Essentially, I am the Grinch version of Halloween. I want to go and steal all of the candy {on Nov. 1 from Walmart, when it's 75% off, and they put out the candy cane Hershey's kisses} and then crawl back to my cave {bed} and eat it all, alone.
Growing up in Christian schools, there were always debates about the appropriateness of Halloween, and costumes, etc. I hail from the land of "Harvest Festivals" on Halloween night, held in church parking lots with "family-friendly" costumes. Even Trunk or Treats were a little too progressive at the time.
Anyways, the school I attended through middle and high school was a non-denominational Christian school, but we learned a lot about all the different sects and how they came to be. Basically my whole 8th grade year was a study of Calvinism, which has ultimately developed some really weird beliefs for this Southern Baptist girl. We always had "Reformation Week" leading up to October 31--the day in 1517 that Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the church door which argued against the pope and his teachings. Each day was spent reviewing all the "Solas":
- Sola scriptura--by scripture alone
- Sola fide--by faith alone
- Sola gratia--by grace alone
- Solo Christo--by Christ alone
- Soli Deo Gloria--to God alone be the glory
I don't condemn Halloween. I am a great lover of tradition, and I think Halloween can be fun {I just really don't like to be scared}. But I do like to take the time each Halloween to reflect on the teachings of my childhood, and what this day actually means for me and those I love. Happy Reformation Day everyone! Now go out and eat some candy...
*all pictures via Google Images*
2018 update to include this gem:
hi
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in Christian schools can offer several benefits for students. Christian schools emphasize moral and spiritual formation. Students are taught biblical principles and are encouraged to live out their faith in their daily lives. This focus on character development cultivates qualities such as kindness, honesty, integrity, compassion, and humility. It's important to note that the specific benefits may vary from one Christian school Winnipeg to another, as each institution may have its own unique approach and offerings. It's advisable to research and visit different schools to find the one that aligns with your educational, spiritual, and personal goals.
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