***Scroll Down for links to others discussing Halloween topics ***
The picture to the right is from our Polish friend Jordan who also sends the message,
Dear Randy,
I want only to send to you my best Halloween wishes from my mystic 1000 years old town - Gda?sk
to you and to all your readers :
- may your Halloween be filled with fun , magic and memories
greets
Jordan
ps. photo and wishes - feel free to publish
Thank you Jordan. You know I love your photography and am blessed that you remembered us during this event. I appreciate you.
I must confess that I am not real into Halloween. It is a personal conviction and while I pick on other Christians (in fun) about it … I leave room for varying opinions. The reason I don’t get riled up about it is because of instances like this.
Another reason I don’t argue with fellow Christians who don’t hold my point of view is because I have my own interactions with dark topics that others find objectionable. I view “dark” art (visual, written, film … whatever) as being reflective, or pointing to, a part of our natural and supernatural reality. For example, I know of one artist where most of his work (if not all) is spiritually dark … but he is a Christian. If I were to ever have children old enough or protege’s/interested friends … I have and would want them to look at the art. I would want the art to speak for itself but hopefully be an opportunity for us to discuss evil, despair and the “dark” side of life in the context of reality and faith. I don’t think art should be confined to warm fuzzy or “pay attention to and take care of me” centered principles all the time. However, I think God and His word should be the boundaries of viewing and interpreting all art.
Oh, it should be said, I absolutely refuse to see gore fest movies or those that glorify torture and/or trauma. I also don’t support blasphemy. There is a line I don’t cross and will actively oppose the promotion of. So yes, I am judgmental, just not of others regarding Halloween in general.
I have been jumped on by other believers for this approach to uncomfortable art. If I hear “garbage in garbage out” one more time in reference to artistic efforts that don’t include warm hamlets on babblng brooks … ::: sigh ::: … regardless, I don’t return the favor with regard to Halloween.
Some people say that this is what they do with Halloween (use it as a teaching and contemplative tool.) I can’t quite go there with them. Personally, I cannot see benefiting (getting candy or celebrating) altering my appearance, and making light of evil as edifying. It blurs the line (to me) of the difference between good and evil. Others also object because it honors pagan rituals and invites supernatural evil. I think there is merit to those arguments. I would rather err on the side of non-participation. Being a single man that is easy for me.
That said, I trust my friends too. I don’t think they are any less spiritual, compromised or in need of correction. When I have seen others who don’t participate in Halloween speak about it… those are usually the themes I see.
The friends who do participate in Halloween are not going off the deep end about it either. They don’t appreciate the same grotesque, demonic or sexualized imagery as well. They would even agree with me about the concerns but they handle it differently.
So, as usual … what do you think? I know there are strong opinions so please don’t hold back. At the same time, don’t use the “garbage in garbage out” approach. Explain in compelling detail as much as you are comfortable doing so.
And just a warning… I have a funny (at least I hope so) post along the lines of Halloween for tomorrow.
MORE 10/31/07: Here are several links to others blogging about the issue … Albert Mohler, Between Two Worlds and The Evangelical Outpost
EVEN MORE 10/31/07: Del Tackett talks about inappropriate costumes for children.
Technorati Tags: Art, Christianity, Church, Current Affairs, Friends, Holiday, People, Photography, Halloween, Spirituality, Evil
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October 30, 2008 at 8:23 pm
[...] year I wrote (more thoughts after the [...]