Dear Editor,

When I was growing up my parents always let me dress up for Halloween. It was custom in house for Halloween to be a fun and pleasant occasion, without the dark overtones. I dressed up in my overalls one year, as Garfield (one my favorite characters growing up) another year, and still another year I dressed up as a clown, a silly one, believe me. All these were positive characters and costumes. Growing up I attended Right Fork Elementary School and we always had fun at Halloween-time. Today, I use sections of Scripture and Biblical perspectives to think of this day, October 31—verses about God’s protection, grace, salvation, and peace. I try to keep it positive. In contrast, the majority of commercial, “pop culture” Halloween imagery is cultivated out of fear, apprehension and superstition. But Halloween doesn’t have to be a singularly dark subject.

The world today, relatively divorced from the truth of these verses, is fascinated by fear and this is manifested in, and capitalized on by part of the entertainment industry. This is through the medium of terrifying movies. The movie Halloween, released in 1978, is the story of a psychotic killer, Michael Myers—who was institutionalized from his early youth, escapes years later when he is in his early 20s, and then goes on a furious murdering rampage in a small town. This film has become one of the most popular commercial horror/suspense movies out there through the years, generating 7 sequels, a remake, and a sequel to the remake in 2009. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good movie, a ghost story or even a horror movie (depending on what it is), but the dark side of things and a creepy fascination with the most violent genre and style of entertainment is troublesome. I don’t think it would be healthy if graphic, brutal, and fear-lased movies were the only thing being watched. Believing that God has claimed us and will protect us from the spiritual forces of darkness is the joy and assurance every Christian should have. But that doesn’t mean one should expose oneself to anything the entertainment industry hands out.

I am certainly not trying to tell anyone what to watch or not watch. What I am doing is trying to get you to think about what you are viewing. I am a movie buff. I love all sorts of movies. I am a subscriber to the Starz and Encore premium movie channels. I enjoy new DVD releases. I have Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide. I love movie trivia. But I am still selective of the type of films I watch. And I personally stay clear of movies and books about some demon possessions, awkward spiritual forces, or extreme brutality. Sick violence and extreme images are parts of entertainment industry’s output that is unsuitable for my part. I am not advocating censorship, but we do have to be careful not to become desensitized.

Remember, Halloween doesn’t have to be all about dark things. Even trick or treating can be a time to teach kids about the generosity of reaching out to others, and our call as Christians to spread the abundance. And with this time of year, I think it is important to remember and consider what we are exposing ourselves to with some forms of commercial entertainment. This should be a day to mainly remember God’s blessings.

Have a Positive and Blessed Halloween 2009.

Josh Brooks

Middlesboro