Gerald Chester Posted this description of the history of Halloween. Thanks Gerald! I have posted it in its entirety.
Halloween According to Wikipedia, the word “Halloween” is a contraction of “all hallows’ evening”. “All hallows’” is derived from an old English phrase that meant “mass-day of all saints”. The origin of the Halloween is also tied to the fall harvest and pagan festivals of the dead. So there appears to be a confluence of themes associated with Halloween.
Today Halloween is largely a pagan celebration. There is little connection to Christ except for the fact that on October 31, 1517 the Reformation was born. So I like to think about today as Reformation Day.
The Reformation was a benchmark event in Christian history that marked a return to sound doctrine. The church in the 16th Century had become very dualistic and money-driven. The clergy used the laity for their own agenda.
Martin Luther was a Roman Catholic priest who began to read and study Scripture. What he discovered, among other things, was the truth of justification by faith through Christ as the sole means for salvation.
The church was not teaching this doctrine, but rather using fear and manipulation to control the laity. The laity bought the right to be saved by money and loyal service to the clergy.
Martin Luther responded to this doctrinal corruption by writing a protest and posting it for public discussion on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany on this date in 1517.
What followed was a return to holistic biblical truth regarding the true nature of salvation, the authority of Scripture, the priesthood of all believers, dignity and value of work, and the calling of all believers. This is worthy of celebration.
Attached is an article that touches on some of these themes.
Happy Reformation Day!
Today Halloween is largely a pagan celebration. There is little connection to Christ except for the fact that on October 31, 1517 the Reformation was born. So I like to think about today as Reformation Day.
The Reformation was a benchmark event in Christian history that marked a return to sound doctrine. The church in the 16th Century had become very dualistic and money-driven. The clergy used the laity for their own agenda.
Martin Luther was a Roman Catholic priest who began to read and study Scripture. What he discovered, among other things, was the truth of justification by faith through Christ as the sole means for salvation.
The church was not teaching this doctrine, but rather using fear and manipulation to control the laity. The laity bought the right to be saved by money and loyal service to the clergy.
Martin Luther responded to this doctrinal corruption by writing a protest and posting it for public discussion on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany on this date in 1517.
What followed was a return to holistic biblical truth regarding the true nature of salvation, the authority of Scripture, the priesthood of all believers, dignity and value of work, and the calling of all believers. This is worthy of celebration.
Attached is an article that touches on some of these themes.
Happy Reformation Day!
 | Martin Luther's View of Faith & Work | Institute for Faith, Work & Economics Blog
What was Martin Luther's view of faith & work? Luther initially rediscovered the biblical doctrine o...
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