Wednesday, October 25

      Point to Ponder & Discuss:  Do atheists celebrate Hallowe'en?

      They don't seem to enjoy the mysterious side of  any religion, Christianity in particular. They have established a wide gap between religion and things like politics and education. Their argument is that religion, often perceived as just foolish superstition, needs to be kept out of the way  of truly enlightened people.
       What's more superstitious than Hallowe'en in many ways?
       I have been reading that some schools are toning down the whole Hallowe'en celebration in their schools. This is not out of any concern of any religious, supernatural overtones but  because they are concerned - rightly so in this day and age - that costumes may be culturally inappropriate, offensive or racially insensitive. I really hope that such sensitivity will be picked up although I can think of better ways to get the message of inclusiveness across, but it is a start. (It also bemuses me that  no one  might think that children dressing up as hideous monsters, ghastly ghouls, blood-dripping clowns, freaks of nature is not any less offensive  or disturbing but what do I know?)
        Hallowe'en is not one of my favourite nights of the week in the year, not necessarily because it has occultist connotations.  As much as I believe in the mystery and sacredness of life and spirit, I have never believed in goblins, witches, zombies and the like. Maybe that makes me an atheist of sorts! But we will still give out candy to the princesses, the super heroes, and all the cute fuzzy animals who come to our door. Some of the older kids can't even be bothered to dress up any more.We don't get all that many and it leaves us with a nice stash of chocolate candy once the night is over.
       Some conservative Christians refuse to celebrate Hallowe'en because of its perceived links to occultism, Satanism and the  evil of supernatural forces. I doubt that they believe in ghosts or vampires any more than I do but they prefer not to mess with the unknown, no matter anyway. So be it!
       I am not so much concerned over kids in Hallowe'en costumes as I am about the real presence of real Evil that is at work in our world today. A good example is the recent slaughter in Las Vegas, but it is only one of hundreds of stories of pain, suffering, horror, terror, and chilling abominations that are cursing our world. My "devil" doesn't carry a pitchfork and have a forked tail, but carries an automatic rifle and looks just like the guy down the street.  Now that is truly scary!
       Now, I am of the theology and belief that one of things that Jesus has done for us is to score a decisive win against Evil itself. This is not to say that Evil doesn't continue to fight back and has yet conceded defeat. Evil  wants nothing more than to discourage us, overwhelm us, frighten us and disfigure the goodness and blessedness of life so that we will turn away from God's Love, Grace, Beauty, Goodness and Hope.
        But we believe that in  Jesus Christ we are equipped to handle anything and everything that Evil throws at us or throws in our way. "No, in all these things we are more than conqueror through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)
        It is good to be wary of Evil in any of its forms and disguises. But we are not alone, not left defenceless, not without power,  not without the tools of "battle" against the Evil One.
        "And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. 
        This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
        Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet.
        Truth, righteousness,  peace,  faith,  and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon.
         In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. " (Ephesians 6 10 -17, The Message)

Dale