6. Manna issue 56 - What Do We Hallow 我們敬拜什麼？
Looking into the roots of Halloween
and studying the Bible can guide our way.
探討萬聖節的起源
並研讀聖經可以指引我們的道路。
Rebecca Yuan—Canoga Park, California, USA 美國加州卡諾加園市
My first memory of Halloween was as a six-year-old in Texas.
I remember my parents dimming the lights and telling us to be quiet
so the trick-or-treaters would believe that nobody was home.
That experience became a model for years to come.
Like many other True Jesus Church members,
my parents believed that Halloween was associated with evil spirits
and should be avoided.
我對萬聖節最初的記憶是在德州六歲那時。
我記得父母調暗燈光，讓我們保持安靜，
這樣那些搞怪或請客前來要糖的孩子就會認為家裡沒人。
那次經驗變成之後多年的習慣。
就如許多其他真耶穌教會的信徒，
我父母認為萬聖節與邪靈有關，
並且應該避免。
However, in recent times,
there seems to be a shift in some of our church members’perception of Halloween.
We view it as a part of American culture,
a harmless community or social event.
Our children dress up for school Halloween parades,
our youth attend costume parties,
and our adults go to work in character.
To be a good neighbor (or to appease pranksters),
we greet and provide candy for trick-or treaters.
Sometimes, we even let our kids go trick-or-treating with other church kids.
然而，近年來，
一些我們教會信徒對萬聖節的認知似乎發生了轉變。
我們視其是美國文化的一部分，
是一種無害的社區或社會活動。
我們孩子會打扮參加學校萬聖節遊行，
我們的青年會參加變裝舞會，
而我們成人也會打扮角色上班。
要成為一個好鄰居（或為了安撫那些惡作劇的人），
我們會招呼並給搞怪或請客的孩子糖果。
有時候，我們甚至會讓自己的小孩與其他教會小孩一起去玩搞怪或請客討糖。
Is the traditional church stance on Halloween antiquated,
just as our former ban on permed hair
or the strict division of male-female seating in church?
傳統教會對萬聖節的立場是否已經廢棄了？
就像我們之前禁止燙髮，
或是教會嚴格區分男女座位？
If yes, then why are so many other Christians
opposed to Halloween participation?
Are we being overly conservative when avoiding a festivity
that promotes community spirit, creativity, and good, clean, fun?
What exactly are we hallowing or celebrating
when we participate in Halloween?
如果是這樣，那為什麼還有那麼多其他的基督徒，
會反對參與萬聖節呢？
我們是不是太過保守，才避免參與歡慶活動，
那用意是促進社區精神，創造力和美好，純潔，歡樂？
我們到底真正在尊崇及慶祝什麼，
在參與萬聖節的活動時？
ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN 萬聖節的起源
Although Halloween is a largely commercial holiday,
it still contains many influences from its pagan past.
As we examine the history of Halloween,
we can see the spiritual significances
that exist behind its modern-day rituals.
儘管萬聖節是一種大規模商業化的節日，
但它仍然保留其許多異教傳統的影響。
當我們檢視萬聖節的歷史時，
我們可看到其屬靈的重要性，
存在於現代儀式的背後。
Samhain, the Festival of the Dead 薩溫祭，亡者的慶典
The roots of Halloween can be traced back
to an ancient Celtic festival called “Samhain”
(meaning “Summer’s end,” pronounced “sow-en”).1
The festival took place on October 31
and marked the beginning of the dark season,
which was associated with death and the waning of the sun.
萬聖節的起源可以往回追溯，
到一種古老凱爾特節日，名為“薩溫祭”（Samhain）
（意為“夏末”，發音為“sow-en”）。 1
此節日於 10 月 31 日舉行，
標示著黑暗季節的開始，
與死亡及日光的衰落虧缺有關。
The ancient Britons believed that on this day,
the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred.
The dead could return to visit their family and friends,
and the living could be tricked into passing into the other side.2
Therefore, people did what they could to protect themselves.
古代英國人相信，在這天，
生者與死者之間的邊界會變得模糊。
死者可以回來探望親友，
而生者也可能受騙而進入另一個世界。
因此，人們盡已所能的保護他們自己。
Celtic priests called “Druids”
built sacred bonfires for people to burn animal, crop, and even human sacrifices
to appease Muck Olla, the sun god, and Samhain, the god of death.1
During the ritual, people wore costumes
made of animal heads and skins,
danced, sang, and jumped over fires
to scare away evil spirits.
凱爾特祭司稱為“德魯伊”
會搭築神聖的營火給大家焚燒動物，穀物甚至祭人，
以安撫太陽神穆克．奧拉和死神薩溫。
在此儀式期間，人們打扮服裝，
用動物頭及皮製成，
載歌載舞，跳過營火，
以驅走邪靈。
At home, food was left outside to appease roaming spirits,
and turnips were carved into lanterns with faces to ward off evil ones.2
If someone had to leave home after dark,
they would wear a guise for protection.3
在家中，食物放置屋外，以平息遊蕩的鬼魂，
大頭菜雕成燈籠，有很多人臉，來驅趕邪靈。 2
如果有人必須天黑出門，
他們會偽裝打扮求保護。 3
For some, it was an opportunity to play pranks on each other
since abnormalities could be attributed to the spirits.
For others, it was a good opportunity to have one’s fortune told
because the presence of supernatural beings made it easier to predict the future.3
對某些人，這是一個彼此惡作劇的機會，
因為異常現象可以歸因於鬼魂。
對其他人，這是一種個人算命的好機會，
因為超自然生靈出現可使預測未來變得更容易。
When the Romans conquered Celtic territory in AD 434,
Samhain became intertwined with the Roman festival of “Feralia.”
This was a day in late October in which the dead were remembered.
The day following Feralia honored Pomona,
the Roman goddess of fruit and gardens.
The symbol for Pomona was the apple,
which explains the custom of “bobbing”for apples.3
西元 434 年，羅馬人征服凱爾特領土後，
薩溫祭與羅馬的“費拉利亞節”Feralia）糾纏在一起。
費拉利亞節是二月(修正)下旬的一個節日，期間大家會紀念逝者。
費拉利亞節的第二天祭祀波摩娜（Pomona），
羅馬水果和花園的女神。
波摩娜的標誌是蘋果，
這也解釋了“咬水盆中起伏蘋果”的習俗。 3
Hallowmas 萬聖節
Christendom “inherited Hallowe’en from Pagan times”
when Ireland was converted to Christianity in the 5th century.4
基督教界“繼承了異教時代的萬聖節”，
在西元 5 世紀時，愛爾蘭皈依基督教。 4
In AD 835, Pope Gregory IV tried to replace Samhain
with a church-sanctioned holiday
by declaring November 1 as All Saints’ Day to honor saints and martyrs.3
By AD 900, the church realized that
All Saints’ had not supplanted pre-Christian customs,
so it established All Souls’ Day on November 2 to recognize all faithful souls
that had died during the previous year.5
西元 835 年，教宗格列高利四世試圖取代薩溫祭，
以一個教會認可的節日，
以他宣布 11 月 1 日為諸聖節，來紀念聖徒和殉道者。 3
到了西元 900 年，教會意識到，
諸聖節並沒有取代基督教前的習俗，
因此設立了 11 月 2 日為諸靈節，以紀念所有虔誠的靈魂，
他們前年才死去。5
The celebrations were reminiscent of Samhain,
with bonfires, parades, and people dressing up in costumes.
To discourage people from leaving food out for the spirits,
the church encouraged the practice of giving “soul-cakes.”
Poor families would beg for food
and families would give them pastries called “soulcakes”
in exchange for prayer for the family’s dead relatives.
這種慶祝活動讓人聯想起薩溫祭，
有篝火，遊行，大家打扮著裝。
為了阻止眾人留下食物給鬼魂，
教會鼓勵分發“靈魂蛋糕”的作法。
貧困的家庭會乞討食物，
而會有很多家庭給他們“靈魂蛋糕”的糕點，
以此換取為家中已故親人的祈禱。
Together, All Saints’ Eve, All Saints’ Day,
and All Souls’ Day collectively became “Hallowmas.”3
綜合起來，諸聖節前夕，諸聖節當天，
以及諸靈節共同構成了“萬聖節”。 3
Americanization of Halloween 萬聖節美國化
Large populations of Irish immigrants fleeing the Potato Famine of 1846
brought their Halloween traditions to America.
On October 31, the new immigrants
would dress up, play pranks, beg for money door-to-door,
and tell fortunes with apples and nuts
(symbols of Pomona and Samhain).4
They also carved lanterns out of pumpkins,
a New World vegetable
that was bigger and easier to work with than turnips.
1846 年，大批愛爾蘭移民為躲避馬鈴薯飢荒
帶著他們萬聖節的傳統湧入美國。
10 月 31 日，這些新移民，
會著裝打扮，惡作劇，挨家挨戶乞討，
並用蘋果和堅果來算命
（波莫娜和薩溫祭的象徵）。4
他們會用南瓜雕刻燈籠，
一種新大陸的蔬菜，
比大頭菜更大，也更容易加工。
Unfortunately, the pranks turned into real destruction of homes and businesses
by the 1920’s.7
This prompted communities to seek more benign alternatives for the night.
“Good” children were encouraged to dress up
and receive treats from shops and homes that they visited.
The phrase “Trick or treat!” was coined as a greeting,
and an American version of Halloween came about.
By the 1930’s, October 31 was referred to as “beggar’s night”
and celebrated nation-wide.6
不幸的是，惡作劇演變成房屋和商店真正的破壞，
到了 1920 年代。7
這促使社區為此晚尋找更溫和的其他方式。
“乖孩子”受鼓勵裝扮，
並從他們拜訪的商店和家庭來接受糖果。
“不給糖就搗蛋！”（Trick or treat!）這句話被創造為問候語，
一種美國版的萬聖節由此誕生。
到了 1930 年代，10 月 31 日被稱為“乞丐之夜”，
並於全國慶祝。6
Halloween in America was sanctioned
as a neighborhood-oriented children’s holiday until the 1970’s,
when adult activities became popular once more.8
Retail chains and amusement parks joined in
and pushed the commercial importance of the “scary” holiday.
美國萬聖節得到認可，
在 1970 年代之前，被視為一個神區鄰裡為主的兒童節日，
直到成人慶祝活動再次流行。 8
零售連鎖店和遊樂園也加入進來，
並推動了這個“恐怖”節日的商業價值。
Today, Halloween is one of the highest grossing commercial holidays,
involving young and old alike.7
如今，萬聖節是最暢銷的商業節日之一，
老少咸宜。 7
Meanwhile, there has been some spiritual revival of Halloween in America.
In places such as Salem, Massachusetts,
modern-day witches gather in the month of October
in anticipation of the annual Feast of Samhain on Halloween Eve.9
The festival is a revival of the ancient Celtic festival,
complete with Samhain fire, witchcraft, chanting,
and the honoring of Roman and Canaanite goddesses.9
Modern-day Satanists also view October 31 as their “highest of holy days.”10
在此之時，美國有一些萬聖節的精神復興。
在麻薩諸塞州塞勒姆等地，
很多現代女巫於十月聚集，
期待參加年度萬聖節前夕的薩溫慶祝宴。 9
這個節日是古代凱爾特節日的復興，
包括了薩溫火堆，巫術，咒語吟唱，
並祭祀羅馬及迦南女神。 9
現代撒旦教徒也視 10 月 31 日為他們“最高的聖日”。 10
HALLOWING WHAT? 萬聖節敬拜什麼？
Researching and learning about the history of Halloween left me in shock.
I was disturbed by the dark, spiritual roots of Halloween.
I also recognized the similarities
between Halloween and the pagan Chinese Ghost Month.
研究學習萬聖節的歷史讓我很震驚。
我感到很不安，因為萬聖節黑暗而靈界的起源。
我還發現許多相似之處，
在萬聖節與異教的中國鬼月。
The Chinese Ghost Month is a period of time
during the seventh month of the lunar calendar
in which the gates of hell are believed to be opened.
Therefore, people parade the streets in frightening costumes of ghosts and gods,
burn incense and paper money, and offer food to wandering ghosts
(especially those who died unnaturally and cannot rest).
These idol-worshipping festivities are incontestably unbiblical.
However, the same elements are packaged
as something fun and child-oriented in the Western world
and accepted by some church members.
中國鬼月是一段時間，
在農曆七月期間，
在此大家相信地獄之門會開啟。
因此，人們穿鬼神可怕的服裝遊街，
焚香燒紙錢，並給遊魂供奉食物
（尤其是那些非正常死亡，無法安息）。
這種偶像崇拜慶祝活動顯然不符合聖經教義。
然而，同樣的元素包裝，
如同西方世界有趣，兒童為主的活動，
在西方世界卻被包裝成
西方世界有趣，適合兒童為主的活動，
而某些教會信徒會接受。
This causes me to think:
If to “hallow”is to “make holy,”
what exactly are we hallowing when we celebrate Halloween?
Community spirit? Friendship? Conformity? Indulgence? Gluttony? ...God?
Are we sending out a message to our children
that we truly believe the first part of the Lord’s prayer?
這引起我思考：
如果“神聖化”就是“使之神聖”，
當我們慶祝萬聖節時，我們到底正在神聖化何物？
是社群精神？友誼？墨守成規？放縱？暴食？...神？
我們是否正向自已子女傳遞這樣的訊息：
我們真心相信主禱文的第一部分？
“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.”
(Mt 6:9, 10)
“9我們在天上的父：
願人都尊你的名為聖。
10願你的國降臨；
願你的旨意行在地上，
如同行在天上。”
（太 6：9-10）
BIBLICAL GUIDELINES ON HALLOWEEN 聖經萬聖節的指引
After emailing my preliminary research to friends and church students before last Halloween,
I received mixed reactions.
Some parents decided to pull their young children out of Halloween festivities.
Others were still not convinced of the dangers of Halloween.
After all, commercialism seems to have overtaken the spiritual significance of the holiday,
and the Bible does not specifically refute Halloween.
在去年萬聖節前，我用電郵傳送了自已初步研究成果給朋友和教會的學生，
而我收到了不同的回饋。
有些父母決定拉出他們小孩不參加萬聖節慶祝活動。
另一些家長仍不信萬聖節的危險性。
畢竟，商業化似乎已掩蓋了此節日的屬靈意義，
而聖經也沒有明確反駁萬聖節。
Yet, the Book of Life provides wonderful guidance
on matters pertaining to our daily living.
Here are some biblical principles that may help us decide about Halloween:
然而，生命冊給我們提出很好的指引，
關於我們日常生活中很多的事情。
以下有一些聖經原則，或許能幫助我們決定如何看待萬聖節：
Glorify God and Edify Our Brothers
We often hear,
榮耀神，造就自已的弟兄姐妹
我們常聽到：
“Everything is permissible”
—but not everything is beneficial.
“Everything is permissible”
—but not everything is constructive.
Nobody should seek his own good,
but the good of others.
(1 Cor 10:23, 24, NIV)
“23凡事都可行”，
—但不都有益處。
“凡事都可行”，
—但不都造就人。
24無論何人，不要求自己的益處，
乃要求別人的益處。
（林前 10：23-24，新國際版）
Before we participate in Halloween,
let us consider the effect of our actions.
Will our actions glorify God before unbelievers?
Will it edify our fellow brethren?
在我們慶祝萬聖節之前，
讓我們思考自已行為的後果。
我們行為是否在未信者面前榮耀神？
是否能造就自已的弟兄姐妹？
Jesus tells us
that we need to glorify God as the salt and light of the earth.
As salt, we need to have the distinct flavor of God
so we may season and better the lives of others.
If we lose our Christian qualities, we become
“good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men”
(Mt 5:13).
耶穌告訴我們，
我們需要榮耀神，如同世上的鹽與光。
身為鹽，我們需有神獨特的味道，
這樣我們才能調味並改善別人的生命。
若我們失去自已基督徒的品格，就會變得
“13以後無用，不過丟在外面，被人踐踏了。”
（太 5：13）。
Jesus also says to us, 耶穌告訴我們，
“You are the light of the world
…[l]et your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.”
(Mt 5:14, 16)
“14你們是世上的光。
16你們的光也當這樣照在人前，
叫他們看見你們的好行為，
便將榮耀歸給你們在天上的父。”
（太 5：14，16）
Yes, we may show community spirit and befriend others
by joining local Halloween activities,
but do our actions reveal the glory of God?
When we hand out sweets to trick-or-treaters,
do we guide others to the peace and joy of Christ?
Or does it cause the flavor of our faith
to appear bland and indistinctive from those of the world?
是的，我們或許可以展現社區精神，結交朋友，
參與當地的萬聖節活動，
但我們的行為是否彰顯神的榮耀呢？
當我們發出糖果給那些搞怪或請客小孩時，
我們是否引導他人走進基督的平安和喜樂？
或這反而使我們信仰的味道，
顯得平淡無奇，與世俗的信仰毫無區別？
Let us remember that we are ambassadors of Christ
(2 Cor 5:20),
representing an unseen God to the people in this world who need God’s salvation.
As
“a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,”
our job is to
“proclaim the praises of Him
who called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light”
(1 Pet 2:9)
and lead others to eternal life.
讓我們記住，我們是基督的使者
（林後 5：20）
代表那一位看不見的神給世靈的眾人，他們需要神的救恩。
作為
“9被揀選的族類，是有君尊的祭司，是聖潔的國度，是屬神的子民，”，
我們的職責就是
“9要叫你們宣揚那召你們出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。”
（彼前 2：9）
並帶領他人進入永生。
We also need to make sure
that our actions are edifying to others.
Even though our own participation in Halloween may not affect our faith,
we may signal to a new or young believer
that it is harmless to participate in other activities
that are unedifying or even dangerous.
我們還需要確認，
自已的行為能造就別人。
即使我們自己參加萬聖節活動可能不會影響自已的信仰，
但我們可能會發出訊號給一位新加入或年輕的信徒，
參與其他活動是無害的，
雖事情沒有造就，或甚至很危險。
For example, although we may know
to avoid tarot card reading at a Halloween event,
a new believer
who doesn’t fully understand God’s abomination of divination
may be led to believe it is benign.
When our children receive permission from us
to dress up as their favorite fantasy character,
they may not be able to distinguish fictional witchcraft from real occult practices.
Whatever we do, the exercise of our freedom should not
become a stumbling block to the weak
(1Cor 8:19).
Scripture encourages us,
例如，雖然我們可能會知道，
在萬聖節活動時要避免塔羅牌算命，
有一個新信徒，
他由於完全不明白神憎惡占卜，
可能會誤以為它是無害的。
當我們孩子得到我們的允許，
去裝扮成他們最喜歡的奇幻角色時，
他們可能無法區分虛構的巫術和真正的神秘儀式。
無論我們做什麼，我們行使自由都不應該
成為軟弱之人的絆腳石
（林前 8：19）。
聖經鼓勵我們，
“[W]hether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.
Do not cause anyone to stumble,
whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God
—even as I try to please everybody in every way.
For I am not seeking my own good
but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”
(1 Cor 10:31-33, NIV)
“31所以，你們或吃或喝，無論做甚麼，
都要為榮耀神而行。
32不拘是猶太人，是希利尼人，是神的教會，
你們都不要使他跌倒；
—33就好像我凡事都叫眾人喜歡，
不求自己的益處，只求眾人的益處，叫他們得救。”
（林前 10：31-33，新國際版）
Avoid What Is Detestable in God’s Sight
遠離神眼中可憎的事。
Before the Israelites entered the land of Canaan, God told them,
在以色列人進入迦南地之前，神告訴他們：
“When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you,
do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.
Let no one be found among you
who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire,
who practices divination or sorcery,
interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,
or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.
Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD,
and because of these detestable practices
the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.
You must be blameless before the LORD your God.”
(Deut 18:9-13)
“9你到了耶和華─你神所賜之地，
那些國民所行可憎惡的事，你不可學著行。
10你們中間不可有人使兒女經火，
也不可有占卜的，觀兆的，
用法術的，行邪術的，
11用迷術的，交鬼的，行巫術的，過陰的。
12凡行這些事的都為耶和華所憎惡；
因那些國民行這可憎惡的事，
所以耶和華─你的神將他們從你面前趕出。
13你要在耶和華─你的神面前作完全人。”
（申 18：9-13）
Although most participants in Halloween
no longer practice human or animal sacrifice,
the themes of divination, witchcraft, and consultation of the dead
have been, and still are, staple elements of the holiday.
Divination in the form of fortune-telling
is viewed as popular and harmless.
Witches and their black cats are ubiquitously honored on Halloween decorations.
The return of the dead is portrayed through characters
such as zombies, vampires, mummies, ghosts, and goblins.
儘管大多數萬聖節參與者，
不再進行活人或動物獻祭了，
但占卜，巫術和與求問死者的主題，
過去一直都是，且現在仍是這個節日的核心元素。
以算命的形式進行占卜，
被認為是一種很流行且無害的行為。
女巫及其黑貓在萬聖節裝飾中廣受敬重。
亡靈回歸以各種角色來扮演，
例如殭屍，吸血鬼，木乃伊，幽靈和哥不林地精。
To not inadvertently promote or involve ourselves
in witchcraft, divination, or the returning dead,
we must be even more careful to separate ourselves
from things that are detestable to our Lord Jesus during Halloween.
As Peter reminds us,
為了避免無意中使自已去推廣或涉入，
巫術，占卜或亡靈復生等活動，
我們更應謹慎，來分別自已，
與萬聖節時主耶穌憎惡的事物。
如彼得提醒我們，
[B]ut as He who called you is holy,
you also be holy in all your conduct,
because it is written,
“Be holy, for I am holy.”
(1 Pet 1:15, 16)
15那召你們的既是聖潔，
你們在一切所行的事上也要聖潔。
16因為經上記著說：
“你們要聖潔，因為我是聖潔的。”
（彼前 1：15-16）
Be Aware that We Are Fighting a Spiritual Battle
要認知我們正在進行一場屬靈的爭戰
Lastly, we need to be aware
that we are constantly fighting a spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us,
最後，我們要小心，
我們正一直進行一場屬靈的爭戰。
以弗所書 6 章 12 節告訴我們：
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
12因我們並不是與屬血氣的爭戰（原文作摔跤；下同），
乃是與那些執政的、掌權的、
管轄這幽暗世界的，
以及天空屬靈氣的惡魔爭戰。
Therefore, our physical acts often have spiritual consequences.
For example,
when we participate in sacraments
such as baptism, footwashing, and Holy Communion,
we are united and take part in Christ
(Rom 6:5; Jn 13:8; 1 Cor 10:16);
when we eat food sacrificed to idols,
we become affiliated with demons
(1 Cor 10:19, 20);
when we commit sexual immorality,
we sin against the temple of the Holy Spirit
(1 Cor 6:18, 19).
因此，我們身體行為往往會產生屬靈的後果。
例如，
當我們參與聖禮時，
例如洗禮，洗腳禮和聖餐禮，
我們一起聯合，並成分基督團契的份子
（羅 6：5；約 13：8；林前 10：16）；
當我們吃過祭偶像的食物時，
我們就聯繫了魔鬼
（林前 10：19-20）；
當我們犯淫亂時，
我們就得罪了聖靈的殿
（林前 6：18-19）。
The danger in participating in Halloween activities is
that we may give Satan a foothold
by unwittingly doing something with spiritual meaning.
參與慶祝萬聖節活動的危險在於，
我們可能會給撒旦留地步，
在不知不覺做一些具有屬靈意義的事情。
As a holiday that emphasizes material gratification and abnormalities,
Halloween may also be used by Satan to tempt us to sin.
The devil
“walks about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour”
(1Pet 5:6).
He tempts us with the same things he tempted our Lord Jesus with
—“the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”
(1 Jn 2:16).
作為一個強調物質享受和異常行為的節日，
萬聖節也可能為撒旦用來引誘我們犯罪。
魔鬼
“8如同吼叫的獅子，遍地遊行，
尋找可吞吃的人。”
（彼前 5：8）。
他用同樣引誘我們主耶穌的事物來引誘我們，
—“16肉體的情慾，眼目的情慾，並今生的驕傲”
（約壹 2：16）。
For children, these temptations may be manifested
in massive amounts of candy and the ownership of a cool costume.
For youths and adults,
they may take form
as sensual indulgence (drunkenness and dancing)
and visual stimulation (provocative costumes),
or the satisfaction of social acceptance.
對兒童而言，這些誘惑可能表現為：
大量的糖果和擁有一套酷炫的服裝。
對青年和成年人來說，那些誘惑可能表現為：
感官上的放縱（酗酒和跳舞）
視覺上的刺激（性感的服裝）
或是獲得社會認同的滿足。
For us to live a spiritually victorious life,
we must flee from these temptations.
We must not have
“even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity or of greed,
because these are improper for God’s holy people”
(Eph 5:3, NIV).
為了給我們活出屬靈得勝的生活，
我們必須逃避這些試探。
我們不可有，
“3至於淫亂並一切污穢，或是貪婪，
方合聖徒的體統。”
（弗 5：3，新國際版）
Instead, we need to fill our mind with the following:
相反，我們應該充實自己頭腦包含以下的內容：
[W]hatever things are true,
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue
and if there is anything praiseworthy.
(Phil 4:8)
8凡是真實的，
可敬的，
公義的，
清潔的，
可愛的，
有美名的，
若有甚麼德行，
若有甚麼稱讚。
（腓 4：8）
This means that
sometimes we have to sacrifice a sense of belonging
and feel like “aliens and strangers in the world”
(1Pet 2:11, NIV).
However, if we are able to truly live for Christ,
our reward will be worth it.
As Hebrews 10:36 tells us,
這就代表，
有時我們必須犧牲歸屬感，
感覺就像“世上的異鄉人及陌生人”，
（彼前 2：11，新國際版）。
然而，如果我們真能夠為基督而活，
我們的獎賞將是值得的。
正如希伯來書 10 章 36 節告訴我們，
“[Y]ou have need of endurance,
so that after you have done the will of God,
you may receive the promise.”
“36你們必須忍耐，
使你們行完了神的旨意，
就可以得著所應許的。”
Whether or not to participate in Halloween is often a difficult decision.
On the one hand, we do not want to feel excluded from society
or have our children harbor resentment toward our beliefs.
We also feel that it is a secular holiday
that does not harm our faith.
On the other hand,
we don’t want to disobey our Lord Jesus, intentionally or not.
是否參與萬聖節慶祝活動常是一個很艱難的決定。
一方面，我們不想感到脫離社會，
或想讓孩子對我們的信仰心生怨恨。
我們也覺得那是一個世俗的節日，
不會損害我們的信仰。
另一方面，
我們不想違背主耶穌，無論有意或無意。
Hopefully, by learning more about the background of Halloween,
we can make a better-informed decision regarding the holiday.
希望透過多了解萬聖節的背景，
我們能夠對此節日做出更明智的決定。
If we still have a hard time
deciding about our family’s Halloween participation,
let us ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.
As the Psalmist prayed:
如果我們仍然很困難，
去決定自已全家要不要參加萬聖節，
那就讓我們祈求聖靈賜下智慧和辨別力。
正如詩篇作者的禱告：
“Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding and I will keep your law
And obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
For there I find delight.”
(Ps 119:33-35)
“33耶和華啊，求你將你的律例指教我，
我必遵守到底！
34求你賜我悟性，我便遵守你的律法，
且要一心遵守。
35求你叫我遵行你的命令，
因為這是我所喜樂的。”
（詩 119：33-35）
1. Russo, Steve, Halloween, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon, 1998, p. 18
1. 作者 Russo, Steve，萬聖節，豐收之家出版社，俄勒岡州尤金市，1998 年，第 18 頁
2. Arnold, Bettina, University of Wisconsin
–Milwaukee, Lecture notes by Professor Bettina Arnold, Dept of Anthropology,
Co-Director, Center for Celtic Studies
http://www.uwm.edu/~barnold/lectures/holloween.html, viewed Oct 29, 2007
2. 貝蒂娜．阿諾，威斯康辛大學
—密爾瓦基分校，貝蒂娜·阿諾德教授講義，人類學系，
聯合主任，凱爾特研究中心
http://www.uwm.edu/~barnold/lectures/holloween.html，瀏覽日期： 2007 年 10 月 29 日
3. History Channel website http://www.history.com/minisites/halloween, viewed Oct 29,2007
3. 歷史頻道網站 http://www.history.com/minisites/halloween，瀏覽日期：2007 年 10 月 29 日
4. Schauffler, Robert Haven, HALLOWE’EN, Dodd, Mead and Company, New York, 1933, p.ix
4. 羅伯特．哈文．紹夫勒，萬聖節，多德米德出版公司，紐約，1933 年，第 ix 頁
5. Santino, Jack, Halloween and Other Festivals of Death and Life,
University of Tennessee Press/Knoxville, 1994, p. xvi.
5. 傑克．桑蒂諾，萬聖節及其他生死節慶，
田納西大學出版社/諾克斯維爾，1994 年，第十六頁。
6. Wier, Kim & Pam McCune, Redeeming Halloween
– Celebrating Without Selling Out, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 2004, p. 26
6. Wier, Kim & Pam McCune，救贖萬聖節
－不妥協的慶祝，Tyndale House 出版社，惠頓市，伊利諾州，2004 年，第 26 頁
7. Yahoo! News “More adults want in on Halloween fun”
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071029/lf_nm_life/halloween_aduRusso, lts_dc_1 , viewed Oct. 29, 2007
7. 雅虎新聞：“更多成人想加入萬聖節活動”
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071029/lf_nm_life/halloween_aduRusso, lts_dc_1，瀏覽日期：2007 年 10 月 29 日
8. Russo, Steve, Halloween, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon, 1998, p. 13
8. Steve Russo，萬聖節，豐收之家出版社，尤金市，俄勒岡州，1998 年，第 13 頁
9. Edwards Sanders, Catherine, Wicca’s Charm,
WaterBrook Bress, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 2005, p. 16-17
9. 愛德華茲‧桑德斯，凱瑟琳，威卡女巫的魔力，
水泉出版社，科羅拉多泉市，科羅拉多州，2005 年，第 16-17 頁。
10. Russo, Steve, Halloween, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon, 1998, p.75
10. Steve Russo，萬聖節，豐收之家出版社，尤金市，俄勒岡州，1998 年，第 75 頁。
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
Looking into the roots of Halloween
and studying the Bible can guide our way.
探討萬聖節的起源
並研讀聖經可以指引我們的道路。
Rebecca Yuan—Canoga Park, California, USA 美國加州卡諾加園市
My first memory of Halloween was as a six-year-old in Texas.
I remember my parents dimming the lights and telling us to be quiet
so the trick-or-treaters would believe that nobody was home.
That experience became a model for years to come.
Like many other True Jesus Church members,
my parents believed that Halloween was associated with evil spirits
and should be avoided.
我對萬聖節最初的記憶是在德州六歲那時。
我記得父母調暗燈光，讓我們保持安靜，
這樣那些搞怪或請客前來要糖的孩子就會認為家裡沒人。
那次經驗變成之後多年的習慣。
就如許多其他真耶穌教會的信徒，
我父母認為萬聖節與邪靈有關，
並且應該避免。
However, in recent times,
there seems to be a shift in some of our church members’perception of Halloween.
We view it as a part of American culture,
a harmless community or social event.
Our children dress up for school Halloween parades,
our youth attend costume parties,
and our adults go to work in character.
To be a good neighbor (or to appease pranksters),
we greet and provide candy for trick-or treaters.
Sometimes, we even let our kids go trick-or-treating with other church kids.
然而，近年來，
一些我們教會信徒對萬聖節的認知似乎發生了轉變。
我們視其是美國文化的一部分，
是一種無害的社區或社會活動。
我們孩子會打扮參加學校萬聖節遊行，
我們的青年會參加變裝舞會，
而我們成人也會打扮角色上班。
要成為一個好鄰居（或為了安撫那些惡作劇的人），
我們會招呼並給搞怪或請客的孩子糖果。
有時候，我們甚至會讓自己的小孩與其他教會小孩一起去玩搞怪或請客討糖。
Is the traditional church stance on Halloween antiquated,
just as our former ban on permed hair
or the strict division of male-female seating in church?
傳統教會對萬聖節的立場是否已經廢棄了？
就像我們之前禁止燙髮，
或是教會嚴格區分男女座位？
If yes, then why are so many other Christians
opposed to Halloween participation?
Are we being overly conservative when avoiding a festivity
that promotes community spirit, creativity, and good, clean, fun?
What exactly are we hallowing or celebrating
when we participate in Halloween?
如果是這樣，那為什麼還有那麼多其他的基督徒，
會反對參與萬聖節呢？
我們是不是太過保守，才避免參與歡慶活動，
那用意是促進社區精神，創造力和美好，純潔，歡樂？
我們到底真正在尊崇及慶祝什麼，
在參與萬聖節的活動時？
ORIGINS OF HALLOWEEN 萬聖節的起源
Although Halloween is a largely commercial holiday,
it still contains many influences from its pagan past.
As we examine the history of Halloween,
we can see the spiritual significances
that exist behind its modern-day rituals.
儘管萬聖節是一種大規模商業化的節日，
但它仍然保留其許多異教傳統的影響。
當我們檢視萬聖節的歷史時，
我們可看到其屬靈的重要性，
存在於現代儀式的背後。
Samhain, the Festival of the Dead 薩溫祭，亡者的慶典
The roots of Halloween can be traced back
to an ancient Celtic festival called “Samhain”
(meaning “Summer’s end,” pronounced “sow-en”).1
The festival took place on October 31
and marked the beginning of the dark season,
which was associated with death and the waning of the sun.
萬聖節的起源可以往回追溯，
到一種古老凱爾特節日，名為“薩溫祭”（Samhain）
（意為“夏末”，發音為“sow-en”）。 1
此節日於 10 月 31 日舉行，
標示著黑暗季節的開始，
與死亡及日光的衰落虧缺有關。
The ancient Britons believed that on this day,
the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred.
The dead could return to visit their family and friends,
and the living could be tricked into passing into the other side.2
Therefore, people did what they could to protect themselves.
古代英國人相信，在這天，
生者與死者之間的邊界會變得模糊。
死者可以回來探望親友，
而生者也可能受騙而進入另一個世界。
因此，人們盡已所能的保護他們自己。
Celtic priests called “Druids”
built sacred bonfires for people to burn animal, crop, and even human sacrifices
to appease Muck Olla, the sun god, and Samhain, the god of death.1
During the ritual, people wore costumes
made of animal heads and skins,
danced, sang, and jumped over fires
to scare away evil spirits.
凱爾特祭司稱為“德魯伊”
會搭築神聖的營火給大家焚燒動物，穀物甚至祭人，
以安撫太陽神穆克．奧拉和死神薩溫。
在此儀式期間，人們打扮服裝，
用動物頭及皮製成，
載歌載舞，跳過營火，
以驅走邪靈。
At home, food was left outside to appease roaming spirits,
and turnips were carved into lanterns with faces to ward off evil ones.2
If someone had to leave home after dark,
they would wear a guise for protection.3
在家中，食物放置屋外，以平息遊蕩的鬼魂，
大頭菜雕成燈籠，有很多人臉，來驅趕邪靈。 2
如果有人必須天黑出門，
他們會偽裝打扮求保護。 3
For some, it was an opportunity to play pranks on each other
since abnormalities could be attributed to the spirits.
For others, it was a good opportunity to have one’s fortune told
because the presence of supernatural beings made it easier to predict the future.3
對某些人，這是一個彼此惡作劇的機會，
因為異常現象可以歸因於鬼魂。
對其他人，這是一種個人算命的好機會，
因為超自然生靈出現可使預測未來變得更容易。
When the Romans conquered Celtic territory in AD 434,
Samhain became intertwined with the Roman festival of “Feralia.”
This was a day in late October in which the dead were remembered.
The day following Feralia honored Pomona,
the Roman goddess of fruit and gardens.
The symbol for Pomona was the apple,
which explains the custom of “bobbing”for apples.3
西元 434 年，羅馬人征服凱爾特領土後，
薩溫祭與羅馬的“費拉利亞節”Feralia）糾纏在一起。
費拉利亞節是二月(修正)下旬的一個節日，期間大家會紀念逝者。
費拉利亞節的第二天祭祀波摩娜（Pomona），
羅馬水果和花園的女神。
波摩娜的標誌是蘋果，
這也解釋了“咬水盆中起伏蘋果”的習俗。 3
Hallowmas 萬聖節
Christendom “inherited Hallowe’en from Pagan times”
when Ireland was converted to Christianity in the 5th century.4
基督教界“繼承了異教時代的萬聖節”，
在西元 5 世紀時，愛爾蘭皈依基督教。 4
In AD 835, Pope Gregory IV tried to replace Samhain
with a church-sanctioned holiday
by declaring November 1 as All Saints’ Day to honor saints and martyrs.3
By AD 900, the church realized that
All Saints’ had not supplanted pre-Christian customs,
so it established All Souls’ Day on November 2 to recognize all faithful souls
that had died during the previous year.5
西元 835 年，教宗格列高利四世試圖取代薩溫祭，
以一個教會認可的節日，
以他宣布 11 月 1 日為諸聖節，來紀念聖徒和殉道者。 3
到了西元 900 年，教會意識到，
諸聖節並沒有取代基督教前的習俗，
因此設立了 11 月 2 日為諸靈節，以紀念所有虔誠的靈魂，
他們前年才死去。5
The celebrations were reminiscent of Samhain,
with bonfires, parades, and people dressing up in costumes.
To discourage people from leaving food out for the spirits,
the church encouraged the practice of giving “soul-cakes.”
Poor families would beg for food
and families would give them pastries called “soulcakes”
in exchange for prayer for the family’s dead relatives.
這種慶祝活動讓人聯想起薩溫祭，
有篝火，遊行，大家打扮著裝。
為了阻止眾人留下食物給鬼魂，
教會鼓勵分發“靈魂蛋糕”的作法。
貧困的家庭會乞討食物，
而會有很多家庭給他們“靈魂蛋糕”的糕點，
以此換取為家中已故親人的祈禱。
Together, All Saints’ Eve, All Saints’ Day,
and All Souls’ Day collectively became “Hallowmas.”3
綜合起來，諸聖節前夕，諸聖節當天，
以及諸靈節共同構成了“萬聖節”。 3
Americanization of Halloween 萬聖節美國化
Large populations of Irish immigrants fleeing the Potato Famine of 1846
brought their Halloween traditions to America.
On October 31, the new immigrants
would dress up, play pranks, beg for money door-to-door,
and tell fortunes with apples and nuts
(symbols of Pomona and Samhain).4
They also carved lanterns out of pumpkins,
a New World vegetable
that was bigger and easier to work with than turnips.
1846 年，大批愛爾蘭移民為躲避馬鈴薯飢荒
帶著他們萬聖節的傳統湧入美國。
10 月 31 日，這些新移民，
會著裝打扮，惡作劇，挨家挨戶乞討，
並用蘋果和堅果來算命
（波莫娜和薩溫祭的象徵）。4
他們會用南瓜雕刻燈籠，
一種新大陸的蔬菜，
比大頭菜更大，也更容易加工。
Unfortunately, the pranks turned into real destruction of homes and businesses
by the 1920’s.7
This prompted communities to seek more benign alternatives for the night.
“Good” children were encouraged to dress up
and receive treats from shops and homes that they visited.
The phrase “Trick or treat!” was coined as a greeting,
and an American version of Halloween came about.
By the 1930’s, October 31 was referred to as “beggar’s night”
and celebrated nation-wide.6
不幸的是，惡作劇演變成房屋和商店真正的破壞，
到了 1920 年代。7
這促使社區為此晚尋找更溫和的其他方式。
“乖孩子”受鼓勵裝扮，
並從他們拜訪的商店和家庭來接受糖果。
“不給糖就搗蛋！”（Trick or treat!）這句話被創造為問候語，
一種美國版的萬聖節由此誕生。
到了 1930 年代，10 月 31 日被稱為“乞丐之夜”，
並於全國慶祝。6
Halloween in America was sanctioned
as a neighborhood-oriented children’s holiday until the 1970’s,
when adult activities became popular once more.8
Retail chains and amusement parks joined in
and pushed the commercial importance of the “scary” holiday.
美國萬聖節得到認可，
在 1970 年代之前，被視為一個神區鄰裡為主的兒童節日，
直到成人慶祝活動再次流行。 8
零售連鎖店和遊樂園也加入進來，
並推動了這個“恐怖”節日的商業價值。
Today, Halloween is one of the highest grossing commercial holidays,
involving young and old alike.7
如今，萬聖節是最暢銷的商業節日之一，
老少咸宜。 7
Meanwhile, there has been some spiritual revival of Halloween in America.
In places such as Salem, Massachusetts,
modern-day witches gather in the month of October
in anticipation of the annual Feast of Samhain on Halloween Eve.9
The festival is a revival of the ancient Celtic festival,
complete with Samhain fire, witchcraft, chanting,
and the honoring of Roman and Canaanite goddesses.9
Modern-day Satanists also view October 31 as their “highest of holy days.”10
在此之時，美國有一些萬聖節的精神復興。
在麻薩諸塞州塞勒姆等地，
很多現代女巫於十月聚集，
期待參加年度萬聖節前夕的薩溫慶祝宴。 9
這個節日是古代凱爾特節日的復興，
包括了薩溫火堆，巫術，咒語吟唱，
並祭祀羅馬及迦南女神。 9
現代撒旦教徒也視 10 月 31 日為他們“最高的聖日”。 10
HALLOWING WHAT? 萬聖節敬拜什麼？
Researching and learning about the history of Halloween left me in shock.
I was disturbed by the dark, spiritual roots of Halloween.
I also recognized the similarities
between Halloween and the pagan Chinese Ghost Month.
研究學習萬聖節的歷史讓我很震驚。
我感到很不安，因為萬聖節黑暗而靈界的起源。
我還發現許多相似之處，
在萬聖節與異教的中國鬼月。
The Chinese Ghost Month is a period of time
during the seventh month of the lunar calendar
in which the gates of hell are believed to be opened.
Therefore, people parade the streets in frightening costumes of ghosts and gods,
burn incense and paper money, and offer food to wandering ghosts
(especially those who died unnaturally and cannot rest).
These idol-worshipping festivities are incontestably unbiblical.
However, the same elements are packaged
as something fun and child-oriented in the Western world
and accepted by some church members.
中國鬼月是一段時間，
在農曆七月期間，
在此大家相信地獄之門會開啟。
因此，人們穿鬼神可怕的服裝遊街，
焚香燒紙錢，並給遊魂供奉食物
（尤其是那些非正常死亡，無法安息）。
這種偶像崇拜慶祝活動顯然不符合聖經教義。
然而，同樣的元素包裝，
如同西方世界有趣，兒童為主的活動，
在西方世界卻被包裝成
西方世界有趣，適合兒童為主的活動，
而某些教會信徒會接受。
This causes me to think:
If to “hallow”is to “make holy,”
what exactly are we hallowing when we celebrate Halloween?
Community spirit? Friendship? Conformity? Indulgence? Gluttony? ...God?
Are we sending out a message to our children
that we truly believe the first part of the Lord’s prayer?
這引起我思考：
如果“神聖化”就是“使之神聖”，
當我們慶祝萬聖節時，我們到底正在神聖化何物？
是社群精神？友誼？墨守成規？放縱？暴食？...神？
我們是否正向自已子女傳遞這樣的訊息：
我們真心相信主禱文的第一部分？
“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.”
(Mt 6:9, 10)
“9我們在天上的父：
願人都尊你的名為聖。
10願你的國降臨；
願你的旨意行在地上，
如同行在天上。”
（太 6：9-10）
BIBLICAL GUIDELINES ON HALLOWEEN 聖經萬聖節的指引
After emailing my preliminary research to friends and church students before last Halloween,
I received mixed reactions.
Some parents decided to pull their young children out of Halloween festivities.
Others were still not convinced of the dangers of Halloween.
After all, commercialism seems to have overtaken the spiritual significance of the holiday,
and the Bible does not specifically refute Halloween.
在去年萬聖節前，我用電郵傳送了自已初步研究成果給朋友和教會的學生，
而我收到了不同的回饋。
有些父母決定拉出他們小孩不參加萬聖節慶祝活動。
另一些家長仍不信萬聖節的危險性。
畢竟，商業化似乎已掩蓋了此節日的屬靈意義，
而聖經也沒有明確反駁萬聖節。
Yet, the Book of Life provides wonderful guidance
on matters pertaining to our daily living.
Here are some biblical principles that may help us decide about Halloween:
然而，生命冊給我們提出很好的指引，
關於我們日常生活中很多的事情。
以下有一些聖經原則，或許能幫助我們決定如何看待萬聖節：
Glorify God and Edify Our Brothers
We often hear,
榮耀神，造就自已的弟兄姐妹
我們常聽到：
“Everything is permissible”
—but not everything is beneficial.
“Everything is permissible”
—but not everything is constructive.
Nobody should seek his own good,
but the good of others.
(1 Cor 10:23, 24, NIV)
“23凡事都可行”，
—但不都有益處。
“凡事都可行”，
—但不都造就人。
24無論何人，不要求自己的益處，
乃要求別人的益處。
（林前 10：23-24，新國際版）
Before we participate in Halloween,
let us consider the effect of our actions.
Will our actions glorify God before unbelievers?
Will it edify our fellow brethren?
在我們慶祝萬聖節之前，
讓我們思考自已行為的後果。
我們行為是否在未信者面前榮耀神？
是否能造就自已的弟兄姐妹？
Jesus tells us
that we need to glorify God as the salt and light of the earth.
As salt, we need to have the distinct flavor of God
so we may season and better the lives of others.
If we lose our Christian qualities, we become
“good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men”
(Mt 5:13).
耶穌告訴我們，
我們需要榮耀神，如同世上的鹽與光。
身為鹽，我們需有神獨特的味道，
這樣我們才能調味並改善別人的生命。
若我們失去自已基督徒的品格，就會變得
“13以後無用，不過丟在外面，被人踐踏了。”
（太 5：13）。
Jesus also says to us, 耶穌告訴我們，
“You are the light of the world
…[l]et your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.”
(Mt 5:14, 16)
“14你們是世上的光。
16你們的光也當這樣照在人前，
叫他們看見你們的好行為，
便將榮耀歸給你們在天上的父。”
（太 5：14，16）
Yes, we may show community spirit and befriend others
by joining local Halloween activities,
but do our actions reveal the glory of God?
When we hand out sweets to trick-or-treaters,
do we guide others to the peace and joy of Christ?
Or does it cause the flavor of our faith
to appear bland and indistinctive from those of the world?
是的，我們或許可以展現社區精神，結交朋友，
參與當地的萬聖節活動，
但我們的行為是否彰顯神的榮耀呢？
當我們發出糖果給那些搞怪或請客小孩時，
我們是否引導他人走進基督的平安和喜樂？
或這反而使我們信仰的味道，
顯得平淡無奇，與世俗的信仰毫無區別？
Let us remember that we are ambassadors of Christ
(2 Cor 5:20),
representing an unseen God to the people in this world who need God’s salvation.
As
“a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people,”
our job is to
“proclaim the praises of Him
who called [us] out of darkness into His marvelous light”
(1 Pet 2:9)
and lead others to eternal life.
讓我們記住，我們是基督的使者
（林後 5：20）
代表那一位看不見的神給世靈的眾人，他們需要神的救恩。
作為
“9被揀選的族類，是有君尊的祭司，是聖潔的國度，是屬神的子民，”，
我們的職責就是
“9要叫你們宣揚那召你們出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。”
（彼前 2：9）
並帶領他人進入永生。
We also need to make sure
that our actions are edifying to others.
Even though our own participation in Halloween may not affect our faith,
we may signal to a new or young believer
that it is harmless to participate in other activities
that are unedifying or even dangerous.
我們還需要確認，
自已的行為能造就別人。
即使我們自己參加萬聖節活動可能不會影響自已的信仰，
但我們可能會發出訊號給一位新加入或年輕的信徒，
參與其他活動是無害的，
雖事情沒有造就，或甚至很危險。
For example, although we may know
to avoid tarot card reading at a Halloween event,
a new believer
who doesn’t fully understand God’s abomination of divination
may be led to believe it is benign.
When our children receive permission from us
to dress up as their favorite fantasy character,
they may not be able to distinguish fictional witchcraft from real occult practices.
Whatever we do, the exercise of our freedom should not
become a stumbling block to the weak
(1Cor 8:19).
Scripture encourages us,
例如，雖然我們可能會知道，
在萬聖節活動時要避免塔羅牌算命，
有一個新信徒，
他由於完全不明白神憎惡占卜，
可能會誤以為它是無害的。
當我們孩子得到我們的允許，
去裝扮成他們最喜歡的奇幻角色時，
他們可能無法區分虛構的巫術和真正的神秘儀式。
無論我們做什麼，我們行使自由都不應該
成為軟弱之人的絆腳石
（林前 8：19）。
聖經鼓勵我們，
“[W]hether you eat or drink or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.
Do not cause anyone to stumble,
whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God
—even as I try to please everybody in every way.
For I am not seeking my own good
but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”
(1 Cor 10:31-33, NIV)
“31所以，你們或吃或喝，無論做甚麼，
都要為榮耀神而行。
32不拘是猶太人，是希利尼人，是神的教會，
你們都不要使他跌倒；
—33就好像我凡事都叫眾人喜歡，
不求自己的益處，只求眾人的益處，叫他們得救。”
（林前 10：31-33，新國際版）
Avoid What Is Detestable in God’s Sight
遠離神眼中可憎的事。
Before the Israelites entered the land of Canaan, God told them,
在以色列人進入迦南地之前，神告訴他們：
“When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you,
do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.
Let no one be found among you
who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire,
who practices divination or sorcery,
interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,
or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.
Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD,
and because of these detestable practices
the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.
You must be blameless before the LORD your God.”
(Deut 18:9-13)
“9你到了耶和華─你神所賜之地，
那些國民所行可憎惡的事，你不可學著行。
10你們中間不可有人使兒女經火，
也不可有占卜的，觀兆的，
用法術的，行邪術的，
11用迷術的，交鬼的，行巫術的，過陰的。
12凡行這些事的都為耶和華所憎惡；
因那些國民行這可憎惡的事，
所以耶和華─你的神將他們從你面前趕出。
13你要在耶和華─你的神面前作完全人。”
（申 18：9-13）
Although most participants in Halloween
no longer practice human or animal sacrifice,
the themes of divination, witchcraft, and consultation of the dead
have been, and still are, staple elements of the holiday.
Divination in the form of fortune-telling
is viewed as popular and harmless.
Witches and their black cats are ubiquitously honored on Halloween decorations.
The return of the dead is portrayed through characters
such as zombies, vampires, mummies, ghosts, and goblins.
儘管大多數萬聖節參與者，
不再進行活人或動物獻祭了，
但占卜，巫術和與求問死者的主題，
過去一直都是，且現在仍是這個節日的核心元素。
以算命的形式進行占卜，
被認為是一種很流行且無害的行為。
女巫及其黑貓在萬聖節裝飾中廣受敬重。
亡靈回歸以各種角色來扮演，
例如殭屍，吸血鬼，木乃伊，幽靈和哥不林地精。
To not inadvertently promote or involve ourselves
in witchcraft, divination, or the returning dead,
we must be even more careful to separate ourselves
from things that are detestable to our Lord Jesus during Halloween.
As Peter reminds us,
為了避免無意中使自已去推廣或涉入，
巫術，占卜或亡靈復生等活動，
我們更應謹慎，來分別自已，
與萬聖節時主耶穌憎惡的事物。
如彼得提醒我們，
[B]ut as He who called you is holy,
you also be holy in all your conduct,
because it is written,
“Be holy, for I am holy.”
(1 Pet 1:15, 16)
15那召你們的既是聖潔，
你們在一切所行的事上也要聖潔。
16因為經上記著說：
“你們要聖潔，因為我是聖潔的。”
（彼前 1：15-16）
Be Aware that We Are Fighting a Spiritual Battle
要認知我們正在進行一場屬靈的爭戰
Lastly, we need to be aware
that we are constantly fighting a spiritual battle.
Ephesians 6:12 tells us,
最後，我們要小心，
我們正一直進行一場屬靈的爭戰。
以弗所書 6 章 12 節告訴我們：
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
12因我們並不是與屬血氣的爭戰（原文作摔跤；下同），
乃是與那些執政的、掌權的、
管轄這幽暗世界的，
以及天空屬靈氣的惡魔爭戰。
Therefore, our physical acts often have spiritual consequences.
For example,
when we participate in sacraments
such as baptism, footwashing, and Holy Communion,
we are united and take part in Christ
(Rom 6:5; Jn 13:8; 1 Cor 10:16);
when we eat food sacrificed to idols,
we become affiliated with demons
(1 Cor 10:19, 20);
when we commit sexual immorality,
we sin against the temple of the Holy Spirit
(1 Cor 6:18, 19).
因此，我們身體行為往往會產生屬靈的後果。
例如，
當我們參與聖禮時，
例如洗禮，洗腳禮和聖餐禮，
我們一起聯合，並成分基督團契的份子
（羅 6：5；約 13：8；林前 10：16）；
當我們吃過祭偶像的食物時，
我們就聯繫了魔鬼
（林前 10：19-20）；
當我們犯淫亂時，
我們就得罪了聖靈的殿
（林前 6：18-19）。
The danger in participating in Halloween activities is
that we may give Satan a foothold
by unwittingly doing something with spiritual meaning.
參與慶祝萬聖節活動的危險在於，
我們可能會給撒旦留地步，
在不知不覺做一些具有屬靈意義的事情。
As a holiday that emphasizes material gratification and abnormalities,
Halloween may also be used by Satan to tempt us to sin.
The devil
“walks about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour”
(1Pet 5:6).
He tempts us with the same things he tempted our Lord Jesus with
—“the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life”
(1 Jn 2:16).
作為一個強調物質享受和異常行為的節日，
萬聖節也可能為撒旦用來引誘我們犯罪。
魔鬼
“8如同吼叫的獅子，遍地遊行，
尋找可吞吃的人。”
（彼前 5：8）。
他用同樣引誘我們主耶穌的事物來引誘我們，
—“16肉體的情慾，眼目的情慾，並今生的驕傲”
（約壹 2：16）。
For children, these temptations may be manifested
in massive amounts of candy and the ownership of a cool costume.
For youths and adults,
they may take form
as sensual indulgence (drunkenness and dancing)
and visual stimulation (provocative costumes),
or the satisfaction of social acceptance.
對兒童而言，這些誘惑可能表現為：
大量的糖果和擁有一套酷炫的服裝。
對青年和成年人來說，那些誘惑可能表現為：
感官上的放縱（酗酒和跳舞）
視覺上的刺激（性感的服裝）
或是獲得社會認同的滿足。
For us to live a spiritually victorious life,
we must flee from these temptations.
We must not have
“even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity or of greed,
because these are improper for God’s holy people”
(Eph 5:3, NIV).
為了給我們活出屬靈得勝的生活，
我們必須逃避這些試探。
我們不可有，
“3至於淫亂並一切污穢，或是貪婪，
方合聖徒的體統。”
（弗 5：3，新國際版）
Instead, we need to fill our mind with the following:
相反，我們應該充實自己頭腦包含以下的內容：
[W]hatever things are true,
whatever things are noble,
whatever things are just,
whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely,
whatever things are of good report,
if there is any virtue
and if there is anything praiseworthy.
(Phil 4:8)
8凡是真實的，
可敬的，
公義的，
清潔的，
可愛的，
有美名的，
若有甚麼德行，
若有甚麼稱讚。
（腓 4：8）
This means that
sometimes we have to sacrifice a sense of belonging
and feel like “aliens and strangers in the world”
(1Pet 2:11, NIV).
However, if we are able to truly live for Christ,
our reward will be worth it.
As Hebrews 10:36 tells us,
這就代表，
有時我們必須犧牲歸屬感，
感覺就像“世上的異鄉人及陌生人”，
（彼前 2：11，新國際版）。
然而，如果我們真能夠為基督而活，
我們的獎賞將是值得的。
正如希伯來書 10 章 36 節告訴我們，
“[Y]ou have need of endurance,
so that after you have done the will of God,
you may receive the promise.”
“36你們必須忍耐，
使你們行完了神的旨意，
就可以得著所應許的。”
Whether or not to participate in Halloween is often a difficult decision.
On the one hand, we do not want to feel excluded from society
or have our children harbor resentment toward our beliefs.
We also feel that it is a secular holiday
that does not harm our faith.
On the other hand,
we don’t want to disobey our Lord Jesus, intentionally or not.
是否參與萬聖節慶祝活動常是一個很艱難的決定。
一方面，我們不想感到脫離社會，
或想讓孩子對我們的信仰心生怨恨。
我們也覺得那是一個世俗的節日，
不會損害我們的信仰。
另一方面，
我們不想違背主耶穌，無論有意或無意。
Hopefully, by learning more about the background of Halloween,
we can make a better-informed decision regarding the holiday.
希望透過多了解萬聖節的背景，
我們能夠對此節日做出更明智的決定。
If we still have a hard time
deciding about our family’s Halloween participation,
let us ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and discernment.
As the Psalmist prayed:
如果我們仍然很困難，
去決定自已全家要不要參加萬聖節，
那就讓我們祈求聖靈賜下智慧和辨別力。
正如詩篇作者的禱告：
“Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding and I will keep your law
And obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands,
For there I find delight.”
(Ps 119:33-35)
“33耶和華啊，求你將你的律例指教我，
我必遵守到底！
34求你賜我悟性，我便遵守你的律法，
且要一心遵守。
35求你叫我遵行你的命令，
因為這是我所喜樂的。”
（詩 119：33-35）
1. Russo, Steve, Halloween, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon, 1998, p. 18
1. 作者 Russo, Steve，萬聖節，豐收之家出版社，俄勒岡州尤金市，1998 年，第 18 頁
2. Arnold, Bettina, University of Wisconsin
–Milwaukee, Lecture notes by Professor Bettina Arnold, Dept of Anthropology,
Co-Director, Center for Celtic Studies
http://www.uwm.edu/~barnold/lectures/holloween.html, viewed Oct 29, 2007
2. 貝蒂娜．阿諾，威斯康辛大學
—密爾瓦基分校，貝蒂娜·阿諾德教授講義，人類學系，
聯合主任，凱爾特研究中心
http://www.uwm.edu/~barnold/lectures/holloween.html，瀏覽日期： 2007 年 10 月 29 日
3. History Channel website http://www.history.com/minisites/halloween, viewed Oct 29,2007
3. 歷史頻道網站 http://www.history.com/minisites/halloween，瀏覽日期：2007 年 10 月 29 日
4. Schauffler, Robert Haven, HALLOWE’EN, Dodd, Mead and Company, New York, 1933, p.ix
4. 羅伯特．哈文．紹夫勒，萬聖節，多德米德出版公司，紐約，1933 年，第 ix 頁
5. Santino, Jack, Halloween and Other Festivals of Death and Life,
University of Tennessee Press/Knoxville, 1994, p. xvi.
5. 傑克．桑蒂諾，萬聖節及其他生死節慶，
田納西大學出版社/諾克斯維爾，1994 年，第十六頁。
6. Wier, Kim & Pam McCune, Redeeming Halloween
– Celebrating Without Selling Out, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, 2004, p. 26
6. Wier, Kim & Pam McCune，救贖萬聖節
－不妥協的慶祝，Tyndale House 出版社，惠頓市，伊利諾州，2004 年，第 26 頁
7. Yahoo! News “More adults want in on Halloween fun”
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071029/lf_nm_life/halloween_aduRusso, lts_dc_1 , viewed Oct. 29, 2007
7. 雅虎新聞：“更多成人想加入萬聖節活動”
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071029/lf_nm_life/halloween_aduRusso, lts_dc_1，瀏覽日期：2007 年 10 月 29 日
8. Russo, Steve, Halloween, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon, 1998, p. 13
8. Steve Russo，萬聖節，豐收之家出版社，尤金市，俄勒岡州，1998 年，第 13 頁
9. Edwards Sanders, Catherine, Wicca’s Charm,
WaterBrook Bress, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 2005, p. 16-17
9. 愛德華茲‧桑德斯，凱瑟琳，威卡女巫的魔力，
水泉出版社，科羅拉多泉市，科羅拉多州，2005 年，第 16-17 頁。
10. Russo, Steve, Halloween, Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, Oregon, 1998, p.75
10. Steve Russo，萬聖節，豐收之家出版社，尤金市，俄勒岡州，1998 年，第 75 頁。
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