With Halloween upon us, and more controversial for Christians than ever in light of the cultural fascination with vampires, werewolves, witches, and zombies, I thought it might be helpful to post a variety of articles on Halloween from divergent perspectives. I do not agree with every one, but think they are helpful to see the various perspectives on this ghoulish celebration. 

3 tips for discipling your kids through Halloween

Verge Network

With such a complicated mixture of influences, it’s important for each family to use discernment and wisdom in determining if and how to celebrate this holiday. I believe that there are sinful ways to participate in Halloween, just as there are with any holiday. However, I also believe there are many aspects of this holiday that we have freedom in Christ to participate in.

Most Americans 18–29 years old believe in demon possession, shows survey

Huffington Post

Are Americans becoming less religious? While church affiliation is probably declining, don’t expect the atheist revolution anytime soon: Over one half (63 percent, to be exact) of young Americans 18–29 years old now believe in the notion that invisible, non-corporeal entities called “demons” can take partial or total control of human beings, revealed an October 2012 Public Policy Polling survey that also showed this belief isn’t declining among the American population generally; it’s growing.

Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

The Village Church

There is no demon meat – just meat that can be eaten in celebration of Jesus. Jesus made meat, and it is a good gift. Don’t get rid of the meat. Rather, get rid of its demonic association and redeem the meat for Jesus.

Pat Robertson calls Halloween ‘Satan’s night,’ while Christians use holiday to witness

The Christian Post

Halloween may be a fun day of trick-or-treating, dressing up and watching scary movies for some, but Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat Robertson is not having any of it, and implied that Christians should avoid the holiday all together. Other believers, however, say the holiday can be used as an occasion for outreach and evangelism.

The gospel of ghoul 

First Things

Hell Houses can be found from New England to the Northwest, though they thrive in those red states where Pentecostal and fundamentalist churches are strongest. Hundreds of thousands of teens and tweens will stand in line for hours and pay good money (about the price of a premium movie ticket) in order to be scared out of their wits by this bizarre form of entertainment evangelism.

What your Halloween spending—particularly, your choice of costume—says about you

TIME

Halloween is no longer a kid’s holiday. In fact, more money is now spent on adult costumes than outfits for children. If you’ve ever wondered what someone’s Halloween costume selection says about his or her personality, read on.

An Episcopal Christian’s view on Halloween

Halloween.com

Halloween means “the evening before All Holy Ones’ Day.” Today we call that festival Halloween (Hallow’s Eve) and we have many fun secular ways of recognizing it in addition to religious ways. However, it’s important to remember that its celebration has a long, positive history in the Church.

Should Christians participate in Halloween?

ChristianAnswers.net

The October 31st holiday that we today know as Halloween has strong roots in paganism and is closely connected with worship of the Enemy of this world, Satan. It is a holiday that generally glorifies the dark things of this world, rather than the light of Jesus Christ, The Truth....There are better things to do on Halloween than partying.

The (not so) spooky stats for Halloween 2013

National Retail Federation

Seven in ten 18–24 year-olds surveyed said they plan to put on a costume this year. And those in their late 20s to early 30s are still in the Halloween spirit: 65 percent said they will also wear a costume. Spending on adult costumes is expected to reach $1.2 billion this year, slightly higher than the $1 billion for children’s costumes. While adult costumes typically have higher price tags, this shows Halloween is a holiday for adults, too.

Halloween for Christians?

Stand to Reason

Halloween is coming up in a couple of days and I always get a spade of calls on Halloween weekend from people who want to know whether they should let their children participate in Halloween or not.  I actually have mixed feelings about this.

America spends $300 million on costumes for pets

MarketWatch

Yes, Halloween has gone to the dogs. And the cats, too. Sales of pet costumes have soared in recent years, growing by 68% — from $220 million in 2010 to $370 million in 2012, according to the National Retail Federation. And individual retailers say they see demand only increasing in the years ahead. PetSmart points to the fact that it now carries 111 styles of pet costumes and accessories; it’s even starting to offer items for “small animals.”