Halloween: A Christian’s Guide to Navigating a Controversial Holiday

Halloween has become a highly debated topic, even within the Christian community. You may wonder how to approach this day, especially when it’s hard to avoid—stores are filled with spooky decorations, and there’s a heavy focus on supernatural themes. But how should Christians view Halloween, and is it possible to participate in a way that honors God? Thankfully, the Bible offers guidance on many of the themes associated with this holiday, such as magic, ghosts, and communicating with the dead.

God’s Perspective on Supernatural Practices

The Bible is not silent when it comes to activities often linked with Halloween—magic, séances, mediums, and other occult practices. These elements can easily creep into our celebrations and entertainment without much thought, but God’s Word warns us to be cautious. Let’s look at what some of these practices mean and what Scripture says about them.

Magic and Sorcery

Magic, in the biblical sense, involves seeking supernatural power or wisdom through illegitimate means, often with the intention of manipulation or personal gain. In Revelation 21:8, God warns that “those who practice magic arts…will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” The Bible consistently condemns magic and sorcery, not because God is against fun, but because these practices open doors to spiritual deception.

Mediums and Spiritists  

A medium claims to communicate with the dead, while a spiritist consults spirits or engages in fortune-telling. The Bible clearly states the dangers of such practices. Leviticus 19:31 states, “Do not turn to mediums or spiritists… I am the LORD your God.” Communicating with the dead is strictly forbidden because it often leads to interaction with demonic forces masquerading as lost loved ones. 

In fact, one of the Bible’s most sobering examples is King Saul. After seeking out a medium instead of God, Saul’s life ended in death (1 Chronicles 10:13-14). This story underscores the seriousness of turning to the occult for guidance rather than relying on the Lord.

Soothsaying and Divination  

Soothsayers claim to foretell the future, while divination refers to fortune-telling or interpreting omens. These practices are another form of spiritual rebellion that God condemns in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, where it says that anyone who practices divination is “detestable to the LORD.”

The Deception Behind Séances, Ghosts, and Witchcraft

For those of you who have lost a loved one by death, the thought of having a conversation with them beyond the grave might be tempting. However, the Bible strictly forbids talking to the dead, and we must understand what is behind some of these practices.

The website Got Questions provides helpful information on this topic. Satan, described as “the father of lies” in John 8:44, uses these opportunities to deceive people. He and his demons often masquerade as departed loved ones during séances, spreading lies and causing spiritual harm (2 Corinthians 11:14).

The Bible teaches that souls do not return to visit the living after death. Job 7:9-10 reminds us, “He who goes down to Sheol…shall return no more to his house.” While some may experience things that feel like visitations from a loved one, it’s essential to discern whether these experiences are the work of deceptive spirits.

The Bible tells us clearly to avoid witchcraft in any form:

“You shall not permit a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:18).

“As for the person who turns to mediums and to spiritists, to play the prostitute with them, I will also set My face against that person and will cut him off from among his people. You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 20:6-7).

“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, a soothsayer, one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who consults the dead” (Deuteronomy 18:10-11).

“… Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

You may simply want to take your children trick-or-treating without giving much thought to the aspects mentioned above or any intention of engaging with Halloween’s darker or more troubling sides. Equipping yourself with biblical knowledge can only help you as you navigate this holiday. 

Asking the Right Questions About Halloween

Before you decide how to engage with Halloween, consider these questions:

1. Will I be exposing myself or my children to elements of fear or demonic influence?
2. Am I encouraging comfort with the supernatural in a way that Scripture condemns?
3. Will we be participating in activities that the Bible explicitly warns against?

As Christians, we must take every opportunity to reinforce biblical truths rather than confuse our children with worldly practices. Halloween offers a unique chance to reflect on how we engage with spiritual matters in our entertainment and daily lives.

Alternatives to Traditional Halloween Celebrations

If you’re concerned about celebrating Halloween in a way that pleases God, there are plenty of alternatives:

• Harvest Festivals: Many churches host these as a wholesome alternative to Halloween, offering fun activities without the darker themes.
• Pumpkin Carving with a Christ-centered Message: Consider using The Pumpkin Patch Parable, a children’s book that illustrates how Jesus transforms our hearts.
• Neighborhood Outreach: Use Halloween to meet your neighbors and share God’s love. Hand out gospel tracts or children’s Bibles along with candy.

Lean on the Holy Ghost 

As Christians, we are not left to navigate these decisions alone. The Holy Spirit, who lives within us, guides us into all truth (John 16:13). He is our Helper (John 14:25). Instead of relying on the world’s perspective, we should lean on the Spirit to lead us in wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

We are called to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil (Romans 16:19). The spiritual forces at work during Halloween—whether harmless in appearance or not—should be taken seriously. Ephesians 6 reminds us that we are in a spiritual battle, and part of our responsibility as believers is to guard against the enemy’s influence.

A Final Thought

Ultimately, Halloween presents an opportunity to reflect on how we live as Christians in a culture filled with conflicting messages. While some see the holiday as innocent fun, others recognize its potential for leading people astray. Whether you choose to participate or not, let God’s Word and His Spirit shape your decisions, guiding you toward what is true, pure, and honorable to Him.

As you navigate this season, remember that God desires you to walk in the light without being ensnared by darkness. Whether you opt for alternative celebrations or avoid the holiday altogether, your focus should remain on glorifying God and protecting your spiritual well-being.