Holloween: The children of Atheism and Christians Share the same religious belief

ON Halloween night when confronted by a masked, costumed youth making
the requesting threat, "Trick or treat," do you think it cute, just
a harmless occasion for children to enjoy themselves? Do you consider
Halloween to be a time to go to costume parties, bob for apples, and
carve a hollowed-out pumpkin into a fearsome face? Do you put stock in
stories about the return of spirits of the dead, of witches, and of
ghosts and goblins? Is this time of the year a serious occasion to you,
one when you visit the graves of loved ones and attend special
religious services? People view the celebration of Halloween
differently. What does it mean to you?

Halloween actually means Hallow Even or the Eve of All Hallows. In the
eighth century Pope Gregory III established November 1 as the date for
a feast to honor all the saints, it being called All Saints' Day.
According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, it is a feast of the highest
rank. Since all saints are considered hallowed people, the eve of the
feast in their behalf came to be called Eve of All Hallows, or, for
short, Halloween.

In the United States October 31 is Halloween night, a time for fun,
boisterousness and playing pranks. It has been called the worst night
of the year for vandalism, when both young and old run wild. In
Latin-American countries November 2 is the day celebrated, but in a
much different way. November 2 is the day of the Roman Catholic
festival All Souls' Day, which dates from about the eleventh century.
This festival is based on the belief that the souls of the dead can be
aided in getting out of purgatory to reach heaven by the prayers and
alms-deeds of the faithful on earth. Therefore at this festival,
referred to as the Day of the Dead and occurring the day after All
Saints' Day, people visit the graves of loved ones and offer prayers
and alms in their behalf.

"Lieken" wrote in message
ups.com...
ON Halloween night when confronted by a masked, costumed youth making
the requesting threat, "Trick or treat," do you think it cute, just
a harmless occasion for children to enjoy themselves? Do you consider
Halloween to be a time to go to costume parties, bob for apples, and
carve a hollowed-out pumpkin into a fearsome face? Do you put stock in
stories about the return of spirits of the dead, of witches, and of
ghosts and goblins? Is this time of the year a serious occasion to you,
one when you visit the graves of loved ones and attend special
religious services? People view the celebration of Halloween
differently. What does it mean to you?

Halloween actually means Hallow Even or the Eve of All Hallows. In the
eighth century Pope Gregory III established November 1 as the date for
a feast to honor all the saints, it being called All Saints' Day.
According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, it is a feast of the highest
rank. Since all saints are considered hallowed people, the eve of the
feast in their behalf came to be called Eve of All Hallows, or, for
short, Halloween.

In the United States October 31 is Halloween night, a time for fun,
boisterousness and playing pranks. It has been called the worst night
of the year for vandalism, when both young and old run wild. In
Latin-American countries November 2 is the day celebrated, but in a
much different way. November 2 is the day of the Roman Catholic
festival All Souls' Day, which dates from about the eleventh century.
This festival is based on the belief that the souls of the dead can be
aided in getting out of purgatory to reach heaven by the prayers and
alms-deeds of the faithful on earth. Therefore at this festival,
referred to as the Day of the Dead and occurring the day after All
Saints' Day, people visit the graves of loved ones and offer prayers
and alms in their behalf.

I don't see how this has to do with atheists and Christians sharing the same
religious belief.

While some people may celebrate All Saints Day, I don't see how kids
dressing up in costumes has anything to do with it. I believe that Halloween
is an important holiday in the Wicca religion, but that doesn't mean that
Wiccans are celebrating dead Catholic souls.

Just like people who give gifts on Dec. 25 are not necessarily celebrating
the birth of Christ or go on Easter Egg hunts are not celebrating the
rebirth of Christ.

Jeff

On Oct 22, 4:54 pm, "Jeff" wrote:
"Lieken" wrote in oglegroups.com...



While some people may celebrate All Saints Day, I don't see how kids
dressing up in costumes has anything to do with it. I believe that Halloween
is an important holiday in the Wicca religion, but that doesn't mean that
Wiccans are celebrating dead Catholic souls.


How about Christians today, how should they view Halloween? Christians
will be motivated by Scriptural principle and not by human reasoning
that may argue: "What harm can come from letting children attend a
costume party? Everyone else participates, and it is hard on the
children when they are different." It is not Scripturally wrong for
children to have a costume party or play games such as bobbing for
apples. However, doing so as a part of Halloween would be celebrating
that pagan religious feast. This would be compromising Christian
principles. One can be sure that Christ Jesus, who always stuck close
to what the Bible said, would heed the divine commands: "You must not
walk in the statutes of the nations." "Do not learn the way of the
nations at all." (Lev. 20:23; Jer. 10:2) Jesus was never influenced
by human reasoning into compromising on Scriptural commands! Therefore,
neither will a Christian today compromise, even if it means being
different and separate from the world.

Early Christians followed Jesus' steps closely. They heeded the
command: "Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. . . .
'Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,' says
Jehovah, 'and quit touching the unclean thing.'" (2 Cor. 6:14,
17) Edward Gibbon in the book Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
(Vol. I, pages 396, 397) says that early Christians took no part in
"the games that the prince and people celebrated in honour of their
peculiar festivals . . . The Christian, on these interesting
occasions, was compelled to desert the persons who were the dearest to
him, rather than contract the guilt inherent to those impious
ceremonies . . . The dangerous temptations which on every side lurked
in ambush to surprise the unguarded believer assailed him with
redoubled violence on the days of solemn festivals."

The situation is the same now. On the day of pagan festivals such as
Halloween true Christians will want to be particularly on guard 'to
keep themselves without spot from the world.' Christian parents will
show real love for their children by explaining to them why loyal
servants of Jehovah do not participate in the Halloween celebration. If
as with the early Christians it 'compels them to part with old-world
friends,' assure them that they are making Jehovah's heart glad by
their uncompromising stand.-Jas. 1:27; Prov. 27:11.

If on Halloween night you are confronted with the requesting threat,
"Trick or treat," then what? Should you treat? Christians are not
selfish, yet there is a principle involved, and true Christians are
inflexible when it comes to Scriptural principles. The occasion could
be taken to explain this, and even invite the youngsters back on
another day with the assurance that then they will be given more
information as well as a treat.

Although Halloween poses as a Christian holiday, it is exposed as a
pagan feast. It has not borne the fruit of pure Christianity but is a
night when one fears for the safety of his property and possessions.
Christians are looking to live in a new world wherein "righteousness
is to dwell." They are endeavoring to live now as they hope to live
then, in that new world. Pagan feasts such as Halloween will not be
observed then; that means a Christian will not celebrate them
now.-2 Pet. 3:13.

On 22 Oct 2006 13:05:47 -0700, "Lieken" wrote:

ON Halloween night when confronted by a masked, costumed youth making
the requesting threat, "Trick or treat," do you think it cute, just
a harmless occasion for children to enjoy themselves? Do you consider
Halloween to be a time to go to costume parties, bob for apples, and
carve a hollowed-out pumpkin into a fearsome face? Do you put stock in
stories about the return of spirits of the dead, of witches, and of
ghosts and goblins? Is this time of the year a serious occasion to you,
one when you visit the graves of loved ones and attend special
religious services? People view the celebration of Halloween
differently. What does it mean to you?

Halloween actually means Hallow Even or the Eve of All Hallows. In the
eighth century Pope Gregory III established November 1 as the date for
a feast to honor all the saints, it being called All Saints' Day.
According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, it is a feast of the highest
rank. Since all saints are considered hallowed people, the eve of the
feast in their behalf came to be called Eve of All Hallows, or, for
short, Halloween.

In the United States October 31 is Halloween night, a time for fun,
boisterousness and playing pranks. It has been called the worst night
of the year for vandalism, when both young and old run wild. In
Latin-American countries November 2 is the day celebrated, but in a
much different way. November 2 is the day of the Roman Catholic
festival All Souls' Day, which dates from about the eleventh century.
This festival is based on the belief that the souls of the dead can be
aided in getting out of purgatory to reach heaven by the prayers and
alms-deeds of the faithful on earth. Therefore at this festival,
referred to as the Day of the Dead and occurring the day after All
Saints' Day, people visit the graves of loved ones and offer prayers
and alms in their behalf.

And this relates to the subject line how, exactly?

"Lieken" wrote in message
ups.com...


On Oct 22, 4:54 pm, "Jeff" wrote:
"Lieken" wrote in
oglegroups.com...



While some people may celebrate All Saints Day, I don't see how kids
dressing up in costumes has anything to do with it. I believe that
Halloween
is an important holiday in the Wicca religion, but that doesn't mean that
Wiccans are celebrating dead Catholic souls.


How about Christians today, how should they view Halloween? Christians
will be motivated by Scriptural principle and not by human reasoning

And you are using "human reasoning" when you attempt to explain your point
of view.
If you do not have human reasoning ability I feel sorry for you!
If you surrender your human reasoning for "Scripture", "Koranic Verse" or
other belief system
written and created by some human being then you become a slave.





that may argue: "What harm can come from letting children attend a
costume party? Everyone else participates, and it is hard on the
children when they are different." It is not Scripturally wrong for
children to have a costume party or play games such as bobbing for
apples. However, doing so as a part of Halloween would be celebrating
that pagan religious feast. This would be compromising Christian
principles. One can be sure that Christ Jesus, who always stuck close
to what the Bible said, would heed the divine commands: "You must not
walk in the statutes of the nations." "Do not learn the way of the
nations at all." (Lev. 20:23; Jer. 10:2) Jesus was never influenced
by human reasoning into compromising on Scriptural commands! Therefore,
neither will a Christian today compromise, even if it means being
different and separate from the world.

Early Christians followed Jesus' steps closely. They heeded the
command: "Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. . . .
'Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,' says
Jehovah, 'and quit touching the unclean thing.'" (2 Cor. 6:14,
17) Edward Gibbon in the book Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
(Vol. I, pages 396, 397) says that early Christians took no part in
"the games that the prince and people celebrated in honour of their
peculiar festivals . . . The Christian, on these interesting
occasions, was compelled to desert the persons who were the dearest to
him, rather than contract the guilt inherent to those impious
ceremonies . . . The dangerous temptations which on every side lurked
in ambush to surprise the unguarded believer assailed him with
redoubled violence on the days of solemn festivals."

The situation is the same now. On the day of pagan festivals such as
Halloween true Christians will want to be particularly on guard 'to
keep themselves without spot from the world.' Christian parents will
show real love for their children by explaining to them why loyal
servants of Jehovah do not participate in the Halloween celebration. If
as with the early Christians it 'compels them to part with old-world
friends,' assure them that they are making Jehovah's heart glad by
their uncompromising stand.-Jas. 1:27; Prov. 27:11.

If on Halloween night you are confronted with the requesting threat,
"Trick or treat," then what? Should you treat? Christians are not
selfish, yet there is a principle involved, and true Christians are
inflexible when it comes to Scriptural principles. The occasion could
be taken to explain this, and even invite the youngsters back on
another day with the assurance that then they will be given more
information as well as a treat.

Although Halloween poses as a Christian holiday, it is exposed as a
pagan feast. It has not borne the fruit of pure Christianity but is a
night when one fears for the safety of his property and possessions.
Christians are looking to live in a new world wherein "righteousness
is to dwell." They are endeavoring to live now as they hope to live
then, in that new world. Pagan feasts such as Halloween will not be
observed then; that means a Christian will not celebrate them
now.-2 Pet. 3:13.

"Frank Arthur" wrote in message
...

"Lieken" wrote in message
ups.com...


On Oct 22, 4:54 pm, "Jeff" wrote:
"Lieken" wrote in
oglegroups.com...



While some people may celebrate All Saints Day, I don't see how kids
dressing up in costumes has anything to do with it. I believe that
Halloween
is an important holiday in the Wicca religion, but that doesn't mean
that
Wiccans are celebrating dead Catholic souls.


How about Christians today, how should they view Halloween? Christians
will be motivated by Scriptural principle and not by human reasoning

And you are using "human reasoning" when you attempt to explain your point
of view.

He's cutting and pasting from his Watchtower CD. He's illegally plagiarizing
their material.

If you do not have human reasoning ability I feel sorry for you!
If you surrender your human reasoning for "Scripture", "Koranic Verse" or
other belief system
written and created by some human being then you become a slave.

d
"Lieken" wrote in message
ups.com...


On Oct 22, 4:54 pm, "Jeff" wrote:
"Lieken" wrote in
oglegroups.com...



While some people may celebrate All Saints Day, I don't see how kids
dressing up in costumes has anything to do with it. I believe that
Halloween
is an important holiday in the Wicca religion, but that doesn't mean that
Wiccans are celebrating dead Catholic souls.


How about Christians today, how should they view Halloween? Christians
will be motivated by Scriptural principle and not by human reasoning
that may argue: "What harm can come from letting children attend a
costume party? Everyone else participates, and it is hard on the
children when they are different." It is not Scripturally wrong for
children to have a costume party or play games such as bobbing for
apples. However, doing so as a part of Halloween would be celebrating
that pagan religious feast. This would be compromising Christian
principles. One can be sure that Christ Jesus, who always stuck close
to what the Bible said, would heed the divine commands: "You must not
walk in the statutes of the nations." "Do not learn the way of the
nations at all." (Lev. 20:23; Jer. 10:2) Jesus was never influenced
by human reasoning into compromising on Scriptural commands! Therefore,
neither will a Christian today compromise, even if it means being
different and separate from the world.

Early Christians followed Jesus' steps closely. They heeded the
command: "Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. . . .
'Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,' says
Jehovah, 'and quit touching the unclean thing.'" (2 Cor. 6:14,
17) Edward Gibbon in the book Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
(Vol. I, pages 396, 397) says that early Christians took no part in
"the games that the prince and people celebrated in honour of their
peculiar festivals . . . The Christian, on these interesting
occasions, was compelled to desert the persons who were the dearest to
him, rather than contract the guilt inherent to those impious
ceremonies . . . The dangerous temptations which on every side lurked
in ambush to surprise the unguarded believer assailed him with
redoubled violence on the days of solemn festivals."

The situation is the same now. On the day of pagan festivals such as
Halloween true Christians will want to be particularly on guard 'to
keep themselves without spot from the world.' Christian parents will
show real love for their children by explaining to them why loyal
servants of Jehovah do not participate in the Halloween celebration. If
as with the early Christians it 'compels them to part with old-world
friends,' assure them that they are making Jehovah's heart glad by
their uncompromising stand.-Jas. 1:27; Prov. 27:11.

If on Halloween night you are confronted with the requesting threat,
"Trick or treat," then what? Should you treat? Christians are not
selfish, yet there is a principle involved, and true Christians are
inflexible when it comes to Scriptural principles. The occasion could
be taken to explain this, and even invite the youngsters back on
another day with the assurance that then they will be given more
information as well as a treat.

Although Halloween poses as a Christian holiday, it is exposed as a
pagan feast. It has not borne the fruit of pure Christianity but is a
night when one fears for the safety of his property and possessions.
Christians are looking to live in a new world wherein "righteousness
is to dwell." They are endeavoring to live now as they hope to live
then, in that new world. Pagan feasts such as Halloween will not be
observed then; that means a Christian will not celebrate them
now.-2 Pet. 3:13.

Even though it is a pagan feast, Christians are celebrating a secular
holiday. IMHO, it is not different than celebrating New Year's Day,
Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day or Thanksgiving Day.

Why is Christmas on December 25th? Because it was the day of a pagan
mid-winter feast.

Although ti was not known in the old days, modern scholars have determined
that Christ was most likely born in August or September. This has been known
for around 150 years, I believe (Bishop Usher figured it out down to the
hour, IIRC). So why don't we change Christmas to a more accurate date?

BTW, being pagan is not the same thing as being athiest.

Jeff

Lieken wrote:
On Oct 22, 4:54 pm, "Jeff" wrote:
"Lieken" wrote in
oglegroups.com...



While some people may celebrate All Saints Day, I don't see how kids
dressing up in costumes has anything to do with it. I believe that
Halloween
is an important holiday in the Wicca religion, but that doesn't mean
that
Wiccans are celebrating dead Catholic souls.


How about Christians today, how should they view Halloween? Christians
will be motivated by Scriptural principle and not by human reasoning
that may argue: "What harm can come from letting children attend a
costume party? Everyone else participates, and it is hard on the
children when they are different." It is not Scripturally wrong for
children to have a costume party or play games such as bobbing for
apples. However, doing so as a part of Halloween would be celebrating
that pagan religious feast. This would be compromising Christian
principles. One can be sure that Christ Jesus, who always stuck close
to what the Bible said, would heed the divine commands: "You must not
walk in the statutes of the nations." "Do not learn the way of the
nations at all." (Lev. 20:23; Jer. 10:2) Jesus was never influenced
by human reasoning into compromising on Scriptural commands!
Therefore, neither will a Christian today compromise, even if it
means being different and separate from the world.

Early Christians followed Jesus' steps closely.

You know this because you were there?

They heeded the
command: "Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. . . .
'Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,' says
Jehovah, 'and quit touching the unclean thing.'" (2 Cor. 6:14,
17) Edward Gibbon in the book Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
(Vol. I, pages 396, 397) says that early Christians took no part in
"the games that the prince and people celebrated in honour of their
peculiar festivals . . . The Christian, on these interesting
occasions, was compelled to desert the persons who were the dearest to
him, rather than contract the guilt inherent to those impious
ceremonies . . . The dangerous temptations which on every side lurked
in ambush to surprise the unguarded believer assailed him with
redoubled violence on the days of solemn festivals."

The situation is the same now. On the day of pagan festivals such as
Halloween true Christians will want to be particularly on guard 'to
keep themselves without spot from the world.' Christian parents will
show real love for their children by explaining to them why loyal
servants of Jehovah

Hmmm. Can your kids study Hamlet in school? What about Beloved? I am
betting not.

do not participate in the Halloween celebration.
If as with the early Christians it 'compels them to part with
old-world friends,' assure them that they are making Jehovah's heart
glad by their uncompromising stand.-Jas. 1:27; Prov. 27:11.

If on Halloween night you are confronted with the requesting threat,
"Trick or treat," then what? Should you treat? Christians are not
selfish, yet there is a principle involved, and true Christians are
inflexible when it comes to Scriptural principles. The occasion could
be taken to explain this, and even invite the youngsters back on
another day with the assurance that then they will be given more
information as well as a treat.

That's a wonderful idea. I can imagine how many parents would react if
their children told them, "That person in the house down the street told me
to come back some other time and if I did, I would get 'information as well
as a treat.'" Why, the person who extended the invitation might find
themselves hosting some unexpected adult guests, who might possibly be in
uniform.

Although Halloween poses as a Christian holiday,

Um, no it doesn't. WHERE ON EARTH do you get that idea?

it is exposed as a
pagan feast.

It may have its roots in that, just like Christmas and Easter. However,
it's just a secular holiday for kids now. Do you think any of those
children are worshipping the horned god or something? They just want candy.

It has not borne the fruit of pure Christianity but is a
night when one fears for the safety of his property and possessions.
Christians are looking to live in a new world wherein "righteousness
is to dwell." They are endeavoring to live now as they hope to live
then, in that new world. Pagan feasts such as Halloween will not be
observed then; that means a Christian will not celebrate them
now.-2 Pet. 3:13.

Betty Bowers? Are you familiar with her?

--
nimue

"As an unwavering Republican, I have quite naturally burned more books
than I have read." Betty Bowers

English is our friend. We don't have to fight it.
Oprah

"Frank Arthur" wrote in message
...

"Lieken" wrote in message
ups.com...


On Oct 22, 4:54 pm, "Jeff" wrote:
"Lieken" wrote in
oglegroups.com...



While some people may celebrate All Saints Day, I don't see how kids
dressing up in costumes has anything to do with it. I believe that
Halloween
is an important holiday in the Wicca religion, but that doesn't mean
that
Wiccans are celebrating dead Catholic souls.


How about Christians today, how should they view Halloween? Christians
will be motivated by Scriptural principle and not by human reasoning

And you are using "human reasoning" when you attempt to explain your point
of view.

It's actually Watchtower reasoning. The WTS is against all holidays.
They're paranoid and see devils and demons behind everything. Heaven forbid
the little children should have some fun. Even birthday parties are
considered pagan and wicked.

If you do not have human reasoning ability I feel sorry for you!

The WTS does all a JWs reasoning for him/her/them.

If you surrender your human reasoning for "Scripture", "Koranic Verse" or
other belief system
written and created by some human being then you become a slave.

They proudly call themselves slaves for the Watchtower Society....... go
figure!

"John Baker" wrote in message
...
On 22 Oct 2006 13:05:47 -0700, "Lieken" wrote:

ON Halloween night when confronted by a masked, costumed youth making
the requesting threat, "Trick or treat," do you think it cute, just
a harmless occasion for children to enjoy themselves? Do you consider
Halloween to be a time to go to costume parties, bob for apples, and
carve a hollowed-out pumpkin into a fearsome face? Do you put stock in
stories about the return of spirits of the dead, of witches, and of
ghosts and goblins? Is this time of the year a serious occasion to you,
one when you visit the graves of loved ones and attend special
religious services? People view the celebration of Halloween
differently. What does it mean to you?

Halloween actually means Hallow Even or the Eve of All Hallows. In the
eighth century Pope Gregory III established November 1 as the date for
a feast to honor all the saints, it being called All Saints' Day.
According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, it is a feast of the highest
rank. Since all saints are considered hallowed people, the eve of the
feast in their behalf came to be called Eve of All Hallows, or, for
short, Halloween.

In the United States October 31 is Halloween night, a time for fun,
boisterousness and playing pranks. It has been called the worst night
of the year for vandalism, when both young and old run wild. In
Latin-American countries November 2 is the day celebrated, but in a
much different way. November 2 is the day of the Roman Catholic
festival All Souls' Day, which dates from about the eleventh century.
This festival is based on the belief that the souls of the dead can be
aided in getting out of purgatory to reach heaven by the prayers and
alms-deeds of the faithful on earth. Therefore at this festival,
referred to as the Day of the Dead and occurring the day after All
Saints' Day, people visit the graves of loved ones and offer prayers
and alms in their behalf.

And this relates to the subject line how, exactly?

It doesn't. Jabbers is illegally plagiarizing the Watchtower material
again. It's a way to get people to READ what they know is tossed in the
trash in real life. Here on Usenet people READ the WT propaganda before
realizing what it is.