Fear Not, Fear God – One More Thesis For The Church: A Reformation Day Reflection on Halloween

Let’s start by examining the difference between what the Bible means when it says, “Do not fear” or “Do not be afraid” (Isaiah 41:10; John 14:27, among others) and when it instructs us to “Fear God” (Proverbs 9:10, among others).
 
These passages describe two very different kinds of fear.

1. The first (“Do Not Fear”) is anxious dread—an emotional response triggered by real or perceived danger to our physical, emotional, or psychological safety. Even when we intellectually recognize that we’re safe, our emotions may continue responding to a perceived danger until they catch up with reality.
   • When Scripture tells us not to fear, these passages often address human anxiety, panic, terror, and the overwhelming feelings associated with danger, enemies, and uncertainty—even when those threats are only perceived.
   • In more tantalizing or long-term cases, when people become consumed by fear of their circumstances, including situations they’ve placed themselves in or misunderstandings about God’s character, that fear can lead to hiding, isolation, and anxiety. Their attention becomes fixed on threats, potential losses, enemies, or misconceptions.
   • God tells believers not to fear because of His presence in their lives, His love for His creation (including us), and His sovereignty. We do not have to remain enslaved—even temporarily—to panic, despair, or anxiety.
2. The second (“Fear God”) is reverential fear—a deep sense of awe, wonder, respect, and submission. It means taking someone seriously because of their position, authority, or significance. When directed toward God, this reverence provides the foundation for wisdom and obedience.
   • The “fear of the Lord” is not about being terrified of God or running away from Him in panic. Instead, it involves a profound sense of wonder, respect, and submission to His holiness, power, and majesty.
   • This fear draws us nearer rather than driving us away. Think of the immense power of the ocean. You can respect its force and magnitude without allowing that respect to needlessly prevent you from enjoying its beauty. Likewise, fearing God means recognizing His holiness, majesty, and goodness.
   • Fearing God produces wisdom, moral clarity, and a hatred of evil. It can even diminish lesser, worldly fears because God becomes the greatest and most important reality in a person’s life.

 Why Is It Wrong to Create Fear?
Intentionally creating or multiplying ungodly fear—anxious dread—is harmful because it can directly oppose God’s character, undermine a person’s faith, disrupt their peace, and become a spiritual stumbling block. Scripture gives us several reasons to be cautious about cultivating fear in others.

1. It Counterfeits the Work of the Holy Spirit
   • God desires to deliver His people from fear, not burden them with it or manipulate them through it.
   • Creating anxious dread in others means cultivating an atmosphere that is inconsistent with the peace and assurance God desires for His people and that comes from Him.
   • In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul writes, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.“*
   • When someone intentionally provokes panic, paranoia, or dread in others, they foster confusion and instability rather than the peace, power, and clarity God intends and that comes from Him.
2. It Can Lead to Spiritual Confusion, Paralysis, and/or Sin
   • a. If Christians teach that we should bring our burdens and difficulties to God but then use fear to communicate that message—or even to present the gospel—it can become confusing and manipulative.
   • How can we confidently evaluate a professed salvation experience if it was produced primarily through a manufactured emotional response of fear? Such an approach can create an unstable and uncertain beginning to someone’s trust in God.
   • While the world already provides plenty of reasons for panic, paranoia, and dread, our interactions with others concerning the gospel should reflect the peace, power, and clarity God intends.
   • Throughout biblical history, when someone used fear to influence, it led to an abandonment of faith, disobedience, and sinful choices. Consider the ten spies who returned from exploring the Promised Land with a frightening, exaggerated report. Their words caused the Israelites to panic and lose faith in God’s promises (Numbers 13:31–33; 14:1–38). And God condemned them for what they did. Christians should be especially careful to avoid tactics that drive people into self-preservation or “survival mode,” where their primary motivation becomes simply feeling safe.
   • A side note: Can God use someone’s existing fear, anxiety, and uncertainty to draw them to Himself? Of course! But why should we deliberately add to the fear already present in the world or unnecessarily amplify its difficulties and evils?
3. It Creates Stumbling Blocks and Contradicts Love
   • Jesus issued serious warnings against causing others to stumble spiritually. In Luke 17:1–2, He warns that temptations to sin are inevitable, but leading someone to sin is worse! It would be better for him to die!
   • One of the strongest theological arguments against deliberately cultivating fear in others is that doing so can directly contradict a central virtue of the Christian life: love.
   • 1 John 4:18 says: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.“
   • Why would any Christian intentionally want to provoke that kind of response?! Creating fear in another person can weaken their confidence and disturb their peace. Exploiting another person’s vulnerability is contrary to the compassion and care Scripture calls us to demonstrate and could be considered cruel (Proverbs 14:31; Leviticus 25:17; Psalm 82:3-4; 72:4). If the believer’s goal is to reflect God’s love to the world, multiplying fear accomplishes the opposite. It builds walls of suspicion and torment rather than bridges of trust and grace.

What Does All of This Have to Do With Halloween?
Many Christians choose not to celebrate Halloween because they believe its themes, origins, or modern practices conflict with biblical teachings. Some believers participate in secularized celebrations involving costumes, trick-or-treating, harvest festivals, or even toned-down haunted houses and trails. Those who abstain, however, commonly point to several concerns.

1. Everything We’ve Already Discussed About Fear
   If deliberately cultivating terror and anxious dread is spiritually concerning, shouldn’t
   Christians carefully evaluate celebrations that intentionally make entertainment out
   of those very emotions?
2. The Glorification of Darkness and Evil
   This is one of the most common objections I’ve encountered.
   • Halloween decorations, entertainment, and media frequently emphasize gore, terror, demons, witchcraft, and other dark spiritual themes.
   • The Old Testament explicitly forbids practices such as divination, consulting spirits, and witchcraft (Deuteronomy 18:10–12).
   • The New Testament instructs believers to distance themselves from the works of darkness. Ephesians 5:11 commands, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.“
   • Although modern trick-or-treating is largely commercialized, many Christians believe the holiday remains connected, at least symbolically, to spiritual practices that oppose God. Of course, others argue that they aren’t participating in those spiritual practices at all. They’re simply having fun, and Halloween doesn’t carry that meaning for them. I’ll return to that argument later when discussing testimonies that have strengthened some Christians’ convictions.
   • For many believers, participating in a holiday that turns evil, horror, and dark spiritual forces into entertainment seems inconsistent with the instruction to focus our minds on what is pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8).
3. The Celebration of Fear and Death
   • As discussed earlier, Scripture repeatedly encourages believers not to be controlled by anxious dread or terror, that do not come from God. Yet many Halloween activities deliberately cultivate fear through haunted houses, frightening masks, horror themes, and disturbing imagery. Furthermore, Christ’s resurrection represents victory over death, while Halloween imagery frequently turns symbols of death—skeletons, graves, and ghosts—into decorations, entertainment, and even comedy. Eww.
   • Believers are described as “children of light” rather than darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5). For Christians, celebrating things designed to terrify people or trivialize the seriousness of death is inconsistent with that identity.
4. The Christian Distinction to Be Set Apart
   • Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to be holy—set apart—and distinct from the surrounding culture and customs. Romans 12:2 warns: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.“
   • For many Christians, choosing not to participate in Halloween festivities is a tangible way to practice spiritual discernment. It can also communicate to their neighbors that their values are anchored in Christ, life, and peace rather than the traditions associated with the holiday.

What About Church-Sanctioned Halloween Alternatives?
Participating in church-sponsored trunk-or-treat events, harvest festivals, or similar celebrations can be complicated when you have personal convictions about Halloween. You may want to support your church’s mission while remaining uncertain about whether participating is appropriate. Many churches host these events to provide safe, positive alternatives for families and to build relationships within their communities for the purpose of sharing the gospel. They normally, intentionally remove frightening or overtly dark elements. There are ways to support your church community while still honoring your personal convictions.

1. Respect Your Convictions!
   • You can choose not to participate at all. That’s our family’s choice. We prefer not to associate our names or participation with Halloween-related activities, even when a church has removed the celebration of fear and death from its event. It’s still October 31, and that date can carry significant meaning for people who previously participated in occult practices or celebrations. We want to remove confusion about our connection to the holiday.
   • Romans 14 addresses disagreements among believers over disputable matters, including cultural customs and the observance of particular days. It teaches that believers should be fully convinced in their own minds while avoiding unnecessary judgment of others. If attending an event violates your conscience or creates genuine spiritual conflict, it’s perfectly reasonable to decline politely.
   • However, that doesn’t mean you should condemn everyone who chooses to participate. Christians are at different stages of spiritual maturity, understanding, and conviction, and often don’t share in the same convictions—even pastors.
   • If someone asks why you didn’t attend or volunteer, you can thoughtfully explain your reasoning using the principles discussed here. Or you can simply send them this article!
2. Tailor Your Level of Engagement
   • You don’t necessarily have to participate in every aspect of an event to support your church community. If your convictions allow some involvement, consider choosing a role that aligns with your conscience.
     • The Hospitality Volunteer: Serve food, manage registration, or help with activities. This allows you to focus on hospitality, community service, and welcoming neighbors.
     • The Social Visitor: Skip the costumes and themed activities. Attend simply to connect with friends, enjoy fellowship, and support your church’s outreach efforts.
3. The important thing is to avoid violating your conscience merely because you feel pressured to participate.

Testimonies That Have Strengthened Convictions
Testimonies from former witches, occult practitioners, and Satanists who have converted to Christianity have significantly influenced some believers’ perspectives on Halloween. Individuals such as former occultist Jenny Weaver, former psychic Jenn Nizza, and former Satanic leader Riaan Swiegelaar have publicly shared accounts of their experiences and concerns and why they have completely abandoned the holiday and strongly advocate for Christians to do the same. These are their theological interpretations and personal testimony claims, rather than independently established facts about what necessarily happens when someone participates in Halloween activities. Nevertheless, their experiences have caused many Christians to reconsider what they are comfortable treating as entertainment.

1. October 31—Halloween—is a High Holy Day for the Occult
   • Former practitioners describe a striking difference between the way secular culture approaches October 31 as a night for candy and lighthearted fun and the way certain occult communities observe it, with extreme gravity. While many families just see fun and entertainment, these individuals describe the date as spiritually significant.
   • Jenny Weaver, for example, has described Halloween as carrying an importance within her former occult practices comparable to the significance Christians place on Easter or Christmas. Some former practitioners recount preparing for rituals in the weeks leading up to October 31, even strategically adjusting their sleep schedules to prepare to be active throughout the night for spells and sorcery.
   • They argue that Christians should carefully consider whether participating in Halloween celebrations unintentionally associates them with a date that some spiritual traditions dedicate to practices opposed to Christianity and that it could compromise their witness by unknowingly aligning themselves with the celebrations that honor pagan deities and dark spiritual forces.
     • Halloween is historically connected to Samhain, an ancient Celtic seasonal festival. Certain spiritual traditions associate this period with the belief that the boundary or “veil” between the physical and spiritual worlds becomes especially thin (which is why costumes are included in the tradition).
     • Former occult practitioners also point to the increased visibility of divination-related imagery and tools, including tarot cards and Ouija boards, during the Halloween season. They are aggressively marketed surrounding Halloween.
     • Jenn Nizza and others warn that treating occult practices as harmless entertainment can carry spiritual consequences. They describe these concerns using terms such as “demonic doors” or “spiritual oppression”.
2. Claims of Spiritual Curses and Perversions Regarding the Church’s Identity
   • Some former occult practitioners make more alarming claims about spiritual activity surrounding Halloween.
     • For example, certain testimonies allege that active covens perform rituals or pronounce curses over neighborhoods, costumes, candy, or other elements associated with the festivities. Those making these claims believe Christian families should be especially cautious about participating in activities they consider spiritually significant.
     • They explain why some former occult practitioners express confusion when churches attempt to adapt or sanitize Halloween celebrations.
     • A quotation frequently attributed to Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, suggests that he appreciates Christian parents allowing their children to celebrate the devil at least one night per year, as they participate in Halloween activities.
   • More broadly, some former occultists argue that Christians should not attempt to make spiritually troubling traditions acceptable simply by removing their most disturbing elements.
     • They point again to Ephesians 5:11 and its instruction to avoid participating in the works of darkness.
     • Having experienced what they describe as a terrifying reality of demonic oppression firsthand, they argue that Christians should not just try to sanitize a celebration that belongs to darkness.
   • Of course, someone could reasonably argue that evil does not own a particular calendar date and that October 31 can be used for purposes that glorify God.
     • Perhaps the Protestant Reformation provides an interesting historical illustration. October 31, 1517, marks Martin Luther’s presentation of his Ninety-Five Theses in Wittenberg, Germany—the action that began the Protestant Reformation.
     • But for believers convicted not to participate in Halloween-related activities, the concern isn’t necessarily that the date itself belongs to evil. Rather, they want to avoid confusing others about their intentions and their ultimate mission: to glorify God and help others know Him.
   • For many former occult practitioners, Halloween is not merely a commercial holiday with a few frightening decorations. They understand it as a spiritually significant observance and urge Christians to take spiritual warfare seriously. At the same time, many churches intentionally use October 31 for outreach, community relationships, missions, and gospel presentations. These different approaches raise important questions about Christian liberty, discernment, and public witness. Which brings me back to an important reminder: Do not take your personal convictions lightly.

What About Churches That Are Careful and Intentional About Avoiding Darkness?
Many churches host alternatives to traditional Halloween celebrations. They may call them fall festivals, harvest festivals, family fun nights, or trunk-or-treat events, however, these gatherings frequently include costumes, candy, decorations, and activities similar to those found at secular Halloween celebrations. For Christians with strong convictions about avoiding the holiday, these similarities can make the events seem spiritually inconsistent rather than genuinely distinct. Here are some of the concerns worth considering.

1. Changing the Name Doesn’t Change the Activity
   Renaming a Halloween-related event doesn’t automatically separate it from the holiday’s traditions. If the event still takes place on October 31 and features costumes, candy, and similar festivities, some believers question whether the distinction is meaningful. Putting a church sign over an activity doesn’t automatically make it spiritually edifying or consistent with Christian discipleship.
2. It Can Send Mixed Messages About the Gospel
   Using autumn-themed festivities to repackage familiar Halloween traditions may create confusion, particularly for children. What exactly is the church celebrating? What makes the event distinct from the surrounding culture? Are we intentionally demonstrating Christian values, or simply adapting cultural traditions to attract participation? These questions deserve thoughtful consideration.
3. It Can Blur the Line Between Biblical Convictions and Cultural Habits
   Christians should continually evaluate whether their activities genuinely honor God. Even when a familiar cultural practice receives a Christian label, believers should consider whether it encourages spiritual growth and reflects biblical principles.
4. It Raises Questions About Genuine Outreach
   What is the actual purpose of the event? Is it primarily designed to compete with secular Halloween festivities? Does it create meaningful opportunities to build relationships and share the gospel? If it includes scary themes, are fear-based attractions or emotional presentations being used in ways that could produce confusion or an artificially pressured salvation response?
    
   These questions matter because the effectiveness of an outreach event should not be measured merely by attendance or emotional reactions. Christian perspectives on church-hosted Halloween alternatives vary. Some view these events as valuable bridges to their communities. Others see them as potentially confusing or contradictory expressions of Christian faith. This is a subject worth taking seriously. Every Christian should honestly examine their convictions and prayerfully consider whether, when, where, and to what extent they should participate.
    

Tips for Having Conversations About Halloween
These conversations can be challenging, particularly when discussing spiritual concerns with someone who views Halloween as harmless fun. The goal should not be to win an argument about rules. Instead, we should encourage thoughtful conversations about spiritual awareness, Christian liberty, personal convictions, and devotion to God.

1. Share This Article!
   As always, you’re welcome to share this article with someone who wants to
   understand your perspective.
2. Begin With Understanding, Not Condemnation
   If you begin by accusing someone of celebrating evil, they’re likely to become defensive. Instead, acknowledge that many Christians who participate in Halloween-related activities have innocent intentions. They may genuinely see nothing wrong with allowing their children to wear creative costumes or collect candy. Recognizing those intentions doesn’t require abandoning your convictions. It simply creates an opportunity for a more productive conversation.
3. Use an Analogy to Explain Your Perspective
   People who view Halloween as innocent often struggle to understand why a simple
   costume or familiar tradition might concern another Christian. An analogy can help
   communicate the reasoning behind your decisions.
4. Share the Perspectives of Former Practitioners
   Rather than relying entirely on your personal opinion, you can explain how testimonies from people formerly involved in occult practices have influenced your thinking. For example, you might say something like: “What changed my perspective was hearing testimonies from former witches and Satanists. They say that while we view it as a commercial holiday, the occult world takes this day seriously as a night of spiritual power. If the people who used to practice darkness say it’s real, I think it’s wise for Christians to listen and be careful how they portray their participation.“
5. Clarify Which Kind of Fear Motivates Your Decision
   Make sure people understand that your decision isn’t motivated by terror of demons,
   witchcraft, or the devil. Rather, your conviction comes from reverence for God and a desire to honor Him. You might say, “I’m not staying away from Halloween because I’m scared of demons or witches. Jesus has victory over all of that! I’m staying away because I want to give 100% of my devotion to God and separate myself from the perception that I participate with or celebrate darkness. If Scripture tells us to stay away from the appearance of evil and focus on what is pure and light, choosing not to celebrate Halloween is just my way of honoring Him.”
6. Keep Relevant Scripture in Mind
   1 Corinthians 10:21 “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.” — This passage addresses participation in incompatible forms of worship. It encourages Christians to think seriously about their spiritual loyalties and the practices they associate themselves with.
    
   Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.“– Much of the imagery and entertainment marketed during Halloween emphasizes gore, fear, and death. Personally, I don’t want to celebrate those themes or create confusion about what I value or where I stand (even if you remove those elements).
    
   Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” — This passage helps explain why I believe conversations about spiritual discernment and the things we choose to celebrate are important – and its why I wrote this article.

Final Thoughts: Conviction Without Condemnation
My decision not to celebrate Halloween is not rooted in fear of the darkness. It’s rooted in my desire to honor the God who has already overcome it. I recognize that Christians approach this holiday differently. Some participate without associating their activities with anything spiritually troubling. Others abstain because their understanding of Scripture and their personal convictions lead them in another direction. Romans 14 reminds us that matters of conscience deserve both seriousness and humility. I don’t believe Christians should casually dismiss their convictions simply because a particular activity is popular, culturally accepted, or even sponsored by a church. At the same time, personal convictions should not become an excuse to condemn fellow believers who have reached different conclusions on disputable matters.
 
My encouragement is simple: Know why you participate—or why you don’t.
Study Scripture. Pray for discernment. Consider the witness your choices communicate. Be willing to examine traditions rather than simply accepting them because they’re familiar. And above all, let your decisions be motivated by reverence for God rather than fear of the world. Because ultimately, the question isn’t just what we choose to celebrate on October 31. It’s whom we seek to glorify every day of the year.


*All Scripture uses the New King James Version unless otherwise stated.

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone is responsible for their own opinions and convictions, just as I am responsible for mine. Please take time to sort through difficult issues personally. Please take care in how information regarding this article and position is interpreted, shared, and conveyed to others, as many people (Christians included) tend to get very defensive about traditional activities.