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Dear Father Paul ...

Dear Father Paul: What do you think about Halloween? It's coming up in a couple of weeks. A co-worker told me she thinks Halloween is satanic and good Christians shouldn't participate. — Sally, Fayetteville.

Dear Sally: If she means that Christians shouldn't go to costume parties or allow their kids to trick-or-treat, I don't agree. I think these kind of activites are harmless. I know growing up they didn't cause me any harm spiritually or in any other way, as a matter of fact they were lots of fun. Judy and I took two of our grandkids trick-or-treating last Halloween and I don't know when I've had more fun. I just don't subscribe to the notion that there is a demon under every rock waiting to ensnare the unwary Christian. Activities that glorify Satan or honor the devil, including practice of black arts, on the other hand, should have no place in the life of a Christian. By the way, the day after Halloween is All Saints Day. Now that's something to really celebrate!

Dear Father Paul: My son and his wife can't have children of their own and are thinking about adopting a baby. A family member says to watch out because adoptive children very often are problem children. — Debbie, Fayetteville.

Dear Debbie: Baloney! Millions and millions of Americans are adopted and are perfectly happy, well adjusted and normal in every way. Moses was adopted, as are every one of us who call Jesus Lord. The Bible says that we are "adopted as His (God's) sons through Jesus Christ ..." in Ephesians 1:5. I have three grandchildren. One of them, Jacob, is adopted and he is almost perfect in every way. Tell your son and his wife to go for it!

Dear Father Paul: I'm so thankful for my church. During the recent illness and death of my husband all of the members surrounded me with so much love and care that it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. What do people do when they have a tragedy like that and don't have the support of a loving church family? Connie, Peachtree City.

Dear Connie: I don't know, but I've seen some really sad, bitter and lonely people over the years who have gone through what you went through without the love and support of anyone. In this day and age when families are often scattered all over the nation, the love and care of a church family has never been more important. I believe it is God's will for every person to be part of a church where they can receive His love and care as ministered through their fellow believers. To anyone out there who is "walking alone" I would urge you to pray and ask God to direct you to a loving, Bible believing church. Then do something about it, like starting to visit some of the wonderful churches in our area.

Father Massey will answer your questions. Please write to him at paulmassey@earthlink.net or P. O. Box 510 Fayetteville, Georgia 30214.

[Father Paul Massey is vicar of Church Of The Holy Cross, which meets Saturday evenings at 6 p.m. at Fayetteville's Historic Train Depot.]