Halloween is not simply child’s play.

In this provocative exploration of fact versus fiction, Reverend Alistair Bates uncovers Halloween’s historical journey from pagan origins to Christian acceptance. He examines four common responses from churches today and calls on faith leaders to consider what is at stake when popular holidays are incorporated into Christian belief and practice.

Should the Church be concerned with the myths and meanings behind Halloween celebrations?

What does the Bible say about accepting pagan practices into the Christian calendar?

Can Halloween be redeemed or should families reject the holiday completely?

Halloween, Happy Holiday or Dangerous Deception? is an excellent resource for parents who want to raise Godly children in an ungodly world, and offers reflection questions that are useful for any Church group studying what Scripture says about the seductions of evil. This is bold — and necessary — look at the true meanings of Halloween and how Christians can choose to counter a culture of darkness with the light of Jesus Christ.

Reverend Alistair Bates was ordained by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland in 1997 and has 30 years of experience in Christian ministry. He is a graduate of Queen’s University Belfast, having been awarded degrees in Anthropology and Divinity. He is currently studying for his Doctorate degree in Practical Theology at the University of Glasgow.