Fri 31 Oct 2025. Trick or Treat, Evil or Harmless: What's the Deal with Halloween?

Halloween has a colourful and varied history, and a comparatively young one as a modern cultural phenomenon - more so in the New Zealand context.  So what is behind the increase in Kiwis' fascination with an imported cultural trend?  Is it harmless or dabbling in the occult? And what is the Christian response? Andrew Urquhart and his guests sift through superstition, misinformation, fiction and fads, to find the true origins of All Hallows' Eve.  Discover why the Church celebrates Christ's victory over death with the tradition of All Saints and All Souls; reflect on ways of grieving that honour eternal life after death; and how Christian households can continue God's redemptive work in a society engrossed with the false idols of consumerism, popular culture, and pagan spirituality. With Rev. Matt Maslin (laidlaw.ac.nz), the Hope Project's Dave Mann (alltogether.co.nz) and Family Life director Wynand Jacobs (familylife.nz) Text your thoughts to 8168, keyword 'Comments'. For more content visit thoughtsandcomments.co.nzSupport Rhema: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?brand=rhema&utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.