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Original poster

May I ask a Halloween question of some christian (C of E) mumsnetters please?

88 replies

ScaryHalloweenSquonkRAAR · 09/10/2008 19:37

Dd2's school is not allowed to have a Halloween disco because it is a C of E school and tis against the tenet of the church.

Why?

I don't mean to be confrontational or start a MN bunfight, but as a non-believer, I would have thought that the whole Halloween thing would go hand in hand with there being an almighty force for good to counteract the nasty hobgoblins and the like that come out to frighten us on 31st October.

What obvious thing am I missing?

OP posts:

SaintGeorge · 09/10/2008 20:25

RockinSockBunnies · 09/10/2008 20:25

Marina, you're not in Highgate are you? Sounds very similar to our church!

whereismumhiding · 09/10/2008 20:27

My kids go to CofE church school and I am a church going christian too. Oooh, thought provoking message you posted.
I've never taken halloween that seriously, it's just kiddies dressing up for fun and not serious occult worship. But christians really dont like the occult/celebrating darks spirits stuff, so I could see why some vigilant church schools might not encourage Halloween celebrations as they are essentially about a pagan ritual. Will ask our vicar on Sunday for you. He's very knowledgable.

SqueakyPop · 09/10/2008 20:28

Ah, Parish share

Shitehawk · 09/10/2008 20:28

To celebrate witches is wrong?

You do realise that some of the nicest MNers around are witches, don't you? And you do realise that Hallowe'en isn't actually a Pagan celebration? Samhain is a very different thing.

whereismumhiding · 09/10/2008 20:32

Ah Shitehawk, you clearly know more about Halloween than I do. What is Samhain?

Marina · 09/10/2008 20:33

No, other side of town RockSockinBunnies. We used to go to a church groaning at the seams but it had a sought-after primary school attached.
I suppose at least we can be certain that all seventy of us are there because we really want to be

SqueakyPop · 09/10/2008 20:34

Very true, Bloss.

We have to balance one scripture over another, and that presents many challenges to the mission shaped church.

I would certainly say that our church was very leary of Hallowe'en, but we are also very willing to harness the date to do what we want to do. The local community has a hunger for what we have to offer, and the 31st October gives us the ideal opportunity (and free publicity).

The Christian church has been successful throughout history of hijacking dates of secular celebrations and turning them into passionate Christian festivals. There is nothing to say that we can't do this today.

I would say that many unchurched children would be very unhappy at the prospect of egging someone's house and would rather celebrate Hallowe'en in a church among nice people who want to do good in their community.

childrenofthecornsilk · 09/10/2008 20:34

Always makes me a bit that people won't 'celebrate' halloween but are quite happy to 'celebrate' a bit of catholic burning on November the 5th.

morningpaper · 09/10/2008 20:35

Well Hallowe'en isn't really a celebration of ANYTHING is it? A quick look around Asda will reveal that it's just become a gore-fest of plastic half-rotting bodies where children race around the neighbourhood demanding money.

There isn't exactly a POSITIVE message around Hallowe'en is there? I think that's what some people have a problem with. It doesn't celebrate ANYTHING.

bloss · 09/10/2008 20:35

Message withdrawn

SqueakyPop · 09/10/2008 20:36

It's wrong for christains, SH. Of course it is!

SaintGeorge · 09/10/2008 20:37

Ah yes, Christianity. The religion that preaches love thy neighbour but often forgets how to do so.

Marina · 09/10/2008 20:38

I certainly have an aesthetic problem with it on that front morningpaper, it is a total trashfest

SqueakyPop · 09/10/2008 20:38

The wholesome American tradition of Trick or Treating is not to be confused with the British chav traidition of Trick or Tricking (particularly egging).

Trick or Treat is generally a community event which brings neighbours of all ages out onto the streets. It is warm and fuzzy and there is little to be said against it. Apart from crossing the Atlantic with it.

morningpaper · 09/10/2008 20:39

I don't think there's anything wrong with Christians celebrating other religious festivals

But Hallowe'en as it is currently celebrated is just a consumerised extension of the cod-horror-film industry and is a bit odd

Marina · 09/10/2008 20:39

Aw SaintGeorge I am sorry if this thread has upset you

bloss · 09/10/2008 20:40

Message withdrawn

SqueakyPop · 09/10/2008 20:40

We are all sinners, StG

whereismumhiding · 09/10/2008 20:41

I love my neighbour, he's very nice. thpppbbbt!

Chopchopmissy · 09/10/2008 20:42

All hallows eve - just the evening beofre All Saints day. Surely a bit like Christmas eve and we all love a good Santa costume!

bloss · 09/10/2008 20:42

Message withdrawn

SqueakyPop · 09/10/2008 20:44

It is superlatively wholesome in Ohio.

bloss · 09/10/2008 20:46

Message withdrawn

Milliways · 09/10/2008 20:52

Our Church invites local kids to a big Light Party on 31st October. There are NO scary costumes, just lots of party games, hot dogs and LIGHTS. Disco lights, candles, glo sticks etc. We celebrate the Light of the World.

It us very popular (and free). Keeps them off the streets too (pleasing old ladies as less trick or treaters)

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