To the Editor: Instead of trick-or-treating, get your kids to party as biblical figures
By The Post-Standard
October 28, 2009, 6:54AM

To the Editor:

The pagan feast of Halloween is foreign to Christian tradition and has become a superstitious and empty way of imposing mindless triviality.

The day has its origin in the Celtic New Year, which celebrated the return of the spirits of the dead to their homes. Hence, those who observe Halloween, though they are probably ignorant of what they are doing and why they are doing it, are in reality celebrating death, the devil and hell.

The observance of Halloween is mixed with Christian festivities whose meanings are totally contrary to Halloween. On Nov. 1, Christians celebrate belief in the communion of saints. On Nov. 2, we make visits to the cemetery as a religious and profoundly human gesture, inspired by the hope in the resurrection. I encouraged Christians to celebrate the Christians truths of these days with renewed faith as a response to the real concerns of mankind today. Also, as an alternative to Halloween I might suggest that parents not allow their children to go trick-or-treating, but instead attend costume parties where they can dress as biblical figures.

Weekend weather outlook is old-timey with a touch of crazy. But hey, who am I to judge? Let’s see if I can contribute in some way… maybe the following will inspire some costume designs:

Sodom and Gomorrah
Jan Brueghel the Elder.

Altar piece at Brixen, South Tirol
Michael Pacher

Cain and Abel
Il Tintoretto

Garden of Earthly Delight – Hell
Jheronimus Bosch