Atheist Questions the Practice of Halloween...

Sir Francis Dashwood | 10-31-01 | Sir Francis Dashwood

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

It never ceases to amaze me that most Christians would criticize me for being an atheist, yet they will "celebrate" a macabre pagan holiday. They inculcate their children into the practice of it and feed them the most unhealthful things you could give a child to eat.

Likewise, many atheists criticize me for being a "right-winger." Most atheists are so caught up in their polemics, they have become nothing more than anti-Christians - or what I call the Religious Left (a collaboration of the Marxist religion, neo-pagan animal/tree/earth worshipper eco-fascists and general technophobes).

Why do you "celebrate" on certain "holidays," what are you celebrating, do you really know? Or have you been so lost in the conformity of it all to really take a look at what you partake in?

[goodieD]

That was a pretty insightful piece actually. Thank you. Just for the record, as a former atheist and current Christian, I too am stunned by fellow Christians who would celebrate a pagan holiday, and then try to justify it by saying, "it's harmless, it's for the children"...sound familiar?

[Don Myers]

"My question is this..as an atheist, why are you (or any atheist for that matter) concerned about the practice, customs, celebrations, tick or treats of any God-believing family? "

Most God-Believing families don't observe pagan holidays.

[germanshepherd]

I could be wrong, but I think Halloween is "Hallow e'en", or "Hallow even" (hallowed evening). It is the evening before All Saints Day, a Roman Catholic holiday. I think that's the origin.

It surely has become something different, including the pagan/occult elements of which you speak, which I find very unappetizing. I agree that most people have no idea what it is about. They think it's about costumes and candy, just as they mistake the true or original meaning of many other holidays.

My all time pet peeve is to hear someone call Thanksgiving "Turkey Day",-- as though it's just a day to eat a lot of turkey and pie; when it is actually a very sacred day: a day for Americans to give humble and heartfelt thanks to God for all the good we have, and all the good this great nation is.

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

That was a pretty insightful piece actually. Thank you. Just for the record, as a former atheist and current Christian, I too am stunned by fellow Christians who would celebrate a pagan holiday, and then try to justify it by saying, "it's harmless, it's for the children"...sound familiar?

Some of the the responses are most emotional. Almost fanatic over Halloween. I have learned much from Roy Masters who says things do have meanings...

[dubyagee]

Or have you been so lost in the conformity of it all to really take a look at what you partake in?

I'm a christian.
I don't celebrate halloween. I do give out candy, and if my children choose to dress up and go out themselves, they're allowed to do so.
I celebrate Christmas because traditionally it's considered the Lord's birthday. And I thank God everyday for the Lord.
I celebrate Easter, also. It's the day Christ, after suffering for us, arose from the tomb, conquered sin, and freed us from the fear of death.

Many people celebrate these holidays with little more in mind than giving and recieving gifts, or hunting easter eggs. But for those of us who believe, these days are about much, much more. And unless you believe, it's not something you'd understand. God bless.

[Dog Gone]

I too am stunned by fellow Christians who would celebrate a pagan holiday, and then try to justify it by saying, "it's harmless, it's for the children"

What better way to tromp on a pagan holiday than to hijack it and turn it into a kids holiday?

It's a reason to have fun, and nobody gives a hoot about any archaic religious significane it once might have had to a bunch of people who are long since dead.

[america76]

Absolutely, you're an athiest and you understand. Why Christians cannot is perplexing. I see it as the Devil watering down the occasion with sugar and spice. The Great Deceiver has succeded little by little in turning the second most important holiday in Christianity into a dog and pony show of just what you described.

You are so close. All you need is a little faith. Will pray for you. By the way, let me head you off... Easter... more of the same.

[GeekDejure]

It all seems to go hand in glove with absurdities like . . . er . . . um . . . oh yeah, sending your kids to publik skoolz, where they are brazenly taught how to become shameless queers !!!

[danmar]

Do you likewise know what Christmas is about? Satan Claus all dressed in red setting everyone up for a day of greed, lust, drunkeness and gluttoney? The pagan earth worship of a tree with cheap tinsel trinkets?

Dude, the way you think and speak, it looks like you really do not have a life, at least you do not know how to enjoy life and life's moments without dissecting it, to find out what is at the root of it.
You must be a bitter man, my friend and if you have any kids, I really DO feel sorry for them to grow up in your environment. Have you ever heard of "make believe" in your life? All kids need that, it looks like you never got it.
Life is harsh and real enough when you grow up, why not have a little fairy tale as a kid to enjoy,(nothing wrong as an adult either, let the inner kid be himself few days a year).

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

Old Nick or Satan Claus all dressed in red, setting everyone up for a day of greed, lust, envy, gluttoney and drunkeness. Neo-pagan tree worship with cheap tinsel trinkets. You tell me where the leftist filth gets their power...

[danmar]

...and your point is...

[Kevin Curry]

Most atheists are so caught up in their polemics, they have become nothing more than anti-Christians

Yes. They choose to define themselves negatively, according to what they loathe viscerally--not according to what they might or might not understand rationally or spiritually.

The spirit of antichrist is an apt description.

[farmfriend]

But unfortunately those who actually practice the faith are exceedingly rare. A fair number simply profess it, while acting like sanctimonius self-righteous jackasses.

There is a lot of truth in that.

[Deanna Knapp]

How about atheists aren't as brainwashed as most christians. But I am a believer trying to shed some of the brainwashing. My family celebrates no holidays except for Thanksgiving. Cause I am thankful...everyday...but the whole family gets that time off at the same time, so it is convenient. Years and years ago ducks used to be called chickens but we have called them ducks for so long, we don't even know they are chickens anymore. (sarcasm) I guess that makes it all ok...LOL.

[Rightwing Conspiratr1]

It's ok. We gave out circumcisions this year instead of candy. ;-)

[Kevin Curry]

Sir Francis Dashwood takes a stroll to contemplate his next post. ;-)

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

Absolutely, you're an athiest and you understand. Why Christians cannot is perplexing. I see it as the Devil watering down the occasion with sugar and spice. The Great Deceiver has succeded little by little in turning the second most important holiday in Christianity into a dog and pony show of just what you described.

I think that the unwillingnes of many to engage in intellectual pursuit is the root of many problems in America. I guage this by the type of responses I have gotten here among my "conservative" allies...

[Kevin Curry]

But unfortunately those who actually practice the faith are exceedingly rare. A fair number simply profess it, while acting like sanctimonius self-righteous jackasses.

So brayeth OWK.

[mechadogzilla]

I have learned much from Roy Masters who says things do have meanings...

That's about the third time you've thrown in a gratuitous mention of Roy Masters.

This is pretty ironic in the context of your griping about Christians celebrating Halloween considering that Roy Masters is an occultist kook himself.

[Valin]

yes you're correct, but you left out that it was co-opted and taken over by the church, just like christmas.

Can you guess my source???
No and to be prefectly honest I really don't care(no flame), it's not like this stuff is hidden. I was taught this by the nuns who taught me back in the 50's.