Reflections: Can we combat divisiveness?

The last week of October, it seemed everyone in my email and social media feeds had an opinion about Halloween. Some shared costume ideas and posted on neighborhood treat maps; others planned to participate in “trunk-or-treat,” live music, etc., at their church or business. 

On the flip side were people calling out any such activity on or around October 31 as “the devil’s favorite holiday,” accusing participants of “selling kids to the devil for candy.” Some even accused those hosting fall festivals of trying to sanitize something evil. 

Just a short scroll down the social media page, though, other people shared links to Reformation Day, cited connections to All Saints’ Day on November 1, or referenced those who rose from graves and appeared to people after Jesus’ crucifixion (recorded in Matthew 27:52-53). Those people believe the original celebrations of October 31 were hijacked to distract from the religious connection, and some allow their children to dress up as Bible characters or superheroes for parties, but avoid scarier costumes. 

I have not had time to thoroughly research these various connections, but after prayer and discussion with my husband over the years, we have agreed that on Halloween night we will have the porch light on and a generous basket of good candy. I love fall, so my porch décor doesn’t include scary yard figures or references to witches. 

We have considered several scripture passages in our consideration of October 31, including references in Ecclesiastes and Proverbs to “applying [one’s] heart to wisdom.” We studied the Apostle Paul’s admonition to “abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22); the Old Testament commands to avoid witchcraft or consulting the dead; and Paul’s advice to think on “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable . . .” (Phil. 4:8).  

Our reasoning is this: What other night of the year do we interact with many families in our neighborhood that we only see in passing otherwise? Could being friendly lead to additional conversation later, or even a chance to share the Gospel? If the weather is pleasant, I sit on the porch, accompanied by my friendly orange cat, Dexter, a big crowd-pleaser as he allows—actually, begs—children to pet him. 

This year, along with my usual leaf garlands and a few pumpkins, I added a framed print of “Grace,” the painting of a man praying over a simple meal of soup and bread. One of my mom’s favorites, that picture always hung in our dining room; and it still reminds me daily to be thankful. More than one October 31 guest paused to look at it. 

After trick-or-treat numbers had slowed, I noticed a young man, maybe an older teen, walking slowly down the street alone, wearing a coat and a mask and carrying a shopping bag. Some of the neighbors had put things away for the evening, but when he saw me, he approached. Dexter immediately got involved, and the young man seemed to appreciate the friendly cat and a quick chat—and he, too, paused to look at the painting. I may never know, but somehow, I think the price of candy and the evening on the porch would have been worth it even just for that one young man. 

I hope my disagreeing friends can respect my decision. Scripture calls for unity among Christians, including Paul’s exhortations to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Although there is no place for blatant disregard of scriptural commands, believers may differ in their cultural understanding, knowledge of church history and circumstances. The Holy Spirit used Halloween to remind me that, rather than seeing us being divisive or rude, our communities and nation desperately need to see an example of unity and understanding.