From the desk

Candy, costumes and corruption.

That is what Halloween is known for in the Christian church today, isn’t it?

Growing up, I trick-or-treated. That’s right, start throwing your judgment stones — but it looks like I wasn’t the only American child participating in the seemingly harmless events.

In 2006, the National Retail Federation conducted a survey in regards to the celebration of Halloween. The survey found that nearly 63.8 percent of consumers participated in Halloween in 2006. That was nearly 12 percent more than in 2005.

Although the survey has not been recently re-evaluated, I think it is fair to assume that those numbers have not dropped drastically.

According to ChildStats.gov, an organization funded by the Census Bureau, there are over 75 million children in the US. With 63 percent of all children trick-or-treating, it is not reasonable to assume such evil exists amidst innocent fun.

For as long as I can remember, I trick-or-treated. Dressing-up and going door-to-door was the highlight of my fall festivities. However, the holiday was more than that for me. Some of the best memories I have with my dad are from years of trick-or-treating.

From the time I could walk until my 17th birthday, my dad came trick-or-treating with my younger sister and me.

The most common argument sounding from the Christian church today against Halloween is the corruption surrounding the festivities, scantily clad teenagers and lurking evils awaiting young prey.

But how can hiding your children from these things help them?

I never participated in the inappropriate dress code, nor did I ever fear the “danger” which Halloween is rumored to contain.

Halloween is a time when parents can bond with their children. Yes, if you send your 14-year-old daughter out to roam the streets by herself, she may be faced with decisions that her undeveloped brain is not yet mature enough to respond to appropriately. However, if you go out with your children and use Halloween as a time to disciple them, you may find you are building memories that will last a lifetime — and life lessons as well.

Many argue that Christians are to abstain from the ways of the world. Well, then do it. Instead of hiding yourselves away in your homes with locked doors and closed blinds, try getting out and meeting those neighbors Jesus has called you to love.

Instead of following the world’s standards of parenting, spend time teaching your children to make the right choices and do it by their side.

Yes, I am only a 20-year-old college student who still has a lot to learn, but what I do know is that I am not a worse person — or Christian — because I trick-or-treated.

I was taught values and life skills that will stay with me forever. I developed a relationship with my dad that, although imperfect, is stronger than most. Most importantly, I was taught not to judge but to love and to take every opportunity to express that love to a broken and dying world.

Even if that expression comes through a smile and a thank-you after a cheerful “trick-or-treat.”