This has taken something simple for children, dressing up to get candy, and as usual, made evil by fundamentalists.  I don't give a whit what the origins are, the simple fact is if you ask most of the population out there about the history of halloween, they won't know, and they won't care, because moms are busy sewing frilly outfits for girls, and masculine cartoon characters for boys. Once again, something fun for kids has been taken way too seriously, and I'm awfully grateful I made it out of fundamentalism and into deeper study and yes, doubt and times.

It doesn't matter what or how people try to defend Halloween now. Over and over again scripture tells us, our God is an unchanging God. He still sees it as the evil is has always been. Only the distraction and deception of the enemy has made it a casual thing for kids today. 

As usual, when discussing something with fundamentalism, it's either their way, one thousand percent, or you belong with satan.  Of course children shouldn't be watching the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.  That one's enough to give adults nightmares for a life time.  Are you actually accusing me of forsaking my spiritual beliefs simply because when my children were little one dressed up as a princess one year and the other dressed up as a cowboy, and we only went to homes where we were friends with the families?  Do I doubt my spiritual beliefs because I have a moderate belief in some role playing activities, such as halloween, when monitored appropriately by adults?  Some churches have halloween parties there, at church, where normal childhood games are monitored, and treats are allowed.  Do we have to go back to the very beginning of halloween and declare that we are all evil, we worship satan, we have no brains and cannot explain these things to our children so that they know the difference between decent activities and nasty ones?  The thing I've found amusing since finding Christ 24 years ago is the anger and furver that people carry around in their hearts when someone like me might simply ask a question.  No one can have a differing scriptural opinion, say in Greek, and belong there.  In 24 years, I've realized that without God I am nothing, and that with him, my life has taken helpful direction over and over again.  Prayer keeps me grounded, not a fire and brimstone pastor.  I've learned the old time hymns, and that helps get me through difficult health issues.  People at church who have prayer groups following communion make me realize the spirit of God dwells within us if we but ask.  So I'm rather surprised that you have such vitriol towards me, when I didn't really think I did anything to ask for it.  You aren't in a position to judge me.  God is.  And I know darn good and well what is in my heart.  I'm not sure what you meant by "What made you doubt?"  I left the LDS faith at the age of 35.  It was a difficult move to make, but the pain that was really worse than that was being asked to leave a baptist congregation because one of the members told the pastor I was of the wrong political group.  Man, talk about judgementalism.  Wow. Sure does bring people to Christ, doesn't it?

Talking to someone about doubting or giving up their faith is a little more than general conversation.  It put's the one receiving the questions on the defense.  I've had many people want me to somehow prove my faith to them, and honestly, I'm not sure what to do to prove that.  Yes, sometimes in Bible study many of us will question a scripture or two, and many people have not done your homework concerning halloween, because, to them, it isn't practiced that way.  As a child, I always went "trick or treating", and I certainly knew nothing of which you spoke, and my parents didn't dress me up as some scary monster.  So I did feel attacked, when asked when I doubted my faith.  Even in my LDS years, I knew in my heart God was somewhere loving me.  And after I left, and committed myself to him, I knew he was watching my back, perhaps not the way I wanted, but nevertheless, always having my back.  I look back and remember all the people who "required" me to say the special words to them so they could establish me saved.  "I take Jesus into my heart as Lord and Savior."  Now I don't say that to people who want to stick a sign in my face on the street.  When asked if I'm saved, I say, "God knows."

Wow where to begin with how narrow minded this post was? Lets start with something simple: Dressing up as something other then the greater then thou biblical characters(That had flaws of their own mind you!). Have you EVER heard of such a thing as an imagination? Thats what dressing up is about. Using your imagination,being creative and having fun(something you seem to be okay with so long as it fits into your perfect christian mold). 

Celebrating halloween isnt about celebrating or endorsing pagan rituals(Also jack-o-lanterns were first used to ward off a spirit named Stingy Jack who was about tricking the devil. Jack o lanters are used(with their scary faces and all) to ward off EVIL spirits. This tradition was created by Irish CHRISTIANS. Know your history).Its about having fun, regardless of its creation. However IF we're going to make this a biblical thing then I guess we should rule out celebrating christmas in December because according to the solstices Jesus was born in the spring. We moved his birthday to December to make it more closely fit with winter solstice. The date of December 25th comes from Rome and was a celebration of the Italic
god, Saturn, and the rebirth of the sun god.
It was noted by the pre-Christian Romans and other pagans, that daylight
began to increase after December 22nd, when they assumed that the sun god died. These ancients believed that the sun god rose from the dead three days later as
the new-born and venerable sun. (Sounds pretty pagan to me.)

Also by dressing up as a biblical character one COULD say that youre endorsing false idols...Just a bit of info into that distorted christian heretic mind of yours.