Across church history, three main approaches have emerged. Each family must decide their own response, guided by Scripture and love for God and neighbour (Matt 22:37–40).
1. Reject or don’t engage
Ephesians 5:11 calls believers to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness.” Some therefore avoid Halloween entirely, viewing it as a pagan or secular festival incompatible with following Christ (a view articulated by Albert Mohler here).
Participation might seem to endorse darkness or minimise the reality of spiritual forces, which Scripture shows are real (Matt 4:1–11; Mark 5:1–20). Some may feel that participation communicates to neighbours that they are supportive of the general message of the festival: celebrating darkness.
Families who take this view can explain to their children why they abstain, grounding their reasoning in passages like Ephesians 5:11 and Romans 12:1–2. This becomes an opportunity to teach discernment and obedience.
2. Engage and reframe
Other families see Halloween as a chance to affirm that Jesus has already triumphed over all powers (Col 2:15). They may choose to engage—perhaps by joining community activities—while making it clear that their participation celebrates Christ’s victory, not darkness. We, above all others, have nothing to fear when it comes to spiritual forces. Glen Scrivener’s video outlines a little of this kind of thinking.
This approach requires clarity and intentionality. Children should understand that Jesus’ power and love are central to their engagement. You might display verses, dress with light-themed symbols, or speak with neighbours about the reason for your hope.
As 2 Corinthians 10:3–5 reminds us, God’s word equips us to demolish worldly arguments. Families choosing this path can highlight that, because of Christ, we have nothing to fear.
3. Shift the focus—to Reformation Day
October 31 is a very special day for Protestant Christians: the day Luther’s actions began the Reformation, bringing the light of the gospel back into focus. It was a moment where that which had obscured Christ (works-based salvation, inaccessible Bible, and ungodly traditions) began to be swept away.
Reformation Day celebrates that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, and that Scripture reveals the truth of salvation in Christ. For families, this can be a joyful alternative celebration—remembering that God’s light has shone into our hearts (2 Cor 4:6).
For most of us, Reformation Day should play a bigger part in our lives. If you take this approach, explain clearly to your children that you’re celebrating something far greater than Halloween: the good news that Jesus has made himself known through his Word.
Having the conversation
However you decide to approach it, talk it through as a family—perhaps over dinner or during a quiet moment together. Here’s a possible framework for that discussion:
- Introduce the topic
“We want to talk about Halloween because we want to live wisely for Jesus in everything we do.” - Explain Halloween
Share a little of the history and what it looks like today, including the commercial and cultural sides. - Talk about following Jesus
“Our goal as a family is to love the Lord with all our hearts (Matt 22). We want our choices to show that love.” - Ask for their thoughts
“How do you think we could show that Jesus is our King at Halloween?”
Listen to their ideas and discuss them together. - Share your decision
“As a family, we’ve decided to [not participate / engage in this way / celebrate Reformation Day instead] because the Bible says [insert relevant verse]. We think this best shows our love for Jesus.” - Pray together
Ask for God’s wisdom and strength to live faithfully and lovingly, and for opportunities to shine Christ’s light to others.
Depending on your children’s ages, you might plan a creative family activity for the night. If you’re not participating, consider a fun family evening or a movie night. If you are, think through how to engage meaningfully and graciously. If you’re celebrating Reformation Day, go all out, and give thanks for the gospel.
Remember
Whatever your decision, keep Jesus at the centre. Our aim is to glorify him in all we do. As parents, our calling is to disciple our children—to raise them in the love and fear of the Lord. Keep praying, teaching, and modelling faithfulness.
We won’t always get it right. We all make heaps of mistakes. But God is gracious. Jesus is a mighty saviour and his Spirit brings life. Give it a red-hot go and pray that the Lord will use your efforts and his Word to grow your kids to love him.