Originally Posted by truthwillout (Post 758954)

i agree churches need money to pay bills etc but i meant it shouldn't be for personal gain or the wrong motives.if money is given to bless others in need then that is what we're asked to do.feed the hungry,clothe the naked etc.we should care about others in need then the world would be a better place.our society seems to be getting more lawless and more selfish so we should perhaps have more love and empathy when people are troubled.i think many people feel this way but churches should take a lead and practice what they preach.

Originally Posted by truthwillout (Post 758950)

there are a group of children from an orphanage in Tanzania singing at accrington town hall tonight at 7.30.it's well worth going.they are called the Bethany Family and this can be found on the website of the same name.a great night out for children and adults

Originally Posted by jenibrindle (Post 758849)

Oh dear, I was worried this thread might go astray.

Just want to stress that my kids are frightened by the scary monsters and creatures that knock on my door at night (all three are under seven years old). However, they are boys and are fascinated by all things scary/spooky in the light of day.

I am a Christian and attend a church in Blackburn. I have previously answered the door to trick or treaters and given out a lolly attached to a Christian themed sticker/rubber/pencil sharpener. These children that call do not mean any harm and I don't believe that they are practising witchcraft. Akso, what a perfect witnessing opportunity. They're calling at my home - why should I hide from them?

I haven't actually found a Christian friend who can tell me why some Christians do not participate in (can't use the word celebrate) Halloween. No, I do not like the references to devils and evil spirits as I do believe that these are very real things and I shouldn't be encouraging my kids to dress up as them and make it "fun".

However, I just find it all nonsense. Every year it gets worse. I don't think anyone should disturb anyone else at home without their prior permission - and I include Christian door-knockers in that as well as my church, the Salvation Army, that drop envelopes once a year.

What I'm trying to say is each to their own. I'm not judging those that do it (I know Christians that do), in my house we just don't and want to reduce exposure to it.

May just take them out to see a movie at cinema or perhaps get a "no trick or treaters" sign.

Here endeth the lesson. Bless you. :D

Originally Posted by Restless (Post 759235)

are we really living in 2009? Its people with these beliefs that burnt women at the stake for being 'different' COUGH yeah they called them witches

now obviously you may know from all my posts i am pretty much a 'non practising atheiest' but it really does do my head in when people warp the mind of children with religion.

Originally Posted by Ruby (Post 759242)

I am happy to "warp" my childs mind with a belief system that teaches that love, kindness and compassion are qualities to strive for. You of course have a right to your opinion as do I and I will pray for you.

Originally Posted by Benipete (Post 759244)

Very few "witches" were burnt at the stake,most were hung.

I won't bore you with the details.

Originally Posted by truthwillout (Post 758738)

very sad that global used to be the house of God and now celebrates halloween,focusses on money and most social activities are centered round a bar.and they still say it is a church!!!The idea of Jesus ,tables and temple come to mind

Originally Posted by truthwillout (Post 758735)

Thank God a good Christian church has a good alternative to the occult influences on children

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 820771)

I will be coming to check you aren't participating in pagan rituals yourself, come the winter solstice.

If I see any heathen decorations adorning your home, of which there is no mention in the Bible, I shall paint the word DRUID on your front door, just under your occult holly wreath.

;)

Originally Posted by Less (Post 820775)

Oh Rindy you are a tease!

Originally Posted by garinda (Post 820777)

There's no mention of decorating your home to celebrate the birth of the little baby Jesus.

All those traditions are pagan, or worse, German.

:rolleyes:

:D

Originally Posted by Less (Post 820781)

Some of us already know this, others don't because they always have their noses stuck in a 'Good Book', which tends to make them short sighted, (and short tempered), towards others.
:)