Learning From The Past

History can teach us a lot when we don't overshadow or ignore it entirely. Things, like words, have meaning. Halloween is one of those words and things that has been replaced by a shell of its true meaning. “Halloween” or “Hallowtide,” dates back to medieval times and literally means “the Eve of All Saint's Day” which was the night that the poor would visit the homes of the wealthy and exchange prayers for loved ones who have passed on to Heaven for food. It wasn't until the early 1970's that the over-emphasis of possible devil worship became an issue within the church. It was the result of rumormongers and fear-mongers; fighting against the tides of culture and anything relating to the rock and roll of the age. Their actions, birthed from well meant intentions, did far more harm to the cause than good. The church became known for what it is against rather than what it was for. The church became labeled as negative, dogmatic, hateful, and demeaning rather than characterized by love, peace, patiences, kindness, and gentleness. We started chasing rumors and shadows rather than seizing the opportunity in the innocence of childhood - to teach truths about Satan and the demonic/spiritual realm and in so doing we drove more people away than we ever attracted and created a rift of division both inside and outside the church. We must learn from the past and seize the opportunity before us to teach truth with grace and love in all patience and kindness while embracing the innocence of youth.