Showing posts with label Witchcraft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Witchcraft. Show all posts

THE TRUTH ABOUT HALLOWEEN -- SHOULD CHRISTIANS PARTICIPATE

THE TRUTH ABOUT HALLOWEEN
"Let everyone who names the Name" Paul said, avoid iniquity. 
Is Halloween a celebration of iniquity? 
This is an article put it together from a variety of article and various writers. 

"2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this
inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the
name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
Someone once said, “For a Christian to celebrate Halloween would be as proper as a
Holocaust survivor trying to celebrate Hitler’s birthday”. Yet so many believers continue
to do so without considering what they are doing. Excited children masquerading as
witches, ghosts, goblins, skeletons, demons, and other grotesque characters skipping
through the neighborhood knocking one doors changing “trick or treat” while holding out
a sack in which one is to drop a piece of candy or other goodies…the party at school, or
church, or Sunday School where they bob for apples, tell fortunes, or go through
“haunted houses”…decorations of jack-o-lanterns, witches on brooms and black cats
with arched backs…IT’S “HALLOWEEN” – one of the strangest days of the year.

The word evokes a number of responses. Every year as October rolls around, there are
those that look forward to it with excitement and those that cringe and wish it weren’t
there. Some argue violently against it, some yawn because they’ve heard it all before,
may just look the other way and go ahead with it. Some view it as an abomination,
while many others view it as a harmless tradition. What is Halloween, or Samhain?
What does it represent? And, what should the Christian think about it, if anything?
Where did this fast growing American tradition come from? History provides the
answers. Though it was the Roman Catholic church who designated the October 31st
date as All Hallow’s Eve, or “eve of the holy one’s day,” in prelude to their November 1st
All Saints’ Day, it was earlier pagan peoples who gave the annual holiday the sinister
meaning and traditions it still holds.

“The American celebration rests upon Scottish and Irish fold customs which can be
traced in direct line from pre-Christian times. Although Halloween has become a night
of rollicking fun, superstitious spells, and eerie games which people take only half
seriously, its beginning were quite otherwise. The earliest Halloween celebrations were
held by the Druids in honor of Samhain, Lord of the dead, whose festival fell on
November 1st.”

“It was a Druidic belief that on the eve of this festival, Saman (Shamhain), Lord of death,
called together the wicked souls (spirits) that within the past 12 months had been
condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals.”

Many think Halloween is simply a child’s celebration, a night of fun. Those who grew up
participating in it probably never thought about it any further than the fun of dressing up
and going door to door to fill their bags with treats. The World Book Encyclopedia says
much more the same thing when it states, “Halloween is a festival that takes place on
October 31st. In the United States, children wear costumes on Halloween and go trick-or-
treating. Many carry jack-o-lanterns carved out of pumpkins. At Halloween parties,
people enjoy such activities as fortune-telling, hearing stories about ghosts and witches
and bobbing for apples.”

“The druids, an order of priests in ancient Gaul and Britain,
believed that on Halloween, ghosts, spirits, fairies, witches, and elves came out to harm
people. They thought the cat was sacred and believed that cats had once been human
beings but were changed as a punishment for evil deeds. From these Druidic beliefs
came the present-day use of witches, ghosts, and cats in Halloween festivities.

“Halloween was the night for the universal walking about of all sorts of spirits,
fairies, and ghosts, all of whom had liberty on that night.”

The pagans believed that on one night of the year the souls of the dead returned
to their original homes. “There was a prevailing belief among all nations that at death
the souls of good men were taken possession of by good spirits and carried to paradise,
but the souls of wicked men were left to wander in the space between the earth and
moon, or consigned to the unseen world. These wandering spirits were in the habit of
haunting the living…but there were means by which these ghosts might be exorcised.”

To exorcise these ghosts, that is, to free yourself from their supposed evil sway,
you would have to set out food – give the demons a treat – and proved shelter for them
during the night. If they were satisfied with your treat, it was believed they would leave
you in peace. If food and shelter were not provided, or if they were not satisfied, these
spirits, it was believed, would “trick” you by casting an evil spell on you and cause
havoc.
SO WHERE DID EACH ELEMENT OF
HALLOWEEN COME FROM?
TRICK OR TREAT. 
“The modern custom of ‘Trick-or-Treat’ began in Ireland hundreds
of years ago. A group of farmers went from house to house begging food for the village
Halloween festivities in the name of their ancient gods. Good luck was promised to
generous donors, and threats were made against those who would not give.”
Thus these ancient pagan traditions continue today as youngsters, masquerading as ghosts,
skeletons, and demons go “trick-or-treating” – begging in a sense for food while
promising to refrain from evil deeds.

OCTOBER 31ST. “It was the Celts who set the date of October 31st as their New Year's
Eve and who originally intended it as a celebration of everything wicked, evil and dead.
Also, during their celebration they would gather around a community bonfire and offer
as sacrifices their animals, their crops, and sometimes themselves. And wearing
costumes made from head and parts of other animals, they would also tell one
another’s fortunes for the coming year.
“The celebration remained much the same after the Romans conquered the Celts
and the Romans conquered the Celts around 43 A.D. The Romans did, however, add a
ceremony honoring their goddess of fruit and trees and thus the association with apples
and the custom of bobbing for them.”
JACK-O-LANTERN. The lighted pumpkin face or “Jack-O-Lantern” is an ancient
symbol of a damned soul. “Jack-O-Lanterns were named for a man called Jack, who
could not enter heaven or hell. As a result, he was doomed to wonder in darkness with
his lantern until Judgment Day.”
“Fearful of spooks…folks began hollowing out turnips and pumpkins and placing
lighted candles inside to scare evil spirits from the house.”

HALLOWEEN CHRISTIANIZED. Since Halloween is unmistakably pagan in its origin
and practice, how did the professing church come to accept and keep such a day?
Again history provides the answer. Ever since the time of Constantine, who
made Catholicism the state religion, the Roman emperors realized how essential it was
to have a unified empire, where as many as possible would be of one mind. The civil
and religious leaders saw how important it was for the sake of unity to allow only one
religion with in the Roman domain.
A stringent state policy was implemented to force all non-Christians to accept the
state religion. The condition for “conversion,” of course made it easy for the pagan
population of Rome and elsewhere to “accept” ‘Christianity.’ Since “acceptance” of
‘Christianity’ was made simple, refusal was made difficult. This plan resulted in large
numbers of the heathen population within the empire to flock to the membership of the
church. These people brought with them many pagan practices and celebrations,
Halloween merely being one of them.
How could the church deal with this problem? The church realized that to
excommunicate these pagans would only reduce the membership of the church. This
they were unwilling to do. The church had also learned in past times that it was not
possible to force the people into discarding all their heathen practices and adopting
Roman ones.
There remained only one other way. It was reasoned that if a pagan practice or
festival could not be forbidden, let it be “Christianized.” Let the recently converted
pagans keep certain of their heathen festivals, such as Halloween or All Saint’s Day –
but label it “Christian.” Of course they were asked not to pray to their ancient pagan
gods on this day. They would now use this day to commemorate the death of “saints.”
“In the A.D. 800’s the (Catholic) church established All Saints Day on November
1st so that people could continue a festival they had celebrated before becoming
Christians. The mass that was said on this day was called ALL-HALLOW-MAS. The
evening before became know as All Hallow e’en or Halloween…It means hallowed or
holy evening.”
“The celebration of Halloween is a survival of ancient pagan beliefs. When the
early (Catholic) church was unable to stop pagan practices, it accepted them and gave
them a religious tune.”

SO WHAT IS
HALLOWEEN TODAY
Most of the ancient symbols and traditions of Halloween still exist today. Youngsters
still dress in costume and go trick-or-treating: begging in a sense, for food while
promising to refrain from evil deeds. And, too, they still light their candles, although
much smaller than a torch, and place them inside their pumpkins.
“It is the one night of they ear in which a child experiences the emotion of fear,
fantasy and mystery.”
In advising on what to do on Halloween, THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BOOK
ON ENTERTAINMENT says: “Orange, black and red, the devil’s colors associated with
Halloween and this scheme should be carried out as far as possible…Have paper
streamers and lanterns hanging from the ceiling, or if you would like to have something
less usual, you could make a giant spider web with black and orange strings, or in
narrow strips of crepe paper coming from the four corners of the room, complete with a
large spider-one of the devil’s followers.”

IS THERE AN INCONSISTENCY AMONG
PROFESSING CHRISTIANS?
Bible-believing Christians cringe and shutter at the thought of Satan worship and occult
rites. But how many of these same people will dress their children as witches, ghosts,
skeletons, or devils and send them out to “trick-or treat”? How many smile approvingly
at the church or Sunday School and youth organizations that have Halloween parties
and sponsor “haunted house” activities?
Can any Christian give any scriptural-or even logical reason for participation in,
or approval of that which is unmistakably associated with paganism, devil-worship,
witchcraft and Romanism?

ARE GOD’S PEOPLE GOVERNED
BY THE SCRIPTURES?
The 18th chapter of the book of Deuteronomy, (v. 10-13) very explicitly forbids
Christians to have anything to do with witchcraft (Lev. 19:31), spiritism, or the demonic.
In verse 10 of that Chapter we read: “ There shall not be found among you anyone that
maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire (this has reference to the
worship of the pagan God Moloch which was state worship), or that useth divination (a
false and pagan counterpart of prophecy; the art or act of foretelling secret knowledge,
especially of the future, or an observer of times (astrology), or an enchanter, (to cast
under a spell; charm; enrapture; to chant (magic words), or a witch (divinations in
connection with the worship of idolatrous and demoniacal power), or a charmer (a
fabricator of material charms or amulets to be worn especially around the neck, as a
charm against evil or injury), or a consulter with evil spirits (an inquirer by a familiar
spirit), or a wizard (a false prophet, especially a conjurer. One who summons a devil by
oath, incantation or magic spell), or a necromancer (one who in one form or another
seeks to find information by consulting the dead).
“Thou shalt not learn to do after their abominations…” (Deut. 18:9). “Regard not
them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards to be defiled by them: I am the
Lord your God” (Lev. 19:31).

It is obvious that the elements, symbols, and traditions of the Halloween
observance with its emphasis upon goblins and demons, witches and skeletons, ghosts
and apparitions rising from cemeteries constitute a dabbling with the very things, which
Scripture forbids to God’s people and an open invitation to demonic activity.
It is at this point that many will say, “But we don’t worship demons on Halloween.
It doesn’t mean the same thing today as it did in the past. It’s now just a harmless,
innocent time of fun for the children and the young people.”

Yet, history clearly shows that Halloween is unmistakably a “religious” (pagan
and Roman) holiday. Religion is the adoration, obedience, and service rendered to the
object of one’s worship. It presupposes profession, practice, or observance of whatever
belief and practice – in this case Halloween – as required by some superior authority. It
is indisputably clear that Halloween is NOT commanded or sanctioned by Jehovah God
– the true Christian’s Superior, Authority – in the Scriptures.

“Abstain form all appearances of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22). “And many that believed
came and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious
arts brought their books together, and burned them before men” (Acts 19:18-19).
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor.
10:31).


DOES HALLOWEEN SUPPORT WITCHCRAFT
WHOSE CELEBRATION IS IT???
“Witches have eight major festivals throughout the year. Four are the solar festivals:
one at both equinoxes, and one at both solstices. The other four occur almost mid-point
between the solar festivals; the most famous of these are Samhain (Halloween to nonwitches)
and Beltane (May Day). Samhain, or Halloween, is the beginning of our new
year, and is the time when we can most effectively communicate with the dead.”
A little history is in order. The Dictionary of the Occult and Paranormal states simply,
“Originally a pagan festival of darkness, fire, and death, All Hallows’ Eve was celebrated
by the Celts of Northern Europe…Halloween was also an important date for the witches
calendar.”

Pagan…darkness…death…an important date for the witch's calendar. These words are
clear and graphic, but let’s search for a little more detail.
The encyclopedia, Man, Myth, and Magic, puts it this way, “All Hallows’ Eve, or
Halloween, was originally a festival of fire, the dead, and the powers of darkness. It’s
the evening of October 31st, the night before the Christian festival of All Hallows’ Day.
All Hallows’ Day commemorates the saints and martyrs, and was first introduced in the
seventh century. Its date was changed from May 13th to November 1st in the following
century, probably to make it coincide with and Christianize a pagan festival of the dead.
All Souls Day in the Roman Catholic calendar is November 2nd. Prayers for the souls of
the dead mark it. It is only in recent times that Halloween has been reduced to minor
jollification for the children.”

“Before the coming of Christianity, the pagan Celts in Northern Europe held two great
fire festivals each year – Beltane on the eve of May 1st and Samhain on the eve of
November 1st – to mark the beginning of summer and winter.”
Please note the sentence, “It is only in recent times that Halloween has been reduced to
a minor jollification for the children.” Most of those who argue for this “event,” argue that
it is simply a “harmless tradition for children.” Few realize what it has always been, and
that the origin of this “tradition” is something still alive today. It did not descend to us as
something grounded in a myth from the past. Nearly every feature of it can be traced
directly to practices from the past or to some still practiced today. Halloween has never
symbolized something “good” that was perhaps “perverted”; its symbols and practices
are rooted directly in paganism, darkness, evil, death, and the occult.


WHAT HALLOWEEN REPRESENTS:
The Druids were pagan priests of an old Celtic religion. Druids are mentioned by
name in thirty references in Greek and Roman writers between the second century B.C.
and the fourth century A.D. They were a barbaric order, dreaded or their power and
bloodthirstiness. They certainly appear as lawgivers, and as being extremely
concerned with animal and human sacrifices.
They were, of course, the sole interpreters of religion…they determined all disputes by a
final and unalterable decision, and had the power of inflicting the punishment of death.
And, indeed, their altars streamed with the blood of human victims. Holocausts of men,
women, and children, enclosed in large sacks of wickerwork, were sometimes sacrificed
as burnt offerings to their superstition, which were, at the same time, intended to
enhance the consideration of the priests, who were an ambitious race delighting in
blood.
It has been held by some that the Druids were the builders of England’s Stonehenge. In
fact, “…it is still commonly thought that the Druids built the place as a sun-worshipping
temple and site for human sacrifice. Many eighteenth and nineteenth century authors
continue to accept this explanation.”

However, archeological evidence seems to make clear that the structure had existed
over 1,000 years before the Druids. It is apparent that they used this site for their
ceremonies but normally preferred forest groves. There appears to be evidence that
they used the giant stone carvings to determine the best day to appease the God or
gods of their mystery practices. That day was October 31st. Samhain (The Lord of the
Dead) is said to have called up the evil spirits of those that had died during the previous
year. The inhabitants of the local countryside would cringe in fear as these demonic
rituals took place. Irene Park, a former witch, presents her version of what followed:
“…The Druids in Ireland would go through the neighborhoods and countryside on
the eve of October 31st to collect offerings for Satan. They would carry lanterns,
bags for money, and canes with very sharp points on the ends (currently known
as leprechaun staffs, good luck horns, or fairies’ wands). At each house, they
would demand a specified amount. If the household would not or could not give
the offering (penance or treat), the Druid would use his cane to castrate the male
human or one of their prize animals.”

Another version of the proceedings of the evening is that as the spirits of the dead were
released, they sought their old dwelling places and stalked the countryside's. Offerings
of food and drink were put outside to protect the homes and possessions of the family.
Bonfires were lit to keep the ghosts and demons away. It was from these beginnings
that what is celebrated today originated. There are many other versions and customs:
some are fact, some are fantasy, and these vary from country to country. Against this
backdrop we can see where our “celebration” began.

Please note in the following quotations a similarity in each:
“The guisers went from house to house, singing and dancing. Their
bloodcurdling masks and grotesque costumes may have been meant to keep evil
at bay, or more likely, were a visible representation of the ghosts and goblins that
lurked in the night. These masks have now been transferred to the children who,
in the United States, visit neighbors for the food offering which once belonged to
the dead – or play tricks akin to the legendary destructiveness of witches and
imps abroad on the night.”
“It is interesting to note that much of the original folklore of Halloween has been
preserved in the modern traditions: the goblins, jack-o-lanterns, children’s parties,
begging for gifts, et cetera, which all had their origin in the ancient celebration of All
Hallows’ Eve.”

Perhaps an illustration would clarify the point. Should we dress up our children for
church with swastika earrings? Why not dress them up in little nazi uniforms and let
them have a new celebration where they go from door to door looking for Jews in
hiding? That would be the height of offensiveness. It would be awful, repulsive, and
unthinkable. Why? Because we know that the terrible treatment of the Jews in World
War II was a frightening reality and that the holocaust was an indescribable evil. Surely
no one in his right mind would conceive of such a tasteless and disgusting thing as
dressing children up with symbols that represent evil. Why, then, do some still persist in
dressing little ones up as representations of what God condemns?
Witches, wizards, black cats, jack-o-lanterns – are all visible reminders of that which is
abominable to God. The practices of the Druids, their horrible sacrificing of people, the
witches, the occultists, and all of their trappings were and are an unholy thing still being
practiced in various parts of the world. The true believer in the Lord Jesus Christ should
be as far removed from this “tradition” as possible.


SUMMING IT UP:
WHAT SHOULD WE DO?
Sadly enough, the biggest opposition to what has been said invariably comes from
within professing Christendom. The witches, the occultists, and the secular sources all
freely call it like it is. Note the following quotation from a contemporary witch. “Most of
Christianity’s holy days have their basis in pagan ritual. I get myself into a lot of hot
water when I remind American Christians of that fact. No matter, it’s true. But the level
of tolerance is rising.”

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers,
and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth
with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (Rev. 21:8).
If we believe God’s Word, then witchcraft is something that exists and is hated by God.
It is an abomination. All occult practices are, and they are under the divine
condemnation and wrath of the eternal God. Should the redeemed of God, His children,
have anything to do with that which presents Satan? Should children who “are an
heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3) be dressed up like witches and ghosts and goblins
in light of God’s displeasure? 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Abstain from all appearance
of evil.” The Amplified Bible puts it this way, “Abstain from evil – shrink from it and keep
aloof from it – in whatever form or whatever kind it may be.”

The true child of God should be identified with the pure and holy Jesus Christ. With
“love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…”
(Galatians 5:22-23), not with the powers of darkness and evil. The witch, earlier in this
article, clearly states that it’s their holiday, their celebration. History bears that out.
Christians, have nothing to do with this. It can only be dishonoring to the name of our
Lord.

Q: “What is your perspective of Halloween?
A: There are a number of reasons why I think it is unwise for Christian parents to permit
their children to go door-to-door collecting candy on Halloween. First of all, dressing up
like witches, ghosts, or goblins is incompatible with a Christian’s testimony.
Furthermore, many of the customs of Halloween are associated with the worst kinds of
pagan beliefs and ceremonies; they are usually centered on sinister things such as
demons, witchcraft, and superstition.

If we as Christian parents simply disregard the unchristian aspects of such practices as
mere fantasy or superstition and then encourage our children to participate in them, we
run the risk of communicating the message that the spiritual battle waged by the rulers
of darkness (Ephesians 6:10) is not to be taken seriously.

Halloween has its origins in an ancient Celtic harvest celebration. The superstitious
Celts believed that demons, ghosts, and hobgoblins roamed free in the dark and barren
days of winter, and the end of October was the onset of that season. Their celebrations
grew out of their superstitions, and they have been passed down to the present day,
along with other pagan and satanic beliefs.

John MacArthur

Another reason I don’t advise parents to permit their children to celebrate Halloween by
dressing up and going door to door is the issue of safety. The possibility of a child
being struck by an automobile, kidnapped, poisoned, or otherwise injured is greater
than on any other night of the year.
Still, I think it is wise for parents to give their children a creative alternative to celebrating
Halloween. They shouldn’t feel like they’ve missed something because they are
Christians.
Our family likes to spend Halloween together. We plan special activities that are more
fun for the kids than begging candy. In the past, we have all gone out together for ice
cream, or we might stay home and have a special evening together doing something
just for them.
That way when the children face the inevitable pressure of talking with their friends
about what they did on Halloween, they can share their faith in positive terms, rather
than having to speak of what they can’t do because of their parents’ Christian faith.

HALLOWEEN
WHO ARE WE TO BE LIKE AS CHRISTIANS?
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (KJV)
I Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former
lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all
manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy. (KJV)

WHAT SPIRIT IS OUR GUIDE?
2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye
are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in
[them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out
from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing];
and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (KJV)


WHAT ARE WE TO AVOID ANY CONTACT WITH?
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God
giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10
There shall not be found among you (any one) that maketh his son or his daughter to
pass through the fire [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an
enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard,
or a necromancer, 12 For all that do these things [are] an abomination unto the LORD
thy God doth drive them out from before thee. (KJV)

SHOULD WE
BEWARE OF HALLOWEEN?
There are some Christians who believe Halloween activities are harmless
and innocent fun for their children. What they may not know is its roots are firmly
planted in paganism and occultism. In ancient Britain and Ireland, the Celtic festival of
Samhain (the Lord of the Dead) was observed on Oct. 31. Huge bonfires were set to
attract evil spirits and keep them away from homes. The souls of the dead were said to
revisit their homes along with all kinds of demons, witches, and sinister characters. The
Druids at Stonehenge in England performed mass human sacrifices. The Celts believed
that by watching the victims die in the fire, they would be able to see signs of the future.
The ancient symbol of the jack-o-lantern actually represents a damned soul. It was
named after a notorious man named Jack, who supposedly tricked the devil after
making a binding contract with him.

How did the Roman Catholic Church come to accept such a day so rooted in
paganism? It comes on the eve of The Catholic Church's All Saint's Day (Nov. 1), a day
Rome established as a counter holiday to Halloween. As the Catholic Church absorbed
the Celts into the Church, they were allowed to bring in all their pagan customs and
traditions.

Today Halloween is the highest of all celebrations for Satan worshippers, witches and
the occult. Christians need to be warned so they can take heed and obey the Word of
God. The apostle Paul wrote, "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but
instead expose them" (Eph. 5:11). "Abstain from all appearances of evil" (1 Thes. 5:22).
"Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).


HALLOWEEN
On All Saints Day, it is a Hungarian custom (as in many countries) to go the cemetery
and place candles and flowers on the grave of a loved one. Many village and city
cemeteries are lit up with candles in the night and can be seen from a mile away.


The Truth About Halloween (by Robert McCurry, Maranatha Baptist Watchman), 10/81.
Halloween Through Twenty Centuries by Ralph Linton, p.
Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed., Vol. 12, pp. 857-858.
World Book Encyclopedia, 1959 ed., p. 3245-6.
Highland Superstitions, Alexander Macgregor, p. 44.
Folklore, James Napier, p. 11.
Holidays of Legend, Mildred H. Arthur, p. 87.
World Book Encyclopedia, quoted in Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Associated Press. Oct. 16, 1977.Ibid.
World Book Encyclopedia, 1977 ed., Vol. 9, p. 24-25.
The Book of Festival Holidays, Marqueite Ickis, pp. 125-6.
World Book Encyclopedia.
Holidays of Legend, p. 87.
The Book of Festival Holidays, pp. 125-6.
Good Housekeeping Book of Entertainment, p. 168.
Jeff Pollard, The Evangelist/1984
Jeff Pollard, The Evangelist, 10/84, p. 23.
Ibid. p. 25.
John MacArthur
Gendron Newsletter.
Missionary Paul Held 11/3/97 e-mail

hd:users:elishajohnwilliamcareybarnett:desktop:apo apologetics and church history:apo study guides:apo-21_should i celebratehalloween_991020we.doc 8/8/11

The SHOCKING Truth About HALLOWEEN (Origin of Halloween)




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Disclosure: Much of what is in my posts are things I have compiled through the years and I do not know if they have copyrights. What I do know about origin or website I give credit and have tried to always post a link to the origin. I do not market anything in any way on this blog -- I merely hope it will encourage and inspire others.

TWELVE FORBIDDEN PRACTICES -- UNMASKING THE SPIRITUAL DARK-SIDE --Occult Practices Exposed


Deuteronomy 18
Spiritism Forbidden
9 “When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations.
10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,
11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
12 For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of these detestable things the Lord your God will drive them out before you.
13 You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.
14 For those nations, which you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so.
1 Samuel 15
Disobedience
22 Samuel said, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.
23 “For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
And insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
He has also rejected you from being king.”
Ephesians 6
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
19 and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

JOSIAH--  THE KID / KING WHO OBEYS THE SCRIPTURES
2 Kings 22
11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law,(N) he tore his robes. 12 He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam(O) son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant:(P) 13 “Go and inquire(Q) of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger(R) that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us.”

2 Kings 23:24
4 Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists,(A) the household gods,(B) the idols and all the other detestable(C) things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord.

1. ENCHANTMENTS: The act of influencing by charms and incantations the practice of magic arts.
Definition of ENCHANTMENT (Webster’s)
1 a : the act or art of
enchanting
b : the quality or state of being
enchanted 2 : something that
enchants
Synonyms: abracadabra, bewitchment, charm, conjuration, spell, glamour (also glamor), hex, incantation, invocation, whammy
Other Occult Termsaugury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

  • Deuteronomy 18:10
  • Exodus 7:11, 22 8-7
  • Numbers 23:23, 34:1
  • Leviticus 19:26
  • 2 Kings 17:17, 21:6
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6
  • Ecclesiastes 10:11
  • Isaiah 47:9, 12
  • Jeremiah 27:9
ENCHANTERS: Sorcerer, magician, one who uses the human voice or music to bring another person under psychic control.
Definition of ENCHANTER (Webster’s)
: one that enchants; especially : sorcerer
Related to ENCHANTER
Synonyms:
charmer, conjurer (or conjuror), magician, mage, Magian, magus, necromancer, sorcerer, voodoo, voodooist, witch, wizard
 
  • Leviticus 19:26
  • Deuteronomy 18:10-12
  • 1 Samuel 15:23
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6
  • 2 Kings 17:17
  • Isaiah 47:8-11
  • Jeremiah 27:9
  • Daniel 1:20
2. WITCHCRAFT: The practice of dealing with evil spirits, the use of sorcery or magic.
Definition of WITCHCRAFT (Webster’s)
1 a : the use of sorcery or magic
b : communication with the devil or with a familiar
2 : an irresistible influence or fascination 
wicca Synonyms:
bewitchery, bewitchment, conjuring, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, enchantment, ensorcellment, mojo, necromancy, sorcery, thaumaturgy, voodooism, magic, witchery, wizardry
Related Words:
abracadabra, amulet, charm, fetish (also fetich), mascot, periapt, phylactery, talisman; conjuration, glamour (also glamor), incantation, spell; curse, hex, jinx; augury, crystal gazing, divination, divining, forecasting, foreknowing, foreseeing, foretelling, fortune-telling, predicting, presaging, prognosticating, prophesying, soothsaying, sortilege; hexerei, hoodoo, occultism, spiritualism; augur, omen; exorcism; alchemy
Other Occult Termsaugury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

  • Exodus 22:18
  • Deuteronomy 18:10-12
  • 1 Samuel 15:23
  • 2 Kings 9:22, 2
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6
  • Micah 5:12
  • Nahum 3:4
  • Galatians 5:19-22
3. SORCERY (PHARMAIKA) : The use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits, especially for divining.
PHARMAKIA –Use of medicine and drugs used not for medicinal purposes , used in spells and religious rituals and ceremonies or for ones own pleasure.
The Greek word “pharmakia” literally means “drugs”, and appears five times in the New Testament:

  • Galatians 5:20
  • Revelations 9:21, 18:23, 21:8, 22:15
  • Exodus 7:11
  • Isaiah 47:9, 57:3
  • Jeremiah 27:9
  • Daniel 2:2
  • Malachi 3:5
4. DIVINATION: Fortune-telling
Definition of DIVINATION (Webster’s)
1 : the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2 : unusual insight : intuitive perception
Divination Concise Encyclopedia
Practice of discerning the hidden significance of events and foretelling the future. Divination is found in all societies, ancient and modern, though methods vary. In the West, psychics claim innate ability to predict the future, and horoscopes, palm reading, and tarot cards are popular methods of divination. Other methods involve or have involved interpreting dreams, discovering omens in natural events, reading the entrails of animals, casting lots, and consulting oracles. Divination has long been viewed as the province of specially gifted persons, such as prophets, shamans, and magicians. See also astrology.
Synonyms:
augury
Related Words:
astrology, crystal gazing, geomancy, hydromancy, oneiromancy, pyromancy, rhabdomancy

  • Numbers 22:7
  • Jeremiah 27:8-9, 29-8-9
  • Acts 16:16-18
5. WIZARDRY: The art of practices of a wizard; sorcery.
Definition of WIZARDRY (Webster’s)
1 : the art or practices of a
wizard : sorcery 2 a : a seemingly magical transforming power or influence <electronic wizardry>
b : great skill or cleverness in an activity <showed real wizardry in legal maneuvering>

Synonyms:
bewitchery, bewitchment, conjuring, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, enchantment, ensorcellment, mojo, necromancy, sorcery, thaumaturgy, voodooism, witchcraft, witchery, magic

Related Words:
abracadabra, amulet, charm, fetish (also fetich), mascot, periapt, phylactery, talisman; conjuration, glamour (also glamor), incantation, spell; curse, hex, jinx; augury, crystal gazing, divination, divining, forecasting, foreknowing, foreseeing, foretelling, fortune-telling, predicting, presaging, prognosticating, prophesying, soothsaying, sortilege; hexerei, hoodoo, occultism, spiritualism; augur, omen; exorcism; alchemy
WIZARD: One skilled in magic, sorcerer; male witch.
Definition of WIZARD (Webster's)
1 : archaic : a wise man :
sage 2 : one skilled in magic :
sorcerer 3 : a very clever or skillful person <computer wizards>

Synonyms:
charmer, conjurer (or conjuror), enchanter, mage, Magian, magus, necromancer, sorcerer, voodoo, voodooist, witch, magician

Related Words:
enchantress, hag, hex, sorceress; warlock; occultist; thaumaturge, thaumaturgist, theurgist, wonder-worker; medicine man, shaman, shamanist, witch doctor; crystal gazer, diviner, foreseer, fortune-teller, prognosticator, prophesier, prophet, seer, soothsayer; medium; exorciser, exorcist

Other Occult Terms
augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

  • Exodus 22:18
  • Leviticus 19:31, 20:6, 27
  • Deuteronomy 18:11
  • 2 Kings 17:17, 21:6, 23:24
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6
  • Isaiah 8:19, 19:3
6. NECROMANCY: Communication with the dead; conjuration of the spirits of the dead for purpose of magically revealing the future or influencing the course of events.
Definition of NECROMANCY (Webster’s)
1 : conjuration of the spirits of the dead for purposes of magically revealing the future or influencing the course of events
2 : magic, sorcery — nec·ro·man·cer \-sÉ™r\ noun

Synonyms:
bewitchery, bewitchment, conjuring, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, enchantment, ensorcellment, mojo, magic, sorcery, thaumaturgy, voodooism, witchcraft, witchery, wizardry

Related Words:
abracadabra, amulet, charm, fetish (also fetich), mascot, periapt, phylactery, talisman; conjuration, glamour (also glamor), incantation, spell; curse, hex, jinx; augury, crystal gazing, divination, divining, forecasting, foreknowing, foreseeing, foretelling, fortune-telling, predicting, presaging, prognosticating, prophesying, soothsaying, sortilege; hexerei, hoodoo, occultism, spiritualism; augur, omen; exorcism; alchemy
Other Occult Termsaugury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

  • Deuteronomy 18:11
  • 1 Samuel 28:1-25
  • Isaiah 8:19
  • 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
7. CHARM: Put a spell upon someone; to affect by magic.
Definition of CHARM (Webster’s)
1 a : the chanting or reciting of a magic spell :
incantation b : a practice or expression believed to have magic power
2 : something worn about the person to ward off evil or ensure good fortune :
amulet 3 a : a trait that fascinates, allures, or delights
b : a physical grace or attraction —used in plural <her feminine charms>
c : compelling attractiveness <the island possessed great charm>

Synonyms:
amulet, fetish (also fetich), mascot, mojo, periapt, phylactery, talisman

Related Words:
gris-gris (also grigri), juju, philter, toadstone; emblem, #

Antonyms:
curse, hex, spell
 

  • Deuteronomy 18:11
  • Isaiah 19:3
8. STAR-GAZING / ASTROLOGY: The divination of the supposed influence of the stars upon human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects.
Definition of STARGAZING (Webster’s)
1 : the act or practice of a
stargazer
Definition of STARGAZER (Webster’s)
1 : one who gazes at the
stars: as a :
astrologer b :
astronomer

Definition of ASTROLOGER (Webster’s)
: a person who practices
astrology

Definition of ASTROLOGY (Webster’s)
1: archaic : astronomy
2 : the divination of the supposed influences of the stars and planets on human affairs and terrestrial events by their positions and aspects

Astrology noun (Concise Encyclopedia)
Divination that consists of interpreting the influence of stars and planets on earthly affairs and human destinies. In ancient times it was inseparable from astronomy. It originated in Mesopotamia (c. 3rd millennium BC) and spread to India, but it developed its Western form in Greek civilization during the Hellenistic period. Astrology entered Islamic culture as part of the Greek tradition and was returned to European culture through Arabic learning during the Middle Ages. According to the Greek tradition, the heavens are divided according to the 12 constellations of the zodiac, and the bright stars that rise at intervals cast a spiritual influence over human affairs. Astrology was also important in ancient China, and in imperial times it became standard practice to have a horoscope cast for each newborn child and at all decisive junctures of life. Though the Copernican system shattered the geocentric worldview that astrology requires, interest in astrology has continued into modern times and astrological signs are still widely believed to influence personality.

Other Occult Terms
augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith

Definition of ASTRONOMY: (Webster’s)
the study of objects and matter outside the earth's atmosphere and of their physical and chemical properties

Astronomy noun (Concise Encyclopedia)
Science dealing with the origin, evolution, composition, distance, and motion of all bodies and scattered matter in the universe. The most ancient of the sciences, it has existed since the dawn of recorded civilization. Much of the earliest knowledge of celestial bodies is often credited to the Babylonians. The ancient Greeks introduced influential cosmological ideas, including theories about the Earth in relation to the rest of the universe. Ptolemy's model of an Earth-centred universe (2nd century AD) influenced astronomical thought for over 1,300 years. In the 16th century, Nicolaus Copernicus assigned the central position to the Sun (see Copernican system), ushering in the age of modern astronomy. The 17th century saw several momentous developments: Johannes Kepler's discovery of the principles of planetary motion, Galileo's application of the telescope to astronomical observation, and Isaac Newton's formulation of the laws of motion and gravitation. In the 19th century, spectroscopy and photography made it possible to study the physical properties of planets, stars, and nebulae, leading to the development of astrophysics. In 1927 Edwin Hubble discovered that the universe, hitherto thought static, was expanding (see expanding universe). In 1937 the first radio telescope was built. The first artificial satellite, Sputnik, was launched in 1957, inaugurating the age of space exploration; spacecraft that could escape Earth's gravitational pull and return data about the solar system were launched beginning in 1959 (see Luna; Pioneer). See also big bang; cosmology; gamma-ray astronomy; infrared astronomy; radio and radar astronomy; ultraviolet astronomy; X-ray astronomy.

Other Astronomy Terms
gibbous, nadir, nebulous, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, wax, zenith

  • Isaiah 47:12-15
  • Jeremiah 10:2
  • Daniel 1:18-20, 4:1-37, 5:7-15
9. SOOTHSAYING: The act of foretelling events; prophesying by a spirit other than the Holy Spirit.
Definition of SOOTHSAYING (Webster’s)
1 : the act of foretelling events
2 :prediction, prophecy
Synonyms:
auguring, augury, bodement, cast, forecast, forecasting, foretelling, predicting, presaging, prognosis, prognostic, prognosticating, prognostication, prophecy (also prophesy), prediction, vaticination
Related Words:
foreboding, harbinger, omen, portent, prevision, prospectus, sign; anticipation, foreknowledge; foresight; conjecture, guess, surmise
 
  • Joshua 12:22
  • Micah 5:12-15
  • Acts 16:16-18

10. PROGNOSTICATION: To foretell from signs or symptoms; prophesying without the Holy Spirit. Soothsaying.
Definition of PROGNOSTICATION (Webster’s)
1 : an indication in advance :
foretoken 2 a : an act, the fact, or the power of
prognosticating : forecast b :
foreboding

Synonyms:
auguring, augury, bodement, cast, forecast, forecasting, foretelling, predicting, presaging, prognosis, prognostic, prognosticating, prediction, prophecy (also prophesy), soothsaying, vaticination
 

  • Isaiah 47:12-15
  • Joshua 13:22
  • Micah 5:12-15
  • Acts 16:16-18
11. OBSERVING TIMES: Astrology
  • Leviticus 19:26
  • Deuteronomy 18:10-14
  • 2 Kings 21:6
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6
12. MAGIC: Witchcraft
Definition of MAGIC (Webster’s)
1 a : the use of means (as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces b : magic rites or incantations
2 a : an extraordinary power or influence seemingly from a supernatural source
b : something that seems to cast a spell :
enchantment 3 : the art of producing illusions by sleight of hand
Magic noun (Concise Encyclopedia)
Use of means (such as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces. It constitutes the core of many religious systems and plays a central social role in many nonliterate cultures. Magic is often distinguished from religion as being more impersonal and mechanical and emphasizing technique. Its techniques are usually regarded as means to specific ends (an enemy’s defeat, rainfall, etc.), although another view ascribes a more symbolic, expressive character to such activity. Thus, a rainmaking ritual may both elicit rainfall and stress the symbolic importance of rain and the agricultural activities associated with it. Both the magician and the magical rite are typically surrounded by taboos, purification procedures, and other activities that draw the participants into the magical sphere. Strains of magic in Western tradition, formerly associated with heretics, alchemists, witches, and sorcerers, persist in modern times in the activities of satanists and others. The art of entertaining by performing apparently magical feats (sometimes called conjuring) relies on the use of sleight of hand and other means. See also shaman, vodun, witchcraft and sorcery.
Synonyms:
bewitchery, bewitchment, conjuring, devilry (or deviltry), diablerie, enchantment, ensorcellment, mojo, necromancy, sorcery, thaumaturgy, voodooism, witchcraft, witchery, wizardry

Related Words:
abracadabra, amulet, charm, fetish (also fetich), mascot, periapt, phylactery, talisman; conjuration, glamour (also glamor), incantation, spell; curse, hex, jinx; augury, crystal gazing, divination, divining, forecasting, foreknowing, foreseeing, foretelling, fortune-telling, predicting, presaging, prognosticating, prophesying, soothsaying, sortilege; hexerei, hoodoo, occultism, spiritualism; augur, omen; exorcism; alchemy

Other Occult Terms
augury, censor, invocation, lucidity, metempsychosis, mojo, numinous, preternatural, weird, wraith


  • Deuteronomy 18:10-12
  • 2 Chronicles 33:6
  • 1 Samuel 15:23
For my research purposes these two websites were used:


 
 
 
THE MANUFACTURER'S HANDBOOK
HAS MUCH MORE TO SAY ABOUT
THE DARK SIDE AND HOW BELIEVERS CAN STAND AGAINST EVIL AND RESIST SATAN
Heavenly Father,
I come to you though the precious shed blood of Christ my Savior
I ask your wisdom of discernment be upon each person who studies this teaching.
Your holy word says in James 4:7
"Submit therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you."
I ask that strength be given to believers in Jesus so that they can resist deception and go forth in your word and ways to defeat the enemies lies and powers as they put on the whole armor mentioned in Ephesians 6.
In Jesus name I pray,
AMEN
 
ADDITIONAL STUDIES
2 Peter 2:1
2 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers (among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the (Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
2 Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
2 Thessalonians 2:9
 9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,
10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie
 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.
Mark 16: 15-17
14 Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen.
15 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
17 These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues;
18 they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
Acts 19: 11-16
11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,
12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out.
13 But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.
15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”
16 And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Matthew 12: 45  
43 “Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it.
44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order.
 45 Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation.”
 
1 John 4:1-3
Testing the Spirits
4 )Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God;
 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.

1 Timothy 4:1
Apostasy
4 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

JOSIAH
A YOUNG KID / KING WHO DARED TO
READ THE SCRIPTURE AND ACT ON IT FOR THE GOOD OF ALL
2 Kings chapters 22 & 23