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All Saints' Day celebrates light brought into the world after a dark Halloween Date published: 11/1/2007
TODAY is All Saints' Day, when One of the most famous of the early saints was Polycarp, who lived between A.D. 69 and 155. A teacher and leader in the early church, he refused to recant his faith, and was arrested. Taken to the Colosseum in Rome and bound to a stake, Polycarp was invited to proclaim "Caesar is Lord" to escape execution. He refused. "For 86 years, I have been [Christ's] servant, and He has never done me wrong: How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" he is reported to have said. The fire was lit. On the anniversary of Polycarp's martyrdom, Christians gathered at his grave to remember his courage and faithfulness and take Communion. Over time, other martyrs were included in the remembrance, as well as, eventually, everyday Christians. All Saints' Day became a strong tradition, one which survived the Reformation and is still observed by many branches of Christianity. All who today enjoy the comforts of Christianity stand on the shoulders of martyrs and the everyday faithful observers who have passed the torch from generation to generation. Halloween may have its dark and scary goblins, but All Saints' Day celebrates those who have brought light and hope to the world.
most Christian celebrations themselves have pagan origins? Easter is a vernal equinox holiday. That's why it never falls on the same Sunday every year. Christmas evolved from a Roman Empire winter solstice holiday celebrating the birth of the sun (as in our VERY important star.) History is worth knowing, that's for sure. Unfortunately, it's true origins are often shoved under the rug by people with a personal agenda.
Knowing some history never hurt anyone!
All it is is history Idiot. Nothing wrong with a little history.
Thanks to the FLS and the editor for this "Opinion." We are bombarded with secular reminders regarding pagan Halloween and it's attendant consumerism. This Opinion offers perspective and a bit of balance. It reminds all Christians what the day is (or should be) all about. Thanks furthur for making reference to one of the preeminent early church fathers. Most of them are too frequently ignored and not studied. Too many Christians have never heard of them.
But your next editorial is a step in the right direction. I consider it a downpayment on what FLS should be doing instead.
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