Happy Halloween: The Meaning of the Season

In a day filled with surprises, junk food, and many secular traditions, it is very easy to forget the meaning of the season. If you didn’t know any better, you would think I was referring to Christmas. But believe it or not, I am referring to Halloween. That’s right y’all, I am making the case that “The Devil’s Holiday” itself is actually a day filled with unique Christian tradition.

The origins of Halloween has secular and pagan roots. In the Celtic world of some 2,000 years ago, the New Year began on November 1. This day was the end of summer and the beginning of the dark and cold season. This time of year became associated with death, and it was soon believed that the night before November 1 the worlds of the living and dead became blurred. Such traditions of wearing costumes became prevalent. Thus, we have an early form of the Halloween tradition, and obviously,
this is very pagan.

But some few hundred years into the Middle Ages, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 as “All Saints’ Day.” This was a day set aside by the Christians to honor all Christian Saints, especially martyrs. This does not mean that the Christians worship the Saints themselves any more than Mother’s Day means we worship Mothers, or President’s Day means we worship the Presidents. This was a Christian holiday that was set aside to thank God for raising up men and women in the Church who would be willing to live and even die for the cause of Christ. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.

Another term for Saints is “Hallowed ones.” Thus, another name for All Saints’ Day would be “All Hallows’ Day.” Hence, October 31 became known as “All Hallows’ Eve,” and eventually, “Halloween.”

So how did the Christian holiday of Halloween blur with the Celtic traditions of November 1 and the night before? Many people believe that the Pope had intentionally made November 1 All Hallows’ Day to replace the Celtic holiday. Christians have been known for doing this sort of activity over the years to mock pagan rituals that deny the Truth of the Gospel. Even such traditions of dressing up could have been used by the Christians to symbolically scare off demons from hampering the spread of the Gospel. It was a day in church history where the Christian could be proud of who he or she was, could mock the enemies of God, and be thankful for the rich Christian history he or she was apart of.

This does not mean that the Christian’s relied on pagan ritual for the support of their worldview. Rather it means that even prevalent pagan traditions fall short of the Gospel when the Gospel is spread. “Mocking” the enemies of God did not mean that we wage war on everyone who is not Christian; rather it means we show the non-believers just how sharp of a Sword the Gospel is, that it can pierce through anything that attempts to hinder the spread of the Gospel.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed (or perhaps mailed as some believe), his 95theses. The timing could have been intentional by Luther to make his 95 theses public on the eve of All Hallows’ Day. Thus right in the midst of All Hallows’ Day, we celebrate the Reformation and the brave Saints who gave their lives for the preservation and reforming of the Church.

So tonight as you go trick-or-treating, or walk around at your church’s Fall Festival, or whatever it is you do, I encourage you to think about God’s Church, the Bride of Christ. Think about the brave men and women who have pledge their lives for the Gospel. May we do the same. May we rise again as the lion hearted Saints of early Christendom. May we seek the unity of the Body of Christ, by tearing down denomination’s walls that keep us from piercing through our enemies with the Gospel, and worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth. May we remember the Saints of early Christianity who faced persecution in Rome, the Reformers Martin Luther, John Knox, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and Martin Brucer, the brilliant Christian thinkers and writers who pledged their lives to studying God’s Word, i.e. C.S. Lewis, Peter Leithart, etc, and the Christian’s today who are facing persecution for spreading God’s Word, i.e. Roy Moore. May we stand together now as Saints and stand up for God. If it means giving up our lives, then may our blood become part of the seed of the Church.

Halloween may have origins in paganism. But when the Gospel took hold, the Pagan rituals did not stand scrutiny to the Sword of God. As Christian’s, we cannot let the Pagan’s take back the Holiday that we have won. This has unique Christian tradition. If you are an enemy to God, then you may enjoy Halloween tonight as you celebrate it with pagan intentions – that is, until the Gospel comes knocking on your door saying “Trick or Treat?!”

What do you think?

Trick or Treat?

God bless America

God bless His Church

Happy Halloween

October 31, 2008

Ryan Hampton

Andy Griffeth is Back!!

Well maybe not quite. He's old and seems to be we past his prime. But it is good to see him back in this music video, Brad Paisley's cou "Waitin' on a Woman." I know that a lot of today's music, even in country music, is corrupt and not, for lack of better terms, real. But this is actually a fairly decent song, and putting Andy Griffeth in the video, in my opinion, makes it better. He will always be remembered as Sheriff Andy Taylor from Maybury, but even in this video, he's still the same town sheriff, just a bit older! I am unable to enbed this onto my blog because of user requests on youtube, but I have provided the link to take you to the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvKgnkIN8C8

Bronner Burgess

Maybe it seems a bit cliche` to publically mourn the death of someone famous, or would at any rate make the news, but I still can not help but to write a blog mourning for the Burgess family, and offering out my thoughts and prayers to the family, in light of the Saturday evening drowing of two-year-old Bronner Burgess.

In case you do not know, Rick Burgess is a popular co-host of the radio program Rick and Bubba, which airs on many different radio stations throughout different parts of the country. Rick has spent much time going out of his way to present and defend his Christian faith over the airwaves. He has also spent much time with Bill "Bubba" Bussy talking about his hectic family life. Now his two-year-old son, nicknamed "Cornbread," has died from an accidental drowing. Rick was speaking in Tennessee at the time, away from his Birmingham, Alabama home.

We should be sad hearing of any death, whether it pertains to someone famous or not. But given that Rick has been a proclaimed Christian, this really can affect the way many view Christianity. If Rick gets through this situation with even a stronger faith, then perhaps the world will see it and believe the Gospel. If he doubts the validity of his faith and doubts the power and will of God, then perhaps many people will simply see Christianity as a feel-good myth.

So we should keep the camily in our prayers. For Rick and his wife that no blame will be placed on each other from each other. For the entire immediate and extended family, that they will cope well with this tragic loss. And also for Rick especially, that he will continue to share his faith over the air, and perhaps even with greater strength.

In all ways, may God have all Glory, even when we do not understand why.

What do you think?

God bless America

Support our Troops

January 21, 2008

Ryan Hampton

Happy Halloween

Today is Halloween. It is the day we carve pumpkins, trick-or-treat, tell ghost stories, or perhaps, complain about the 'satanic' influence of this day. Some consider it a holiday. Some consider nothing at all. Some call it the Devil's holiday. Some people refuse to recognize it or do anything for it.

What many people do not realize is the history behind it. Originally, according to many historian scholars, it began with the Celts in Ireland. They celebrated their New Year on November 1st. This was the end of summer, and the beginning of winter according to their tradition. This would damage crops, making it harder to survive. The night before this was thought to be the night when the souls of the living and of the dead blurred together.

But while this is all scary-sounding, and much like the modern-day view of Halloween, the actual real history of Halloween is largely Christian. As time went on, Christianity spread into the Celtic area. No more were the major fears of the dead becoming living. Now, a Christian influence had spread, and it was time to end this non-Christian view Halloween (then called Samhain). Pope Boniface IV designated November 1st as All Saints Day. October 31st was All Hallows Eve (Hallows meaning 'Hallowed one's' or 'Saints'), and eventually, Halloween (note the similarities in names).

From here it history is disputed. Some blame the Christians for jealously taking over a secular holiday. According to these people, Pope Boniface IV was responsible for this. Others say that there was no relation at all between Halloween and Samhain, and the Samhain tradition simply followed over into the eve of the Christian holiday, All Saints Day. Some consider the Pope was intentionally replacing the older Celtic tradition, but was justifiable in doing so. According to these people, Christianity spread, so the once secular and somewhat satanic holiday should be Christianized. Dressing up as "scary" creatures may symbolize either Christians scaring the deamons of Satan, the Christians mocking Satan, or could symbolize the Christians lack of fear for Satan and his demons. It is really up for debate and question, and up to the individual family how they see it.

But whether or not you celebrate Halloween, perhaps you can celebrate Reformation Day. All Saints Day and the Irish/Celtic tradition of Samhain all came before Reformation Day. But it is fitting that Reformation Day be celebrated at the time we do honor all of our Saints.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther (seen on left) nailed his ninety-five thesis on the church door at Wittenburg (or perhaps mailed them, but the traditional thought is that he nailed them). This sparked the Reformation. Most churches celebrate Reformation Day the last Sunday of October, but the historical date of it is October 31st.

Though this was the Protestant Reformation, perhaps Roman Catholics can celebrate this as well. The univeral church has never been perfect, but God is always giving it Reform. Sometimes the reform stands out, and other times it does not. Martin Luther was not a perfect man, nor were any of the one's who followed after him, such as John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, Martin Brucer, etc. But these were all men who pledged their faith in Jesus Christ, and made their stand on God's Word. May we always, of any denomination, pledge our lives to God, and look to bring reform to the church and to the world.



John Calvin, seen to the left.





So however you celebrate this day, or if you do not at all, my wish is that it is done in fear of the Lord. If you celebrate Halloween, then may you celebrate it in light of the Gospel. May you look to God, and be thankful for all the Saints who have pledged their lives and Sacred honor to God. May we do the same today.

For a couple of interesting articles, see these:

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=713

http://www.biblicalhorizons.com/open-book/no-28-concerning-halloween/


"Hier stehe ich; ich kann nicht anders. Gott helfe mir! Amen. [Here I stand, I can do no other, God help me.]" -Martin Luther, Diet of Worms. When asked if he would recant, he gave his famous, "Here I Stand" speech, saying that he would not recant, unless convinced by "God's Word and pure reason."



What do you think?

God bless the church

God bless America

Pray for our Troops

October 31, 2007

Ryan Hampton

I Am Now Eagle Scout - Thanks To All

Tonight I completed the requirements of my Eagle Scout by passing the Eagle Scout Board of Review. I should hear back from Boy Scouts of America soon, as all of the information is processed nationally. I would like to take this time to thank all of you who have encouraged me along the way, whether as a friend, family member, scout, any or all of the above.
Just below is a picture of how the area of my project looked before hand.


I began as a scout in Tiger cubs, and worked my way a little there. But after a while, I lost interest to basketball and left. I came back in Pack 335 where my Uncle was Den Leader with my cousin Devin. I had fun in Webelos I & Webelos II. I left there to Troop 351. In 2003, I left Troop 351 and went to Troop 335, where I have been since. I have been Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Historian, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and finally now Chaplain's Aid and Troop Guide.
Below is a picture of some of the work being done.


My project was a bit difficult. You have probably been seeing some pictures from my project on here. But with many people encouraging me, I succeded, even if my original goal of laying some 14 yards of concrete was not accomplished! It was difficult and time-consuming, but it was all worth it.
And as you see below, we are moving right along. The images speek for themselves!


I would like to thank everyone for whatever part you have had. God, my family, my friends, and those in the Troop- especially my Scoutmasters- Mr. Cuntiff, Mr. Watkins, Mr. Lenz (RIP), and Mr. Milam. Also a thanks to my Uncle David who got me back into Scouts when I was about 9. If you received an e-mail from me telling you thanks, then you are included - even if I did write to my entire address book. If I left you out, then don't worry. I might not have your e-mail address, or something could have messed up in sending it to you - or you may just be a random viewer of this. I know that there's many of those! (Not really). I will let you know of the plans for my ceremony. Thanks again, and God bless,
Hey, I am working! I am in the picture below!

And there is some of the final work being done.


Ryan

A Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd

This is also seen on the Reckless Abandon music page. Reckless Abandon is the band I am in. [See Links].

Yesterday marked the 30th anniversary since the plain crash killing several of the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd. In this crash, lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, his sister and backup singer Cassie Gaines, another backup singer with the group, and a tour manager, were all killed in this plane crash. In my opinion, Lynyrd Skynyrd, as a music group, is one of the greatest of all time in Rock-N-Roll history. Lynyrd Skynyrd mixed rock, country, and blues together to make a real but semi-twangy southern rock. Their song Freebird has rivaled Led Zeplin's song "Stairway to Heaven" as the most requested songs on FM radio. If you are pickin' away at the guitar at a local party, you should never be surprised someone in the audience to yell "Freebird!!" or another of their great songs. In fact, just yesterday at Reckless Abandon's first gig, there were three of their songs played, of course, Freebird being "requested."

But their fame was well deserved. Their fame proved not to be a fad. They played music relative to the working American - which is who they were. I personally consider the great late Ronnie Van Zant (original singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd), as one of my lyrical inspirations. The songs were relative to true stories. "Gimmie Three Steps" was inspired from a true story. "The Ballad of Curtis Leow" was actually inspired from a group of great blues singer. "Freebird" was used as a metaphor for the groups outlook to much of life. Only Ronnie Van Zant wrote of the haunting question, "If I leave here tomorow, would you still remember me?" Lynyrd Skynyrd is perhaps the only rock band in history who through the lyrics of Ronnie Van Zant, would write a song as a tribute to their mother. They did this through their song "Simpleman" which shows a dialogue between Van Zant's mother and Van Zant, with his mother doing all the talking through her precious wisdom. Only Ronnie Van Zant showed through poetic romantic literature his utopian view, but realism of the "concrede slowly creeping" into his Southern and traditional home. In this song, "All I Can Do (is write about it)," Van Zant says he can't make changes, but can only write his experiences is a song. This has got to only show Van Zant's pride in the band and its music.

But it was also the sound of the band that drew long-term attention as well. The band mixed Southern country with blues and a driving rock. The guitar solo's for "Freebird" and Simpleman" were almost as good as the powerful lyrics for the songs. The powerful duo of Allan Collins and Gary Rossington was simply amazing. Lynyrd Skynyrd is the holder of what is perhaps the greatest Southern Rock song of all time, "Sweet Home Alabama."

Perhaps many musicians of today can learn from the great Lynyrd Skynyrd. Not many musicians or bands have the same powerful lyrics and powerful music as was found in Lynyrd Skynyrd. Since the plane crash they have just not been the same. But the apparent answer to the haunting question "If I leave here tomorow, would you still remember me," appears to be an obvious yes.

Rest in peace.