OPINION | William J. Finnigan Halloween emphasis shows we've lost our way
Just the other night while driving home, I was impressed with the lights and holiday decorations in the neighborhood. For a moment I thought, "Christmas is early this year," until I realized the colors and objects were different. Then I remembered the words of a newscaster saying that Halloween is rapidly becoming our major national holiday. "Wow", I thought, "that makes sense."
Humans are spiritual beings housed in a fleshly body and cannot escape the need to satisfy that inner vacuum. History is replete with examples of man's religious quest to find "god." Established religion is popular, but every one has "religion" of some sort. We all have a philosophy of life -- what we perceive to be reality and worth living for. Some believe in nature or luck, others seek astrology and psychics; while still others find refuge in sports, politics and community organizations. We were all born to worship and worship we will regardless of what form it takes, even if it's directed to ourselves.
Not bashing it
My reference here to Halloween is not to bash the practice of taking the kids trick or treating in the neighborhood. Thankfully, in my area it's well-supervised by parents and done before nightfall. This was not my experience as a boy, when sometimes the emphasis was on the "trick" rather than the "treat." But that was all overshadowed by the upcoming holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Be that as it may, there should be grave concern when witches, ghosts and horror movies begin to dominate our culture. In the midst of seeming innocence, there is also great ignorance regarding Halloween's negative spiritual impact. It's no secret that it is a high and holy day of satanic worship, which is on the rise in America. That's not to say that placing a "jack-o-lantern" on one's lawn makes him part of a satanic cult. What I am saying is that the increasing trend and popularity of Halloween is significant in the religious landscape of America.
"Merry Christmas" and "one nation under God" are on their way out in our beloved country. The Bible and prayer are despised in public life. Even the mention of Jesus Christ is no longer allowed in the classroom, but that same name is still desecrated in the teachers' lounge. The traditional Christmas and Easter holidays are no longer politically correct and being replaced by winter and spring break. Soon it will be a crime to openly profess faith in Jesus Christ or proclaim the Bible as the word of God, while all other religions will still be "tolerated."
What has happened?
The Ten Commandments are out, while increased crime, violence, divorce, perverted sex and pornography are in. What has happened to us? We have lost our moorings and have thrown out the precepts that have made us the greatest nation on earth. That which is destroying the moral character and future prosperity of our children is accepted under "tolerance," while the foundational truths and practices of our forefathers are rapidly becoming intolerant and outmoded.
I want so badly to cry: "God bless America," but can only pray: "God, please have mercy upon this beloved land and bring us back to our spiritual and moral sanity."
XWilliam J. Finnigan, who has a doctorate in ministry, is a Bible instructor at the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.