The Innocences of Halloween

It’s So Innocent...

Jeremiah 32:35 And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

The passage from Jeremiah 32:35 highlights the severe consequences of a neighbourhood, society or nation that engages in practices that clash with God’s law, particularly in the worship of Moloch (Molech). It showcases a grave concern over child sacrifice and idolatry, where the worshippers built high places for Baal and made their children "pass through the fire," reflecting deep spiritual distain and the lack of natural affection.

This resonates even more so with the custom and traditions of Halloween, a holiday often celebrated with seemingly innocent customs like costumes, trick-or-treating, and festive decorations—where innocent children celebrate death. However, both Halloween and the practices described in Jeremiah evoke deeper spiritual and historical layers woven with notions of sacrifice, death, and spirituality.

Spiritual Discernment

The parallel between Jeremiah's condemnation and Halloween lies in the spiritual compromise—a seemingly harmless practice of dress up as a ghoul or zombie or death potentially opens doors to spiritual influences contrary to God’s explicit commandment.

Halloween's Hidden Depths

While Halloween is often viewed as a benign celebration of fun and creativity, the echoes of Jeremiah 32:35 remind us that all festivities have historical and moral roots. The connection to child sacrifice and idolatry offers you a sobering lens through which to view all of the innocent practices surrounding Halloween.

The festivities may appear innocent, but they are built upon a foundation that grapples with our fascination—  horror—death and the supernatural. When you engage in these themes you invite powers that you do not fully understand and the ramifications that you cannot control into your house, life and heart. Halloween, in its revelry, warrants caution and deeper contemplation rather than carefree acceptance.