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.

Come on. Let them have some fun.

The problem in 2009 is that the secular/sacred polarization (secular people are more boldly anti-religious causing religious people to become defensive about their faith) has caused Halloween to stray 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 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).

I don't mean tomar any of these things for those who wish to participate- I certainly don't wish to ruin it for the men who enjoy ladies dressed in "Pirate Cutey" costume- but I think parents should keep a couple of things in mind during this season.

Perception is key.. As long as Christian parents emphasize Halloween's triviality (like some secularists do for Christmas), kids should be OK. Otherwise, a Christian parent can use Halloween as an opportunity to teach about history or some contemporary issues (for Catholics, it's a wonderful chance to explain All Souls' and All Saints days.), or just ignore the controversies altogether and just let the kids have fun.

A reason to participate in Halloween is to prevent anti-Christian forces from claiming Halloween for themselves, something which will surely happen if Christians abandon Halloween altogether. Who knows what it'll evolve into, then.

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 different-ness.

For a professional debate, you can hear Michael Medved and his wife argue over the issue tomorrow. I'll post the show.

Update:

Vatican condemns it.

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