Redeeming Halloween: Celebrating Without Selling Out

Wow! Forget about Halloween Alternatives. We all ought to be celebrating the "original" intent of what turns out to be a Church holiday-like the original church. I'm excited about using this season as a way to pass on the most important parts of our Christian faith to our kids-and I don't have to feel guilty. I never knew Halloween and All Saints Day was like the Christian's Memorial Day. The authors show from documented history that it was intened to be a time to remember faithful Christians from the past and then imitate the way they loved and served Jesus. I never knew what to make of all the occult info going around about the season, but now I know what is true and what is rumor and myth. I'm not of afraid of Halloween any more.

These authors know what it is like to be a mom struggling to make a wise faith filled choice about Halloween. The information in the book is helpful in getting the truth straight and in helping know how to apply what is true to a God-honoring and fun experience for my family. It was serious, documented, actually funny and very creative.

Truth really is a liberator!! I read the book. Looked at the sources quoted and am thrilled to know what is true about Halloween. The book relies heavily on the work of church historian Phillip Schaff and is very thorough. It clearly points out that before there was a "Protestant" church and a "Catholic" church, there was The Church...it is this church that all Christian denominations have in common that created Christmas, Easter, All Saints Day and Halloween. The last two, the book clearly proves, as days to commemorate (not worship) faith heroes of the past who helped the church of Jesus survive the worst years of persecution from the Roman government. They show how it got muddled up and lost its true intent and then give lots of wonderful and creative ideas that can help any person or family redeem the season as it was intended -even while engaging the culture in a way that can help the lost know that Jesus is worthy of living and dying for. Families will love the fun side, everyone will love the soundness of the its doctrine and the world around us who will see Christians who find joy in Christ may be drawn to what we have...even through Halloween! I am ready to reclaim the season. Thanks Focus on the Family!!!

I am excited to give such a rich spiritual heritage to my children in a fun way as I obey Hebrews 13:7 "remember your leaders and imitate their faith"! I learned so much from this book. Thank you Focus on the Family!

I didn't know Halloween was a church holiday. We have struggled with what to do for years because we wanted to honor God -even if that meant giving up a night of fun. What an eye opener to find out that Halloween has a great spiritual heritage. Even the name "Halloween" means "eve of the holy ones." The book descirbes how the holiday came about and why -and provides documented proof from respected historians. It debunkes all the "occult rumors" that we have all been scared by for years. Instead is shares how early chuch martyres were the inspiration for the day set aside to remember thier faith and sacrifices. The best part is that most of the book then give creative ways to celeberate and have fun with Halloween all centered around the heart of honoring those who has stood firm in their faith. In this case, the truth really does set you free...free from feeling guilty about celebrating a day that the church began. Halloween will never be the same for us!