The Internet Monk’s Annual Halloween Rant

The Internet Monk Annual Halloween Rant (emphasis mine):

It bothers me that the Biblical message about Satan would be co-opted by the fear-mongering and manipulation of the hucksters. (Read The Screwtape Letters for some real Satanism.)

It bothers me that such a wonderful part of my childhood and of American life has been turned into an example of evangelical paranoia and gullibility. We ruined something good, and everyone knows it but us.

I know all about the sophisticated responses thoughtful Christians have about Reformation day and All Saints Day. That’s fine, but it’s not the same. I just want my grandkids to be able to dress up in cute outfits and trick or treat without the local church designating them for exorcism.

Shame on those of us — evangelicals — who allowed Halloween to be taken away from families and many communities, all because we prefer to believe that life is a Frank Paretti novel.

If Christian brothers and sisters want to stay home on Halloween, I completely respect that. It just means more candy for me, er, Simon.