Okay, I oscillated for a few days, debating whether or not I should respond to your blog (I rarely respond to blogs). My initial reaction was, “Hey Steve, what were you thinking? And what ‘possessed’ you to do such a thing?” LoL! Surely you weren’t surprised by the hits you would receive?

I read several posts on your site and expected to see a range of emotions/opinions, (Scripture quotes, indicating how Yahweh feels about pagan celebrations etc.)

I can understand and appreciate what you are saying, with your emphasis on doing something “Christ-like” on that day, (as any other day) but for those who do not feel obligated to do something on that day or those who choose to abstain from having anything to do with Halloween, we would like to offer another alternative. There is another way, a better way and we prefer to take the discussion to another level.

We recognize that there are Believers who understand the true origins of this day, that this ‘celebration of death,’ actually pre-dates Irish/Catholic/Druidic roots, as you know. Ancients Danites (from the tribe of Dan) migrated to northern Europe and the British Isles, and embraced Babylonian “mythos.”

The ancient Babylonians had a pagan god called Samas. “…from the Amorite period the major name for Satan was Samael” Jewish legend says ‘Samael-Samiel’ is the angel of death and the head of the devils. The Greek rendering of the word ‘Samael’ is ‘Sammane’.” (The Encyclopedia Judaica, Vol. 5, page 1020 and Vol. 14, page 719)

My point is simply this. I understand where you are coming from, with respect to your beliefs about St. Patty’s approach, but rather than look for alternate ways for people to interact or find other virtuous deeds to do on that day or “Christianize” or baptize this pagan celebration (in some way), and you cannot avoid having people feel that they are compromising their faith (knowing from His word how Yah feels about Israelites embracing pagan religion), we simply prefer to tell people the truth about these pagan days and share the TRUTH with them regarding Yahweh’s festive celebrations ( His holidays or Holy Days).

Yahweh calls them “My Feasts” in Leviticus chapter 23 (they are not feasts of the Jews, although the Jews are among the few who observe them).

We observe the very same festivals that Yeshua (Jesus) observed, the same festivals that the Apostles and the early church observed. My personal beef with those who look for ways to “re-interpret” or Christianize pagan days, is this. Pagan celebrations teach absolutely nothing about God’s plan of salvation for mankind, whereas God’s Holy Days do! All seven Festivals are very rich in meaning and contain deep spiritual truths for Yah’s people, for those who have embraced the New Covenant in Yeshua the Messiah. Many pass out salvation tracts on this day, but few tell unbelievers the real alternative to these days.

Understanding, observing, and walking in the footsteps of Messiah (including His Holy Days) will enrich our spiritual lives and lead us to a greater understanding about Yahweh, His Son, and His plan for all mankind.

As Yeshua said, those who worship the Father, will worship Him, in “spirit and in truth,” as the Father is seeking such, who will worship Him, His way. IF Yeshua is the Lord of our lives, then he is certainly the Lord in our observances!

Anyway, those are my thoughts on the matter. Love to all. Thanks again for your recent concert in Winnipeg; we have always enjoyed your music ministry and God-given talents.

Shalom,

Randy

Was there something funny about Mennonites? Because I guess I didn’t read that part.

“Personally, it makes me sad that the Church (in part) seems to have retreated into the very fear-based isolation St. Patrick’s lively faith contradicted.”

We as a family are in full time kids ministry and my wife wanted to hand out candy as well as give kids a choice to choose a free CD or DVD from our collection of kids resources we produce to help kids experience the beauty and richness of knowing Christ.
47 kids in our small community.received the ‘sweetness’ of Christ by getting a christian CD/DVD.

It is nothing to do with fear. I also don’t celebrate Yom Kippur or Ramadan. So? It is those who wish me to participate in Halloween that make it such a big deal. I’m trying to ignore it and go swimming or something, but there is always so much pressure to join in. Why can’t I just quietly abstain like I do for so many other things?

And I am not judging anyone who does participate. I think a percentage of them wish they would have the guts to take a stand, but just can’t do it. So your article makes them feel better and that’s why they like it. Others really don’t see anything wrong with it. It’s their choice. It is not as black and white as some people are making it out to be.

So, like I said in the beginning, when in doubt, throw it out. I want to please God out of love for Him, not out of fear. Fear has nothing to do with it.

Ha! That’s the first comment I’ve seen that started with “Bah!” Awesome! Donna – do as you please, obviously. My argument is simply that folks need not abstain from participation on the basis of Christian principle when the spread of the very tradition in question is largely because of Christian conviction that Christ has conquered death and triumphed over evil. – Steve