|
Halloween - harmless fun??
October 31 will again see many children being invited to Halloween parties or celebrations with friends of through children's clubs.
There has been a gradual increase in the practice of 'Trick or treating' and there are now so many books and TV programmes available for children about witches and occult phenomena. Many children are being duped into a false sense of security about the occult and the sinister background to this pagan 'festival'.
Halloween dates back long before the time of Christ, to the Druids (the pagan priests of the Celts). October 31 was set aside to give special honour to Samhain, the Lord of the Dead. He was supposed to call all the souls of the dead together on that day and sent them to return to the houses of their families who, if they did not entertain them well, would be cursed - hence trick or treat!
The Druids prepared sacrificial bonfires wearing masks, and after the Romans conquered the Celts, they combined this celebration with their own to honour Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees - hence apple bobbing and nuts at the parties.
In mediaeval times, satanic witches mocked the Christian Church who celebrated November 1 as All Saint's Day, or All Hallows Day, by performing rituals on October 31 or All Hallow Even - hence Halloween.
Does the Bible say anything relevant for today?
When the children of Israel were about to enter the promised Land, God gave these instructions to Moses in Deuteronomy 18:9-12
"When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no-one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practises divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you."
It is clear that the practices that form the background to Halloween are detestable to God. While recognising that these things are a part of our social history and might be taught as such in school, participation and practical experimentation is against the Word of God. Projects at school or home on witches, making and casting spells, and treating occult phenomena as playthings are unnecessary unhealthy and may be spiritually damaging.
Pray for the children this year, and guide them positively into healthy activities
Harry Potter lures kids to witchcraft
Newsweek Magazine reports J K Rowling, the author who created Harry Potter, as saying: "I get letters from children addressed to Professor Dumbledore [Headmaster at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the books], and it's not a joke begging to be let into Hogwart's, and some of them are really sad because they want it to be true so badly they have convinced themselves it's true."
Great Britain's Pagan Federation Media Officer, Andy Norfolk, explains "Every time an article on witchcraft of paganism appears, we have a huge surge in calls mostly from young girls."
REACHOUT TRUST
OCCULT DANGERS EXPLAINED
SAFELY
This book is a vital addition to the library of every parent, Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader and RE Teacher. It clearly explains the dangers of the occult without drawing people into the practices.
DO ALL ROADS LEAD TO GOD?
This helpful chart (produced in co-operation with CPO) highlights the differences between Christianity and 14 other religions and cults. All the facts at your fingertips for just £1.50!
THE TRINITY
Another Chart but this time with all the facts you need to be able to explain the Trinity in a sensible and reasonable matter.
FREEMASONRY
A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
This new fascinating and valuable study into Freemasonry from the Christian perspective includes personal testimony.
These can be ordered direct from Reachout Trust on 020 8332 7785 or online at www.reachouttrust.org/cgi-bin/miva?rot/
|
|
