Asymmetric Religion and Philosophy

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Of course not. “Celebrating” Halloween suggests that there's something "good," not just "fun," about it. It's also inappropriate to “observe” Halloween as it's a day of no significance. On the other hand, Christian parents don't have to willfully resist Halloween either as long as the kids don't confuse it with anything meaningful.

I have fond memories of "Trick or Treating," watching “scary” shows on television, and participating in school costume parades as a youngster and I've encouraged my children to experience these things themselves, within bounds.

Come on. Let them have some fun.

The problem in 2008 is that with the secular/sacred polarization in the country (Secular people are more boldly anti-religious causing religious people to become defensive about their faith.), Halloween has strayed from its fun, childish roots to become a sort of gay/pagan/anti-Christian holy day: Celebrations in West Hollywood, Santa Barbara, and other places around the country are often the most festive of the year, a time to don their id-directed costumes; witches or Wiccan priestesses actually do celebrate Halloween or "Samhain"; and strait women nurture their inner-hoochie by dressing in ways that would make Brittney Spears blush (this is a huge problem at my high school, too). My wife's Christophobic friend loudly proclaims that Halloween is her favorite time of year. I don't mean to ruin any of these things for the people participating in these events- I certainly don't wish to ruin it for the men who enjoy ladies dressed in "Pirate Cutey" costumes, although I admit that parents should ruin it for boys who like to look at their under-18 daughters; but I think parents need to keep a couple of things in mind:

Perception of Halloween by children is key here. As long as Christian parents emphasize Halloween's triviality (like some secularists do for Christmas), kids should be OK. A Christian parent can use Halloween as a teaching moment, but I prefer to ignore the issues it presents altogether and just let the kids have fun.

A reason to participate in Halloween is that non and anti-Christian forces will certainly claim Halloween for themselves if Christians abandon Halloween altogether. Then, who knows what it'll evolve into?

Stipulation: If you live in a community where people make a big deal out of it or your child gets mixed up with some friends that do, then it may be smarter to assert your differentness.

And, for Catholics, it's a wonderful opportunity to explain All Souls' and All Saints days.

The total historical accuracy of the "sexy pirate" costume didn't deter this Halloween reveler from choosing it.