To the Editor,

Autumn deepens, temperatures cool; Halloween draws nigh.

Like vampires at dusk, the religious dogmatists begin stirring. Internet posts appear from these cheerless killjoys, warning spooky merrymakers of dangers presented to their eternal souls by All Hallow’s E’en, having nothing to do with ghosts, ghouls or monsters.

“Satanism!” they charge, in baleful warning. “Pagan celebration! If it doesn’t glorify God,” they scowl, “…it glorifies Satan! Witchcraft!”

From that perspective, they’re absolutely right. Our Halloween indeed draws its origins from several different pagan autumnal celebrations; the Celtic “Samhain” (pronounced “Sow-en”), being one.

Many things were formerly considered “witchcraft” — herbal remedies, say. Knowing which plants and roots (obviously, provided by God) are medicinal. People were burned alive, for the wickedness of knowing that willow bark tea soothes headaches.

They were cavorting with Satan!

So, sending children out “Halloweening”- dressed innocently as, perhaps, superheroes, robots, princesses — we’re permitting them to frolic with demons? Attending a party with friends, dressed as Superman, having fun playing “spooky” games, eating “spooky” foods, glorifies Satan?

Really?

That’s the problem with “religion,” sometimes.

Besides ridiculously differing denominational perspectives on the exact same concepts (including observing Halloween), it often seems religion exists only to shame; impose guilt.

Seemingly, really enjoying anything is sinful.

“Religion” and “faith” are two different things.

“Faith,” simply put, is believing without seeing. “Religion” is the ritualistic dogma which develops around faith; the “legalism.” Things must be done a certain way, we’re told, or God is displeased. Practices and protocols, naturally, vary with denomination. “Religion” makes faith a chore.

The whole point of Christ’s ministry was simplifying God’s relationship with humanity; streamlining all the ritualistic dogma Judaism had imposed upon itself, over three millennia.

Catholicism is Christianity’s oldest faith.

Similarities between Judaism and Catholicism are striking; overriding dependence and insistence upon ritualistic dogma. This is because, I think, as the emerging Christian (Catholic) faith grew from Judaism, it naturally took Judaism as its model, and with it, its ritualistic, dogmatic nature. Ironically then missing the point of Christ’s teachings.

Then Protestants, rebelling against Catholic legalism, developed their own doctrines. Finding Satanic evil in innocent holiday revelries is one. There’s also a difference between “celebration” and “observation.” Most people simply “observe” Halloween; the spooky fun. Others, pagan believers, “celebrate.”

Speaking as a Christian, however, it’s silly. Should we then assume that God doesn’t know, or can’t tell, the difference? Does God not know our hearts? Our motives? Whether or not our hearts are “right”?

Worship is a conscious act; you can’t “worship” something unintentionally, not even Satan. In all my childhood Halloweens, Devil worship never crossed my mind; I just wanted candy. Surely, there are worse things, for which God could convict me. If God really condemns our holiday fun, maybe he’s not as loving and forgiving as we’re told.

These zealots will return after a Thanksgiving break, to remind us of the Satanic, pagan origins of all the warm, fuzzy, fun festivities of Christmas; lights, decorated trees, round glass ornaments, carols, holly, even gifts.

Happy Halloween.

Rob Denham

Weirton