School Halloween Policy: Devil and Witch Costumes Okay, Jesus? - No way!PHILADELPHIA, February 22, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund filed a complaint Tuesday on behalf of a 10-year-old boy who was prohibited by his school principal from wearing a Jesus costume for the school's Halloween parade and party because the costume was religious. Abington Township School District officials allowed costumes portraying devils and witches on Halloween 2006 but prohibited one student from dressing as Jesus."For the school principal to censor this young student at Halloween because he was dressed as Jesus is patently ridiculous. It's yet another demonstration of just how hostile to Christianity public school officials have become," said ADF Legal Counsel Matt Bowman. "It is unconstitutional to single out Christian students for censorship." School officials at Willow Hill Elementary School had required that students wear a costume at school on Halloween, or they would be isolated from the rest of the student body during the school's parade and party. The 10-year-old student and his mother, out of Christian conviction, sought to avoid promoting Halloween and its pagan elements and determined that by wearing a Jesus costume the student could accomplish this goal while avoiding the compelled isolation imposed on those not wearing a costume. But on Oct. 31, Willow Hill Principal Dr. Patricia Whitmire told the fourth-grade student's mother that a Jesus costume would violate the school's religion policy. Whitmire required that the young student remove his "crown of thorns" and not identify himself as Jesus. "Our client's teacher, perhaps missing the irony, suggested that he instead pretend to be a Roman emperor," Bowman noted. Willow Hill Elementary School is part of the Abington Township School District, where Halloween is celebrated districtwide. Permitted costumes worn by other children within the school district this past Halloween included those of devils, witches, and a skeleton covered with blood. A copy of the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Eastern Pennsylvania in E.D.T. v. Abington Township School District can be read at:http://www.telladf.org/UserDocs/EDTComplaint.pdf
School: No Jesus / Devil an Witches O.K.
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I'd love to know the "logic" behind this argument. This has nothing whatsoever to do with the school promoting religion.
(Called 2 Conquer;43513)
First let me say I am not Catholic. That said, according to Catholic tradition Halloween is a Catholic holiday. First set Oct. 31 during the 700's by the pope of that time it was later ( the 800's) moved to Nov. 1 known world wide as All Saints Day and even later added Nov. 2 All Souls Day. There were a number of "minor" pagen celebrations that also used that day (10/31) which may be where the idea of it as a pagen holiday came from. For myself, I do not celebrate Halloween nor do I support the industry that has sprung up around it. Anyways, that's a bit of history for you.
Just what I was going to say.I can understand the school not actively involving these things in their lessons (apart from when teaching of all religions, not just one specifically) but well this is Halloween and I don't think he needs to be taken that seriously.
First let me say I am not Catholic. That said, according to Catholic tradition Halloween is a Catholic holiday. First set Oct. 31 during the 700's by the pope of that time it was later ( the 800's) moved to Nov. 1 known world wide as All Saints Day and even later added Nov. 2 All Souls Day. There were a number of "minor" pagen celebrations that also used that day (10/31) which may be where the idea of it as a pagen holiday came from. For myself, I do not celebrate Halloween nor do I support the industry that has sprung up around it. Anyways, that's a bit of history for you.
Just what I was going to say.I can understand the school not actively involving these things in their lessons (apart from when teaching of all religions, not just one specifically) but well this is Halloween and I don't think he needs to be taken that seriously.
personally, if I saw a person dressed as Christ on Halloween, a crown of thorns to identify who the costume portrayed, it would be offensive to me...
(Jackie D;43566)
personally, if I saw a person dressed as Christ on Halloween, a crown of thorns to identify who the costume portrayed, it would be offensive to me...
I agree. I find it more offensive for people to dress up as Jesus on Halloween than for people to dress up as the Devil or witches. Why were the boy and his mother taking the anti-pagan stance against Halloween so agressively? The pagan connatations have been lost when the commercial aspect grew so rapidly...
personally, if I saw a person dressed as Christ on Halloween, a crown of thorns to identify who the costume portrayed, it would be offensive to me...
I agree. I find it more offensive for people to dress up as Jesus on Halloween than for people to dress up as the Devil or witches. Why were the boy and his mother taking the anti-pagan stance against Halloween so agressively? The pagan connatations have been lost when the commercial aspect grew so rapidly...
Okay you guys are missing the argument behind this whole thing,it is not whether dressing like Jesus is bad.Plus we don't even know if he had the "thorns" on his head. So back to the real argument. This is happening in my school as well,we can no longer talk about our religion,if we do we are sent out of class and looked down upon. Many because of the school,have strived away so they won't be made fun of or to look "cool". The real argument behind this whole thing is religion. I bet you if somebody dressed like a "prostitute" short shorts and shirt it would be looked as less offensive. The school thinks it's better to keep it out,but maybe it would be great to keep it in,influence their lifes with God. It would help keeps kids out of trouble and everything. I really just wish everyone would pray for the kids (like me) who go to these schools that abolish the thought of one talking about religion!-Duke-The sad thing is the deepest argument of the school is we don't want to infringe another.
That's really extreme! My school isn't like that. We are free to express our religious preference however we please, as long as it is not forcing a fellow student to join in fellowship unwillingly. And, teachers cannot attempt to convince a student of a certain religion, but if reference to the Bible appear in literature, for example, (which happens often!) teachers are allowed to explain the scripture or biblical story to the students. I don't think they can read from an actual Holy Book, though.We even have many religious clubs at school, such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Diversity Club (studies all religion and promotes tolerance), and Jewish clubs. They only catch is that they cannot deny anyone the right to membership, REGARDLESS OF RELIGION.I'm beginning to see how much better my public school is than many others!!!
Dukester said
Okay you guys are missing the argument behind this whole thing,it is not whether dressing like Jesus is bad.Plus we don't even know if he had the "thorns" on his head.
Um....yes we do...see quote from original post.Quote from OP
But on Oct. 31, Willow Hill Principal Dr. Patricia Whitmire told the fourth-grade student's mother that a Jesus costume would violate the school's religion policy. Whitmire required that the young student remove his "crown of thorns" and not identify himself as Jesus.
Now I am not missing the argument. However, in my book...Halloween is a pagan holiday representing evil. I get what the young man and his mother were trying to do. But it does not take away from the fact that on a pagan holiday such as Halloween to dress like Jesus, in order to make a religious statement, is nearly an oxymoron. Why not take a stance in another way that portrays Christ without using part of the ritual to do it? If being like Christ means to us that we separate ourselves completely from the things of "Egypt" then to do as the rest are doing to make a point, really loses the point...IMO
Okay you guys are missing the argument behind this whole thing,it is not whether dressing like Jesus is bad.Plus we don't even know if he had the "thorns" on his head.
Um....yes we do...see quote from original post.Quote from OP
But on Oct. 31, Willow Hill Principal Dr. Patricia Whitmire told the fourth-grade student's mother that a Jesus costume would violate the school's religion policy. Whitmire required that the young student remove his "crown of thorns" and not identify himself as Jesus.
Now I am not missing the argument. However, in my book...Halloween is a pagan holiday representing evil. I get what the young man and his mother were trying to do. But it does not take away from the fact that on a pagan holiday such as Halloween to dress like Jesus, in order to make a religious statement, is nearly an oxymoron. Why not take a stance in another way that portrays Christ without using part of the ritual to do it? If being like Christ means to us that we separate ourselves completely from the things of "Egypt" then to do as the rest are doing to make a point, really loses the point...IMO
Jon-Marc
New Member
(Jackie D;43566)
personally, if I saw a person dressed as Christ on Halloween, a crown of thorns to identify who the costume portrayed, it would be offensive to me...
Why? Personally, I think people need to be reminded of what Jesus did for them.
personally, if I saw a person dressed as Christ on Halloween, a crown of thorns to identify who the costume portrayed, it would be offensive to me...
Why? Personally, I think people need to be reminded of what Jesus did for them.
Jon-Marc
New Member
In 1957 I participated in a Christmas manger scene play at school and recited Luke 2:7-14. I had to memorize it, which is something I don't think I could do any more. Then some time between 1963 and 1965 (can't remember the exact date) Bibles were confiscated in our high school, and prayer could no longer be said by teachers at the beginning of class. One high school student complained about a picture depicting Jesus hanging on the high school wall, and it was taken down to appease him--just one student. Now, a child is told he can't go to a school Halloween party dressed as Jesus. He should have been allowed to dress any way he wanted as long as it wasn't as a nudist.
This world hates God and His Son.
This world hates God and His Son.(Jackie D;43647)
Dukester saidUm....yes we do...see quote from original post.Quote from OPNow I am not missing the argument. However, in my book...Halloween is a pagan holiday representing evil. I get what the young man and his mother were trying to do. But it does not take away from the fact that on a pagan holiday such as Halloween to dress like Jesus, in order to make a religious statement, is nearly an oxymoron. Why not take a stance in another way that portrays Christ without using part of the ritual to do it? If being like Christ means to us that we separate ourselves completely from the things of "Egypt" then to do as the rest are doing to make a point, really loses the point...IMO
I am so sorry,I am dislexic,and I totally ended up missing the thorns and used something else,but being reminded of Jesus is good.
Dukester saidUm....yes we do...see quote from original post.Quote from OPNow I am not missing the argument. However, in my book...Halloween is a pagan holiday representing evil. I get what the young man and his mother were trying to do. But it does not take away from the fact that on a pagan holiday such as Halloween to dress like Jesus, in order to make a religious statement, is nearly an oxymoron. Why not take a stance in another way that portrays Christ without using part of the ritual to do it? If being like Christ means to us that we separate ourselves completely from the things of "Egypt" then to do as the rest are doing to make a point, really loses the point...IMO
I am so sorry,I am dislexic,and I totally ended up missing the thorns and used something else,but being reminded of Jesus is good.
Wow this is an interesting thread. When I was a junior in highschool (2002) I dressed up as a Catholic Nun... but no one stopped me... I think I was one of 8 people who dressed up... I wonder why no one did stop me? It was an overtly religious costume... but in my school religious tolerance was really hyped up-even for "Christian" affiliations...
Jackie said:
Originally Posted by Jackie D personally, if I saw a person dressed as Christ on Halloween, a crown of thorns to identify who the costume portrayed, it would be offensive to me...
Jon-Marc askedJon-Marc;43648)
Why? Personally, I think people need to be reminded of what Jesus did for them.
because of what the day represents....and is a pagan holiday that represents the mimicking of evil spirits a holiday that Christ would want us to dress as Him as represtentation of Him? a person can easily remind people of what Jesus did for them without participating in the "ritual" of such a "holiday" it is done every day without us participating in what the world does. Would He not be better represented to not participate in such an activity? History of Halloween:Wikipedia
[edit] HistoryThe modern holiday of Halloween may have its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (pronounced /ˈsˠaunʲ/ from the Old Irish samain).[2] The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes erroneously[3] regarded as the "Celtic New Year".[4] Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the alive and the deceased would merge and the dead would become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, where the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.[5][6]
The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the alive and the deceased would merge and the dead would become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops.....Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them...do you still believe that it should be no issue to dress as Christ on halloween? a fesitval that was "celebrated" to placate and mimic evil spirits?
Originally Posted by Jackie D personally, if I saw a person dressed as Christ on Halloween, a crown of thorns to identify who the costume portrayed, it would be offensive to me...
Jon-Marc asked
Jon-Marc;43648)Why? Personally, I think people need to be reminded of what Jesus did for them.
because of what the day represents....and is a pagan holiday that represents the mimicking of evil spirits a holiday that Christ would want us to dress as Him as represtentation of Him? a person can easily remind people of what Jesus did for them without participating in the "ritual" of such a "holiday" it is done every day without us participating in what the world does. Would He not be better represented to not participate in such an activity? History of Halloween:Wikipedia
[edit] HistoryThe modern holiday of Halloween may have its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (pronounced /ˈsˠaunʲ/ from the Old Irish samain).[2] The festival of Samhain is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture, and is sometimes erroneously[3] regarded as the "Celtic New Year".[4] Traditionally, the festival was a time used by the ancient pagans to take stock of supplies and slaughter livestock for winter stores. The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the alive and the deceased would merge and the dead would become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops. The festivals would frequently involve bonfires, where the bones of slaughtered livestock were thrown. Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them.[5][6]
The ancient Gaels believed that on October 31, the boundaries between the alive and the deceased would merge and the dead would become dangerous for the living by causing problems such as sickness or damaged crops.....Costumes and masks were also worn at the festivals in an attempt to mimic the evil spirits or placate them...do you still believe that it should be no issue to dress as Christ on halloween? a fesitval that was "celebrated" to placate and mimic evil spirits?
I agree with you Jackie, if I understand what you are saying correctly. Basically, you think that dressing as Jesus for a holiday like Halloween can be taken as "mocking" Jesus as an "evil spirit" because that was the original intent of the historical holiday.I think that as well. While I think that the school should never suppress religion, and therefore the Jesus costume should have been allowed, I definitely wonder if the mother even thought about the holiday before dressing her child up!
I don't think that dressing as Jesus on Halloween is mocking at all. If your intentions are pure, then why would it be mocking? Do you think Jesus cares about Halloween at all? Do you really feel that a pagan holiday is of any concern? I allow my kids to celebrate Halloween. Knowing that they need an appropriate costume. To me, I see it as an opportunity knock on my neighbors doors and say hello to them. It is not often that we are given a chance to evangelize like this, not that we should immediately start in, but it is an affective way to begin a good relationship. Instead of looking for evil all over the place, we really need to look for ways to see God in everything.
You know....... going to Catholic school (or christian) rules out this stuff happening! LOLI think some of these schools need to be visited by Irish Catholic Nuns with large canes!!!
I'm with the school. No one should dress up as Jesus on an evil holiday. And I'm kind of ashamed of the mom for letter her son participate in Halloween.
(Denver;7436)
I'd love to know the "logic" behind this argument. This has nothing whatsoever to do with the school promoting religion.
Denver I could not agree more. Whats next? Things get more ridiculous by the day....back when I was trick or treating you did well to get home with your bag intact......people use to love to walk by and toss M80s in your candy bag....
I'd love to know the "logic" behind this argument. This has nothing whatsoever to do with the school promoting religion.
Denver I could not agree more. Whats next? Things get more ridiculous by the day....back when I was trick or treating you did well to get home with your bag intact......people use to love to walk by and toss M80s in your candy bag....
(Jerusalem Junkie;47711)
Denver I could not agree more. Whats next? Things get more ridiculous by the day....back when I was trick or treating you did well to get home with your bag intact......people use to love to walk by and toss M80s in your candy bag....
What are M80's?Fireworks?
Denver I could not agree more. Whats next? Things get more ridiculous by the day....back when I was trick or treating you did well to get home with your bag intact......people use to love to walk by and toss M80s in your candy bag....
What are M80's?Fireworks?
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