Annie's Halloween Email Examples Page

Annie's Halloween Email Examples Page

"And they wrote letters by them after this manner;
The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting
unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles
in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:"
~Acts 14:23~

No more EMAIL will be added to this page so please don't email me about Halloween.

Generally, the breakdown of email went this way:
75% positive
10% Christians who were upset
15% were self professed wiccan, witches and/or pagans

I have not edited or corrected spelling on the following email
they are shown below as they arrived.

Here is the "standard" response that I used to reply to my Halloween Email:
Greetings: I am glad you came to visit "Annie's Halloween Page". Thanks for taking the time to email me and share your feelings. Your compliments are much appreciated.
I am glad as an American we still have the right to freedom of speech and that we both have the opportunity to express our opinions. What a privilege we have as Americans to live in a country that we have the freedom to express those opinions without the fear of arrest, death or persecution. I have come to the realization that not everyone will agree with my opinions......and that is just fine.
I am a Christian. I believe that the Bible is the Inspired word of God. My page was not intended to be done in a judging way. I have actually been trying to share with others what the Bible says about the different topics that relate to the holiday. Of course, the purpose of my page was not to offend or judge others, but to inform. I have tried to present the facts in a creative way. That way you can make a more educated choice. Then you will know what you believe and why. Thank you again for writing.

Date: Thursday, September 03, 1998 1:22 PM
Subject: halloween and wicca
I do not mean to offend your christian sensibilities, but I was browsing and found your website. Halloween is a pagan festival celebrating our ancestors and relatives who have passed on. It does not consist of animal sacrifice. The only things burnt are some scraps of paper containing bad influences which we wish to rid ourselves of and the wood for a bonfire. The festival also celebrates the final harvest of the year and is the Celtic New Year. I have been involved in Wicca for 8 years now. I do not believe in satan. I believe in taking responsibility for my own mistakes and shortcomings rather than blame them on some conjured up being sitting in hell trying to destroy me. Wiccans are not out looking for converts. We do not go door to door
trying to spread dogma. We respect Christians and only wish for the same treatment. Please do not spread ignorance about our holidays. Take the time to educate yourself rather than spreading ignorant assumptions. Thanks, F.

Dear Annie, I have been meaning to tell you this little story, but just never have. (and I'll keep it short) Back in October of 1997, we had a little heated discussion about Halloween at our church. I said Christians don't observe Halloween, it's the devil's holiday. Anyway, I decided to see if there was anything on the 'net about it and guess who's page I came across. Well, I was really pleased to see you had 11 whole pages about why Christians don't observe Halloween. I printed it all out and took it to church with me and a number of people were impressed with it. Blessings

Date: Wednesday, September 09, 1998 3:55 PM
Subject: question
Dear Ms Annie, I have a question. My name is Jessica and I am nine and I homeschool I also have a web page. I saw your page and think it is very pretty. My first question is if I can make you a link on my page? Also, I wanted to as about your Halloween page. I didn't really understand it. In my house we don't have halloween but we have a halloween party for the neighborhood kids. My dad hides a lot of candy and we go search for it with clues he wrote. We also play games like bobbing for apples (it is gross though cause I have 4 older brothers) We read scripture too on halloween at the night time. I just wanted to know if you think this is a bad way to do halloween.
We do have pumpkin carving contest but I didn't know it was about the devil. Please tell me what you think. My mom is making me an angel costume this year. I don't want ot be doing anything wrong though. Thanks <>< J-R.

And my response: Dear: J-R, Well thank you so much for writing and your kind words about my pages. It would be an honor for you to add a link to any of my pages you want to. Thank you for asking.
I just checked your page. You have done a SUPER job. Keep sharing the Lord and the scriptures with others. The Lord is really using the Internet in a Mighty way. I am so glad to see that you are a Christian. It is so great that we have our Salvation and love of the Lord in common. That is so important. I will add your link.
NOW about Halloween:
What you and your parents are doing is WONDERFUL. Most Christians don't even know that there is anything wrong with some of the holiday and the origins. Sounds to me that you are really having a Fall Harvest Celebration or an alternative to Halloween. Some people give out "Tracts" with Candy on Halloween. You are only limited by your imagination. Some people even have scary house that they say looks like "hell" and then share with others how to know for sure that they are going to heaven.
I know lots of churches try to do something as a alternative so kids still have lots of fun and get lots of candy. They even have games and prizes too.
I have links on my link page to some other sites with ideas for alternatives for that evening.
And really Jessica what I think isn't important. What is more important is what the Bible says and that you are listening to what the Holy Spirit is teaching you. We have many opportunities to share our faith with others. We don't need to compromise our standards of what we believe is right. I know that lots of kids now wear the WWJD bracelets. And that is a question to ponder. "What would Jesus do?". My site is really more for "education". Just the history of all the different holidays that we celebrate is fascinating.
Actually I received an email from a "Wiccan" which is part of the group that are involved with Witchcraft. Last year I received a TON of email. 85% were very positive. 15% were from self professed "pagans" or "witches". And 10% were Christians who were mad at me or trying to justify why they celebrate the holiday. BUT I am not judging anyone.
Remember it is so important for you to dig in and read the scriptures to know what the Bible says. In Revelations it says that not even "Liars" will be allowed in heaven. But 1 John 1:9 is written to Believers and it tells us that "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We will all have to give an account to the Lord for our own lives. Even someone your age Jessica. BUT we serve a loving and just and awesome God.
Well I have just rambled on and I apologize for that.
I am going to add a new page to the Halloween pages this year. Especially an email from a "witch" to let others know that this is not something that I am making up. Hers was the first email this season that I received. But I will see what the Lord brings to my mind.
If you do make a page about how you and your family celebrate and use this time of year to reach out to others, please send me the link so that I can add it to my Halloween Links page.
And one more thing. I am so glad that you are being home schooled. You are so blessed to have parents who care so much for you. Alot of Home School families use lots of my other Holiday pages as Unit Studies.
I normally wouldn't have explained so much about my Halloween page. I am not trying to justify my actions. Really the Lord helped me to make that page. It was a hard decision. Not everyone agrees with it. I couldn't even answer all the email that came last year. I have a standard email reply that I sent last year and I may have to do that again. BUT I thought you wouldn't mind if a explained things a little more for you. "Love in Christ" Annie

Date: Friday, October 17, 1997 8:36 PM
Subject: Halloween
Annie, I agree with you about the fact that we should not be interested in the evil side of things....., however, in my neighborhood,,,, and while raising my children,,, and now while helping to shape the little lives of my grandchildren,,,, the earth, is filled with so many bad things....... Therefore we go to church,,,, we worship our LOrd,,,, we teach our children to worship God, and JEsus,,,, we teach them the true meaning of Christmas, EAster,,,, we teach them Gods word about right and wrong... However I also think that in this world of so much bad,,,,, our children also deserve a good time,,,,, some happy, innocent fun in their lives...... My children, and now my grandchildren,,, would never even hear of Halloween being connected with evil,,,, unless someone told them that it is...... OUr kids in our neighborhood think of Halloween, as a time for them to run around dressed up as silly things, anything from ghosts, goblins, and little witches,,,,, to Raggedy Ann, or Mickey mouse..... not giving anymore thought to a witch,,,, than to Raggedy Ann or BArney........ they do not even know that anyone on this earth has connected the day of fun, and "dressing up" as a satanic, or evil thing. I feel that we should be good examples to our children,,,,,, and they learn what we teach them....... if we let them dress up in a silly costume, one night a year,,,, not to pay homage, or to worship anyone at all,,,,, not to celebrate anything but fun, eating candy,,,,, and tummy aches often occur, if the parents let the candy thing get out of hand...... The kids run and play wwith their friends,,,, acting silly,,,,, collect thier little goodies,,,,, go home, separate the ones they like from the ones they dont like,,,,, eat as much as their parents will allow,,,,,,,,, then they go to bed,,,, say theirr prayers,,,,,, the next day Halloween is over,,,,,, the candy disappears,,,,,,, and the funtime is never thought of again untilt he next year........ Now, unlike Christmas,,,, Easter,,,,,,,, and the days that have an all year meaning that is taughtt to our children,,,,,, Halloween, is, at least in my neighborhood, jsut another day,,,,, of fun, frolicking,,,, and having time with friends. I do think your site is beautiful,,,,, and I love your verses,,,, your views on our Lord, and God,,,,, I have printed them,,,,,, and enjoy reading them,,,,, and sharing them with my children and grandchildren,,,, on a daily type basis,,, because they are Gods word,,,,, and they do not go by the wayside until next year,,,,, as Halloween does. I guess I just do not see anything wrong with our children having a little fun , one night a year,,,, doing something that is just play,,. I think we could make almost anything we do in life have a satanic meaning,,, if we looked hard enough. Just my thoughts,,,,,, and I want you to know that I respect and value your opinions , as I hope you do mine.
I am a nurse,,,,,, and I have devoted 30 years to helping others,,,,, to making their lives as comfortable as possible..... to go to bed at night,,,,and know that I have been a good person,,,, and that I may have made just one small difference that day to make someone happier. I do hope that you do not think badly of me,,,,,, but I feel good inside about life, about what God gives us,, and about the ways in which I conduct myself in everyday life. If God thinks I am sinning by my actions,,,,,, then someday,,,, He will let me know,,,,,, as for now,,,,, I feel good inside,,,,, and my grandchildren, will be Cinderella, and Elmo this Halloween. Have a wonderful week,,,, and please continue your beautiful site. SDT

Date: Wednesday, January 07, 1998 11:25 PM
Subject: Your web page
I truly do not wish to be angry with you, but I do wish to inform you of the true meaning of Samhain (Halloween). First, I'd like to begin with the meaning of the religion of Wicca. Known as the Old Religion, it is thousands of years older than the religion of Christianity, though, no less viable. Wiccans believe in a Goddess and a God, who are actually just male and female aspects of each other. Despite popular belief propogated by the Christian church in the 12th century, Wiccans do *not* worship Satan and, in fact, do not even believe in the exsistance of the "ultimate evil". The two main tennants of the Wiccan religion are "If it harms NONE, do what thou wilt" and "Anything you send out comes back to you three fold". Sounds a bit like the Christian Golden Rule, doesn't it? Most Wiccans believe in reincarnation, where, when we die, we go to Summerland to replenish our souls, review our actions in the previous life, and go onto the next life, should we desire. Summerland is open to everyone, good and evil alike, and there is no place for eternal damnation. The Wiccan deities are not that cruel. When we do wrong, we are punished in *this* life, and given a chance to change their ways in the next.
Now, onto the holiday of Samhain. Samhai is the Wiccan New Year where the veil between between the worlds is the thinnest. It is a time to gain wisdom from those who came before us (NOT demons) and to honor them. It is a time of joy, celebration and feasting.
A word to the wise: Anyone who is doing *anything* to harm people, including themselves is NOT a Wiccan. They are simply misguided people who are using the day as an excuse to be cruel to others.
Please, I beg of you, read and reread what I have written here. I am not at *all* asking you to become a member of my faith, but I am asking you to pray to your God and ask him the meaning of his words: "Do not judge, lest ye be judged". What you have been told about Wiccans are wrong.
A few parting words: "What is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular" --Unknown. "If you want to know me, look inside your heart." - Tao Te Ching "If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living." --Gail Sheehy ................Thank you, Tara

Date: Friday, November 21, 1997 1:33 AM
Subject: Hello!
Hi Annie, I have to tell you that I don't agree with everything (in fact, not alot) on your web page. I am a Witch and I know what Halloween (we call it Samhain) means to me in my faith. It's not about evil, Satan, exalting death or anything negative.
I know, you look at the stores during the Halloween holiday and all you see is skeletons, rubber rats and all sort of nasties. Well, that's commercialization for you. When you go into a store at Christmas time, you see very little which accurately celebrates the birth of Christ. It's unfortunate that holidays which are very Holy often get draped in such superficiality.
I know there is a verse in the Bible (Ex 22:18, I believe, having read the Bible twice) that states "Suffer not a Witch to live". I noticed you have a link to the page which lists this verse among others which condemns Witchcraft.
Do you believe that verse, Annie? Do you believe that God would direct someone to kill me because of how I worship God?
I don't wish to change your mind, Annie. And I like the over-all positive slant you put on your page with the inspirational quotations from the Bible and so on.
I just wanted to mention to you the weight and the sadness associated with that verse.
God is love, Annie. I think we both agree on that. So, why would God wish me dead?
Blessed be, Rev. S. W.

Date: Thursday, November 06, 1997 8:00 PM
Dear Annie, Hello I just saw your webpage, I thought it was quite nice- but there is only one thing... Some things on your page just arent true, you shouldn't put other religions down, It seems like you are putting down other religions and that just isnt right, remember always. "Love is the law no matter what religion"
Please remember that there are many other religions in the world and you just can't change that. We all understand that you have your right too be your religion, and we have ours. Biogotry is really getting bad these days please don't help it. I'm sorry if you take this letter offencive, it truly wasn't ment to be. I am just stating my fealings, please concider taking off the "hate religion remarks" Thankyou, and blessed be === W.

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 1997 3:18 PM
Subject: Halloween
I just read your home page. I have for years understood the meaning of Halloween, and as Christians we must avoid it at all costs. But I was a little disturbed that you referenced Unicef on your home page. This is not a Christian organization as I understand, and they promote Trick or Treating, but only to raise money for their cause. Trick or treating is wrong no matter what the cause, I believe that halloween has a curse on it, and if an organization promotes an ungodly tradition to raise money, then they are wrong. Plus I have heard many bad things about Unicef, one being that they are part of the New Age and all it stands for. I just do not think, if you believe that halloween is an abomination to God that you should advertise an organization which promotes it on your home page. The scripture says to abstain from even the appearance of evil. Would love to hear from you.

Date: Monday, October 27, 1997 4:51 AM
Subject: Re: Halloween History
Hi, I would just like to question your sources you used for researching the origin of Halloween. You refer to a Pagan observance of Halloween, I hope you will clarify WHICH observance that is. Are you talking about All Hallow's Eve, Samhain, All Saints, or what?? I also would like you to know that the Jack-O-Lantern story you have comes from Christian Folk Lore and is not the background for why Jack-O-Lanterns are what they are. Also your Trick or Treat info is a bit misguided, but as I said...you may have errouneous or biased sources. I have a nice list of neutral, historical references to the early celebrations ecompassed into modern Halloween. Merry Meet, Merry Part, And Merry Meet Again. :) W.

Date: Monday, October 27, 1997 12:26 AM
Subject: your halloween page
Dear annie, I just thought I would let you know that spiders are not insects. They are arachnids. Halloween is not an evil holiday. It is simply a holiday celebrated by some folks outside of Christianity. Dont believe everything you see on television. Those who consider Halloween a religious holiday are not evil. In fact, we believe in the same laws that you do . . . Blessed Be,

Date: Sunday, October 26, 1997 9:54 PM
Subject: Your Halloween page
Annie- Praise God for your Halloween Page. Friday is pediatric day at our ophthalmology clinic and everyone is dressing up. I was wondering how I should respond as a Christian. I was considering dressing as a Biblical character, but after reading your page and links, I decided that I will take a stand armed with the word of God and not dress up. I will pray that your page may touch those who do not know Jesus and help lead them to the Truth. In His Love, L.

Another Email: You speak of ignorance being no excuse. What, then, is yours?
You know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about the origins of this day you call Halloween.
The people who celebrate Samhain, the proper name for Halloween, put no stock in either the Devil, or Hell. They believe not in Satan, never mind worshipping him. Please, listen to reason. Visit some of the wonderfully informative sites here on the web. For instance, some sites have a wonderfully informative section for non-pagans.
It's a wonderful thing when you can look at your religion, and look at those of others, and say to yourself, "yeah, it's different, but so what?" Thanks for your time, J.

subject: Ignorance
Dear Annie, How beautiful you set up your page with pagan symbols. This can only lead someone to believe that maybe you enjoy these images. You have spent more time making your page pretty with popular halloween imagery then convincing me to be a christian. Sorry. From a loving pagan

the number 13 was also considered 'lucky' by certain religious sects, in paganism the number 13 is a lucky number as it is the number of members of coven. Oh yeah, i didn't check out your xmas page but i figure i would mention that that holiday started out as the pagan holiday Yule, the actual birthdate of christ is in july, but early catholics in an effort to convert early pagans set his birthday to the same day as the Yule celebration as this encouraged the pagans to celebrate xmas rather than Yule, thus making them more likely to convert. (Btw- this is a well documented fact, check up on it.)

I was looking at your anti-old hallowmas page. You have a couple of semi-correct peices of information.... the first is...
' The Jack O Lantern was originally a turnip that was carved out and a candle put in it. The word jack-o'-lantern is from an old Irish story. Once there was a man named Jack who was very mean. When he died, he went to the devil. The devil threw Jack a hot coal and told him to put it inside the turnip he was eating. "This is your lantern," said the devil. Jack is still walking with his lantern, looking for a place to stay. '
That is one legend, This is the closest thing i can remember anymore to the historical account... there is alot of information on old hallowmas, it started as a pagan holiday and then the catholics tryed to change it to a christian holdiday, called 'st. peters day' or 'st. micheals day<spelling>' when they were attempting to convert the pagan population of europe. That failed so they followed the day with a day called 'all saints day' and the legend says that "evil spirts come through the veil
of our world on old hallowmas and aren't disipated until the dawn of 'all saints day'
In the days of celts of britan, often a candle was lighted and placed into a window on All Hallows Eve to help the lost souls of the world find there way home. Around the same time masks were used to frighten away evil spirits that would cause harm to your family. The jack-o-lantern was invented as a way of combining both, a- helping lost souls find their way home, and b- repelling evil spirits away from your house.
The next is... What does it mean? " Trick or Treat" thought to have come from a European custom called "souling". Beggars would go from village to village begging for "soul cakes" made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors. At the time, it was believed that the dead remained in limbo for a time after death, and that prayer, even by strangers could guarantee a soul's passage to heaven.
this also was originally a britanic/celt belief... they left food out for their ancesters on old hallowmas, so that they would not starve in the afterlife... honey, milk, and bread are customary....Hope you enjoy the information... L.

Annie: As a Wiccan (read 'Witch')I am concerned about the tone of your Halloween site. It would seem to profane, what is to us, our most sacred holliday. As I'm sure you are aware, many Christian hollidays are currently held on what was the original pagan holliday, ex. Easter and Chistmas. This was done to ease the conversian of european pagans whose nations fell under the Christian sword. I understand that your religion compells you to believe that all other beliefs are just facades of the devil, however you may not understand or believe that modern witches do NOT worship the devil. Satan is a Judeo-Christian diety, it has no place in modern witchcraft. We are a nature-centered religion that revolves around two dieties, a Goddess and a God, neither of which is the devil. Thank you for your time,

Annie, I was saved about two years ago but admittingly, have had a slow walk with the Lord. Not until a couple of months ago did I really begin to live for the Lord and see the changes come about in my life. Since my husband has been saved too, only about a month ago, our family of four has become much happier and closer. Halloween is something that I find on my mind often. My 3 1/2 year old son remembers last year when he dressed up as Barney and received so much candy. This year, I began to question if it would be appropriate. A friend of mine at church gave me a pamphlet filled with the history of trick or treating, jack-o-lanterns, etc. And after reading your homepage, I find much more information. It appears that Halloween has always been celebrated in a demonic and evil way. But I just don't see people around me celebrating Halloween in this fashion. I am a Christian and because I feel this way, I don't think it makes me any less of a Christian. I think that any holiday, even the Christian holidays, can be celebrated in a less than holy way. It's how us Christians choose to honor that day. I personally choose to have my children dress up in costumes that are "fun", such as bunnies or cowboys. These are not evil. They go around and get candy. That's it. We don't make sacrifices, we don't have seances (or however you spell it), we don't worship the devil. I think Christians are being scared into believing that Halloween is evil. If you celebrate it in an evil way, than it is. If you celebrate it in a clean way, then it is not. Christmas is the wonderful birth of our Lord and Saviour; however, that day can just as well be turned into something satanic. I just wanted to offer this opinion. God Bless!

Annie, I am a christian and I have a two year old son. I have been debating the issue of Halloween with myself because of my two year old son. When I was growing up although I did not grow up in a christian home, always found Halloween fun not evil. We would dress up and trick or treat and then go home to eat our candy. I always looked forward to that and it made fond memories for me growing up. Now that I really know where Halloween has come from i dont agree with it, celebrating it (on their terms). I have though decided that this year we would give out candy to the children with a tract on where Halloween came from and another on How to raise Godly children. I feel that we as Christians can use this holiday to witness and make people aware for Christ. By giving the tract on how to raise Godly children-the parents may read it since they are the ones who go through the childrens candy first, most of the time. We are not going to decorate our house at all like people do on Halloween but I was thinking of putting out a Pumpkin carved with Jesus is Lord or something that makes people know that when we do things they should always be done for the glory of God. My dilemma comes in whether or not I
should let my son dress up (like Bible characters and nothing else) and participate in activities like trick or treating or parties. I dont really know what the Bible says that may make that wrong or where to look for such things-everyone has their view but I want it to be scriptural based. Can you help with this? In Christ, E

Annie, As a practicing Wiccan I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated the
fair and unbiased treatment of my religion on your site. In a world where I
am too often told that I am "damned" and a "devil worshipper," it is
refreshing to find that there are Christians who recognize that there are
other paths. Thank you for embodying the true teachings of Jesus instead of
the fear and paranoia that is so prevalent these days. Blessings,

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