Around this time of year, I typically reflect on 2 Timothy 2:23. In fact, it was my scripture of the week on the show a couple of weeks ago. I have a reason for that. For those of you who are unfamiliar, the verse says this:
2 Timothy 2:23 NLT
[23] Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.
https://bible.com/bible/116/2ti.2.23.NLT
Titus 3:9 tells us:
Titus 3:9 NIV
[9] But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.
https://bible.com/bible/111/tit.3.9.NIV
So, as believers, we need to avoid participating in arguments that have no end, no resolution, no peaceful outcome. And yet, every year at this time, some believers cannot seem to resist the urge to dredge up an endless controversy. The controversy: What should we do on the evening of October 31st? Like clockwork, this controversial topic rises from the grave each year like a member of the undead from a zombie movie. I’m not going to jump into the debate itself (more on that in a moment), rather, I’m going to attempt to determine If we should be having this discussion in the first place.
The October 31st controversy is split into two different sides: those who see nothing wrong with activity on that night, and those who see eternal fire and brimstone for those who partake. Each side lobs labels at the other: “Satan worshipper!” “Legalist!” ” Heretic!” “Pharisee!” You get the idea. So on and on it goes for weeks, sometimes even spilling over into the first part of November. The question I ask is “What is this accomplishing?”
Think about it: In the decades that this brouhaha has existed, has anyone ever really won someone over to their side, exclusively by way of having this annual argument? Has one side ever truly convinced the other side that they are in error? Leave all the brow-beating, arm-twisting, and manipulation tactics off the table, and what else is left to resolve the impasse?
Back to the two scriptures I quoted, they both define a foolish argument as unprofitable, useless, foolish, and only starting fights. In light of that definition, the October 31st controversy notoriously divides the church into two “camps”, nobody really gains anything from it (back to the part about convincing and winning people over), and the only fruit it produces is believers fighting one another. Therefore, it could be safe to say that the October 31st controversy is, Scripturally speaking, a stupid controversy. Thus, the real problem lies in choosing to attack our brothers and sisters in Christ each year if they do not adhere to “my” personal convictions on the matter.
Which brings me to Romans 14: an entire chapter that seems to shed light on how to handle such sensitive subjects without it devolving into a Scripturally defined stupid controversy.
The essence of Romans 14 is that we should pursue peace with each other despite differences with our personal convictions. One side should not condemn the other for exercising liberty, while the other side should not mock and ridicule the former side for choosing to keep with orthodoxy. In the end, we are all ultimately accountable to God, not each other. In addition, we should neither become a source of temptation for a fellow believer nor tear down or question another person’s faith over a disagreement. Finally, we should all fulfill our convictions. If I feel it is wrong for myself to do something, I must refrain. Likewise, If I feel something is acceptable, I should engage without guilt or condemnation.
Personally, I’m tired of seeing this brouhaha reemerge year after year. I don’t believe in policing other people’s activities so I’m not going to declare either way what you should or should not do on October 31st. Whatever you decide, make sure that it lines up in fidelity with your faith and your relationship with God. If you ever sense a conviction to change your position on the matter, you must be obedient. In light of the Scriptures I shared, this is about the most balanced answer I can give on the subject.
Note: Yes, I am aware there are some activities that people take part in that are inherently evil, including but not limited to seances, Tarot cards, fortune telling, etc. These practices are already specifically called out in The Bible and are to be avoided any time, not just on October 31st.