Halloween Participation Equated With Jihadist Terrorism
The Halloween season is noted for a variety of traditions.
One of the most distinct in very conservative Evangelical circles is the anti-Halloween sermon.
One such oratorical treat posted at SermonAudio by Chris Engelsma is titled “The Seven Sons Of Sceva”, an allusion to the exorcists that had their posteriors handed to them by a demonic entity after the band of necromancers invoked the name of Christ as a magical incantation despite not actually believing in the Savior.
In the sermon, it is explicitly insinuated that Christians participating in Halloween customs such as Trick Or Treat make as much rational sense as Israelis hoisting the flag of Hamas.
Yet towards the conclusion of this pulpit lucidity, this pastor that apparently does not mind going so rhetorically over the top into what some might consider questionable taste can't really bring himself to take a definitive pronouncement against Halloween and the Christian's undisputed obligations in regards to this controversial festival.
Instead the minister hems and haws as he reaches the conclusion about how all he can do is expound a set of principles with each individual believer left to decide what is best for their own family.
If a pastor ends his sermon with the modifying stipulation that his only intention is to share his interpretative perspective and that he cannot determine for you the position to adopt in regards to a particular practice where the directives of Scripture are not clearly explicit, on what grounds does he and the leadership clique of the congregation get jacked out of shape at you should you come to a differing conclusion?
As a result, the discerning are no doubt left wondering is Halloween not really as bad as they have been led to believe in hysterical tirades and even more importantly, is terrorism something that does not to be opposed all that rigorously.
Frederick Meekins is an independent theologian and social critic. Frederick holds a BS in Political Science/History, a MA in Apologetics/Christian Philosophy from Trinity Theological Seminary, and a PhD. in Christian Apologetics from Newburgh Theological Seminary.