The debate over Halloween in the Christian community continues to raise varied opinions from pastors to parents questioning how, if at all, the day should be observed.

Are families that allow their youngsters to trick-or-treat flirting with the devil? Should pumpkins be carved into jack-o-lanterns, a custom that harks back to the tale of an Irishman named Jack and his unfortunate encounter with the devil? Or is it all innocent fun?

The Rev. John Avant, pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, explains, “We don't celebrate Halloween as such. It originally goes back 2,000 years before Christ to the ancient Druids... it's clearly a pagan celebration. A lot of changes have occurred since then. But for the religion of witchcraft and other Satanic groups, it is a high unholy day. We believe every day is God's day. We choose not to give any day over to the devil.”

Like many churches in Fayette County, New Hope Baptist replaces Halloween with a fall festival. Carriage Lane Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City has a long tradition of festivals, dating back at least 10 years. Interim pastor the Rev. Michael Bailey explained that the church offers the community a “safe alternative” with a “spiritual emphasis” in place of Halloween. Children who wish to attend in costume are encouraged to wear something that reflects a positive role model.

Bailey said his church has never taken a stand on the ritual of trick-or-treating, but recalls how it was perceived in his seminary days. “It was seriously frowned upon,” he said. “Trick or treating, the idea of it, in fact, goes back to All Hallow's Eve. There is a dark side to it,” he noted.

Oct. 31 is actually Reformation Sunday in the Protestant church, which has historical significance, according to Dailey. “We think of it as a religious observance,” he said.

The early Church, trying to supplant the various pagan practices, declared Nov. 1 All Saint's Day, with All Hallow's Eve, or all souls day, Oct. 31. This observance has remained a fixture on the Catholic calendar since 834.

According to historical references to Halloween, the practice of dressing up in costume and asking for food actually dates back to Christian times. During the Middle Ages, people donned horrible-looking masks to frighten off the demons. Beggars, and later children, went house to house asking for “soul cakes” or performing and asking for something in return. It wasn't until the 1930s that the phrase “trick-or-treat” was coined.

The modern practice of observing Halloween is actually an American phenomenon, coming about after the great Irish migration of 1840, according to some historians. While it comes around every year with a wave of of commercially produced jack-o-lanterns, ghoulish rubber masks and vampire teeth, some Christians respond by taking advantage of the day to further spread the good word.

Bible tracts accompany wrapped candy; children learn about saints, God's special people.

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