Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

This would be why I don’t go in for Halloween.

Look, I’m not saying that everything I think about is good, noble, true, etc. My thought life goes astray plenty on any given day. But to go out of my way to dwell on darkness and evil and death and all that is against God?

Nope

I know some folk think the whole thing is harmless. I mean, you can read Little Red Riding Hood–doesn’t mean you’re going to go off and cavort with wolves, right?

True enough, except that talking wolves are pretend.

Evil isn’t.

It’s too bad, because I like costumes, and I find candy to be an important part of life, and I have fond memories of trick or treating as an eight-year-old in my plastic Frankenstein mask. But now that I’m a certified grownup I see the shadow behind the silliness, and I just don’t think it’s what we’re supposed to be about.

You, of course, are free to disagree with me. I have never claimed to be anything more than a Michael. You can dispute me here in the comments

or 

better yet

you can come over and we’ll talk it out.

But bring candy.

Happy Thursday, Beloved