Halloween History, Scary Movies, and a Candy Draft!
Oct 31, 2024
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Join Kaitlyn Schiess, a member of the Holy Post team and candy draft enthusiast, along with Emily McGowin, a theology professor, as they unpack the multifaceted history of Halloween. They explore whether Halloween is too pagan for Christians or a way to confront evil through playful engagement. Delve into the thrilling world of horror films, as they discuss the psychological aspects and societal reflections behind our love for scares. Plus, enjoy a spirited candy draft showdown, complete with lively debates over Halloween treats!
The podcast explores Halloween's complex history, emphasizing its blend of Christian and pagan traditions and its evolution over time.
The hosts debate the role of horror movies in confronting evil, highlighting their potential for deeper theological discussions and psychological impacts.
Deep dives
The Halloween Candy Draft
A Halloween-themed candy draft is conducted among the podcast hosts where each participant selects their favorite candies in a competitive format. The draft involves a snake format, allowing each player to pick two candies at alternating turns. The choices sparked lively debates about the merits of various candies, with Emily selecting Skittles as her first pick, while Esau opted for Kit Kats and Austin for Reese's. Their differing opinions on what constitutes the best Halloween candy lead to humorous exchanges, showcasing their personal preferences and playful banter.
Understanding Halloween's Origins
The podcast delves into the origins of Halloween, tracing its roots back to the phrase 'All Hallows' Eve,' which precedes All Saints' Day. Emily explains that All Saints' Day was established to honor saints and martyrs, while Halloween has ties to ancient Celtic traditions, possibly including human sacrifice. The merging of these traditions over time has led to the modern celebration we see today, marked by both spooky and festive elements. This historical context raises questions about the appropriateness of Halloween practices within the Christian community and the significance of how traditions evolve.
Views on Halloween as a Christian Holiday
The hosts discuss the mixed views held by Christians regarding the celebration of Halloween and its perceived pagan associations. Caitlin reflects on her upbringing in an anti-Halloween context due to concerns about witchcraft but now enjoys the communal aspects of the holiday. Emily adds that Halloween provides an opportunity for people to engage with their neighbors, fostering connections that are often lacking in modern society. Their conversation highlights how participating in Halloween can be reinterpreted, allowing Christians to view it as a celebration of community rather than merely a commercialized event.
The Appeal of Horror Movies
Caitlin shares her perspective on the enjoyment of horror movies, highlighting their ability to confront and mock evil rather than glorify it. She argues that horror films tap into universal human fears and provide a platform for audiences to address feelings of dread and acknowledge the existence of systemic evils. The hosts discuss the balance between healthy fear and the potential dangers of consuming media that glorifies violence or darkness. This discourse leads to examining the psychological effects of horror films and the need for discernment in what individuals and families choose to watch, especially during Halloween.
In this Halloween special, Esau teams up with Kaitlyn Schiess and Emily McGowin for a deep dive into the mysteries and controversies of October 31st. Is Halloween too pagan for Christians, or can it actually be a way to mock and confront evil in a deeply faithful way? And why do some people shun haunted houses and horror movies, while Kaitlyn finds them thrilling—and even theological? Plus, a fierce debate over the best Halloween candy, and a shocking discovery: Esau’s childhood nightmare, Freddy Krueger, might be closer than he ever imagined.
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