What's Halloween without a few monsters? From bloodthirsty vampires and flesh-eating zombies to witches and the Grim Reaper, these familiar figures appear everywhere during spooky season.
But here's something you might not know: many of Halloween's most famous monsters have surprisingly deep connections to religion. In fact, these religious associations help explain why some devout Christians refuse to celebrate Halloween.
Long before they became Halloween costumes and horror movie villains, these creatures appeared in religious traditions, ancient mythology, and folklore about death and the supernatural.
So where did our favorite Halloween monsters come from, and what do they have to do with faith? Let's dig into the spooky history of eight familiar faces.
1. Skeletons: Christianity's Reminder of Death
For centuries, skeletons have served as powerful religious symbols of mortality.
In medieval Christianity, skeleton imagery was closely associated with memento mori, a Latin phrase meaning "remember that you must die." The idea was to remind believers that life is temporary and encourage spiritual reflection.
This message inspired the Danse Macabre, or "Dance of Death," a medieval artistic tradition depicting death leading people from every social class to the grave.
Kings, peasants, clergy, and nobles all appeared alongside skeletal figures, reinforcing one unsettling truth: death comes for everyone, regardless of wealth or status.
Interestingly, historians say these artistic displays went beyond the canvas; in the 14th and 15th centuries, people supposedly dressed up as corpses from different social classes at village pageants. These costumes may have even been precursors to those worn during Allhallowtide – an early (Christianized) version of Halloween with its own fascinating history.
2. The Grim Reaper: Why Does Death Carry a Scythe?
A hooded skeleton carrying a scythe is one of Halloween's most recognizable figures. But where did the Grim Reaper come from?
The familiar image developed in medieval Europe, particularly during and after the devastating outbreaks of the Black Death in the 14th century.
As death became an ever-present reality, artists increasingly personified it as a skeletal figure.
The Grim Reaper's scythe draws on agricultural imagery: just as a farmer harvests crops, Death comes to collect human lives.
Although the Grim Reaper is not a figure specifically described in the Bible, its imagery became closely associated with Christian reflections on mortality, judgment, and the afterlife.
The next time you see someone dressed as the Grim Reaper, remember that their costume owes as much to medieval religious art as it does to horror movies.
3. Mummies: Ancient Egypt's Quest for Eternal Life
In horror movies, mummies are terrifying corpses that rise from their tombs to seek revenge.
But in ancient Egypt, mummification was not about creating monsters. It was about securing eternal life.
Ancient Egyptians believed that a person's existence continued after death, provided they successfully completed the journey into the afterlife.
Preserving the body was essential to this process. Mummification helped protect the deceased's physical remains, while funerary rituals supported the spiritual elements of the person, including the ka and ba.
These beliefs were closely connected to Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife and resurrection.
The modern idea of a cursed, reanimated mummy developed much later through fiction and horror films.
In other words, what Hollywood turned into a terrifying monster originally represented something sacred: the hope that death wasn't the end.
For a closer look at these beliefs, explore how different religions understand the afterlife.
4. Vampires: Why Are They Afraid of Crosses?
Vampires have haunted European folklore for centuries, particularly in stories about the restless dead returning to harm the living.
But their religious associations became especially recognizable through Christian symbolism.
In traditional vampire stories, crosses, holy water, and other sacred objects sometimes serve as protection against these supernatural threats.
Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula helped popularize this imagery, featuring crucifixes, consecrated objects, and religious faith in the struggle against the vampire.
These symbols reflected the Christian cultural setting of the stories, where sacred objects represented spiritual protection against evil.
Interestingly, the familiar belief that vampires are vulnerable to silver is much less central to traditional vampire folklore than crosses, garlic, or wooden stakes.
Although vampires are fictional, their legends reveal how religion and folklore have shaped our understanding of the supernatural.
5. Witches: From Religious Persecution to Modern Paganism
Witches may be among Halloween's most recognizable characters, but their history is far more complicated than pointed hats and bubbling cauldrons.
In early modern Europe, Christian fears about witchcraft contributed to widespread accusations, trials, and executions. People accused of practicing harmful magic were sometimes believed to have made agreements with the Devil.
The Salem witch trials of 1692 remain one of the most notorious American examples of this persecution, with accused witches subjected to strange and often brutal tests.
But where did the familiar Halloween witch, complete with a pointed hat and broomstick, come from?
Much of this imagery was popularized through European prints and illustrations, particularly during the early modern witch hunts. The exact origins of individual features, including the pointed hat, remain debated.
And here's an important distinction: modern witches are not the supernatural villains of Halloween folklore.
Today, some practitioners identify as witches within Wicca, Paganism, or other spiritual traditions, while others approach witchcraft as a secular practice. They might be found sharing spells and rituals on TikTok, rather than flying around on broomsticks.
Still, misconceptions persist. Some practitioners continue to face accusations of Satanism, even as witchcraft gains greater mainstream visibility. One university has even introduced a master's degree exploring magic and the occult.
For many modern practitioners, witchcraft involves nature, ritual, personal spirituality, or folk traditions rather than anything resembling Hollywood's portrayal of evil magic. Different types of witches follow different traditions, and many incorporate witchcraft symbols with distinct spiritual meanings into their practices.
6. Werewolves: A Curse, a Punishment, or Something Else?
The idea of humans transforming into wolves dates back thousands of years, appearing in ancient Greek mythology and European folklore.
One famous example is Lycaon, a king in Greek mythology who was transformed into a wolf after offending Zeus.
As Christianity spread through Europe, werewolf legends sometimes became connected to ideas about sin, witchcraft, curses, and punishment.
In some accounts, transformation into a wolf represented a loss of humanity or a consequence of wrongdoing. Other stories portrayed werewolves as victims of an involuntary curse.
And what about the famous silver bullet?
Although silver is closely associated with killing werewolves in modern popular culture, that supposed weakness is not universal across older folklore. Its prominence grew through later storytelling and entertainment.
Werewolves illustrate how older myths can acquire new religious interpretations over time.
7. Zombies: The Haunting Origins in Haitian Vodou
Today's zombies are usually portrayed as mindless, flesh-eating corpses spreading an unstoppable infection.
But the concept has a much different history.
The zombie, or zonbi, has roots in Haitian folklore and is often discussed in connection with Voodoo (also called Vodou), a living religious tradition shaped by West African spiritual practices and influences from Catholicism.
In Haitian accounts, zombification can involve the loss of personal freedom or control, with a person subjected to the power of another.
The imagery has also been interpreted through Haiti's history of slavery, making it far more complicated than the brain-hungry monsters of Hollywood.
When zombie stories reached American popular culture in the 20th century, filmmakers gradually transformed them into the undead creatures we recognize today.
George A. Romero's Night of the Living Dead (1968) helped establish the modern zombie horror genre, although its creatures differed considerably from their Haitian folkloric predecessors.
These distinctions matter: Haitian Vodou is a real religion, not a collection of horror movie rituals.
For more, explore the religious history of zombies (and whether Jesus qualifies).
8. Ghouls: Monsters From Arabian Folklore
Ghouls might be associated with graveyards and flesh-eating monsters today, but their origins stretch back to Arabian folklore.
The word ghoul comes from the Arabic ghūl, a supernatural creature often described as a dangerous shape-shifter that haunts deserted places or threatens unsuspecting travelers.
These beings appear in pre-Islamic folklore, and related supernatural beliefs continued to circulate in Islamic cultural traditions.
Ghouls have sometimes been associated with jinn, supernatural beings mentioned in the Quran, although the two are not necessarily interchangeable.
Over time, literature and popular entertainment transformed ghouls into the corpse-eating graveyard monsters commonly seen in horror stories.
Like many Halloween creatures, their modern image is a mixture of older beliefs and later fictional reinvention.
What Do Halloween Monsters Have in Common?
From the Grim Reaper to vampires and zombies, Halloween monsters share a recurring theme: humanity's fascination with death, the unknown, and what might exist beyond the physical world.
Some emerged from religious teachings about mortality and the afterlife. Others developed through folklore, spiritual traditions, or fears about supernatural forces.
Over centuries, storytelling and popular culture transformed them into the monsters we recognize today.
So this Halloween, take another look at those familiar decorations and costumes. They might be hiding centuries of religious history.
Which Halloween monster has the most fascinating backstory? And which one would you least want to encounter after dark?
100 comments
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Dr Dennis Chevalier PhD, DDvin
Attention all Christians on this blog look at the topics that we have and how fast responses have added up from the top of Pagan rituals evil remnants and deviant actions. It shows all the Pagan and deviant believers on this blog site. This should alarm you and scare the hell out of you as well as invoke pity for they are and when they die hell is the only destination left. This is why we have such a problem here on this site with all of the naysayers, the deviants and the delusional fake bishops and fake pastors who claim to have flocks and have never preached a day in their life nor had they given their life to the LORD the Creator of everything. They have never given from their very life to those who have less. I say stand up now Reply below reply to my message and see what happens. They will go ape sh$* over this. Get over what is risked here and those who reply who don’t claim the one true God is everything. Take a stand for if you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything.
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Edyth Branscom
Everyone has their own opinion about sprituality. I'm so happy that you have found comfort in your beliefs BUT, This isn't fair to others that don't believe the same thing as you. I don't believe in your faith. I'm sure you believe that your Christ is a blond haired blue eyed white guy. In reality he'd be totally mideastern. He was born in Bethlehem outside of Jerusalem. This site isn't about shaming others that don't believer as you do. Let us all be peaceful together.
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Ben
Any god construct that would burn people that don't worship and praise his name is utterly wicked. Such behavior isn't accepted for a person so why hold a deity to a lower standard than even that?
https://youtu.be/urlTBBKTO68?is=URw9Iqn3p1nafJwf
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Walter J. Holbrook
Halloween is a Pegan Holiday
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Dr Dennis Chevalier PhD, DDvin
No it is not it is a Catholic holiday all-Hollows-Eve with the next day being the Salinity of the saints.
Dr. D
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Larry Gooden
people tended to forget what is a witch, will for one anyone to whom deals in medical, or works in a lab their or many today who still practice the art of witchcraft.
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John M. Endress
I appreciate the informative post. Thank you.
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Patti Anne Lisenbee
I saw a meme that explained the witch of green skin, pointy nails and ragged clothes. It went that when a woman was imprisoned for the crime of being a witch, she was terribly tortured. Beaten, nails pulled out or nails rammed under the fingernail, raped, partly drowned, burned, hair pulled out, poisoned, stabbed, skin torn off and more. Then she was pulled out into the light of day in this horrendous condition. Having been treated so vilely, of course she didn't look like a normal human. Back then, people were more impressionable than they are now, so they took what they saw and drew it into the witch we see today in Halloween festivities. People didn't execute witches; they executed WOMEN. It is in those final moments that the Halloween witch came to be. Please remember they looked like humans once.
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Russel A. Kester
The image of the witch as a haggard, malevolent figure with supernatural powers predates the witch trials. It has roots in ancient folklore, mythology, and religious beliefs. The color green was popularized by the movie the Wizard of Oz. It seems the meme you watched, portraying a terrible time in European history promotes an ideological narrative instead of seeking historical accuracy. Without specific references to verify the claim, it should be viewed skeptically. Torture before, during, and after the relatively short period of the witch trials was brutal and was conducted against both men and women, but men were more likely to be involved in political intrigue or run afoul of powerful personages and over many more centuries. For example, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ where it is reported that he was whipped severely, beaten, a crown of thorns pushed into the top of his head, and humiliated after which he was crucified. Those who lived in the past, regardless of their sex, had a much more difficult and precarious existence than we do today.
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Rev. Dr. Father JJ
You can't compare historically documented and authenticated incidents of men and women being accused of witchcraft, tortured and executed with the mythology of jebus. At that point you might just as well make up all kinds of silly nonsense about your fictional character
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Russel A. Kester
JJ, you dismissed the historical context of the witch trials, focusing solely on the persecution of women. Your dismissal of the historical context of the witch trials is inaccurate. While women were disproportionately targeted, men were also accused and persecuted. Your dismissive tone towards historical figures and events is disrespectful and unproductive. You fail to acknowledge the complex historical and cultural factors that contributed to the witch trials. Your belief that Jesus Christ is merely a mythological person fails to consider the historical documents which would be acceptable in any other context. Your response seems flawed and unproductive. It lacks historical accuracy, is dismissive, and fails to engage with the nuances of the issue.
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Rev. Dr. Father JJ
here we go again, you and your boy-centric mentality. eesh.
read it again, it's absurd to claim I focused "...solely on the persecution of women.: In what universe did I say that? lol
what I said was that the witch trials that persecuted men AND women was historically accurate where as your comment about some jebus fellow was NOT authentic.
I mean, seriously, you pale attempt to accuse me of something I didn't write while at the same time simply ignoring what I did write.
So again there is authentic, historical documentation to support people being accused and executed for witchcraft whereas there is no historical documentation about some trans dude name jesus who performed magic shows. There is no documentation that supports your claim that such a person existed and regardless of any other context, facts are facts and none exist to support jebus.
It's a bit sad that you think you can just make stuff up like you did, above and that I am too stupid to see it? Really?
p.s. I am beginning to suspect your replies are AI written as they bear little relationship to the comment(s) to which your refer.
Do better, for Dog's sake, Be Better
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Russel A. Kester
JJ, you did, to your credit, mention both men and women as having been found guilty of witchcraft during the period of the witch trials, it was Patti who did not. My bad.
"Jebus" is intended as a derogatory reference to Jesus Christ. It is an insult and offensive to those who hold religious beliefs. While your original comment still contains elements of personal attacks and dismissive language, the use of "Jebus" adds a layer of religious bigotry. This deliberate insult not only undermines the credibility of your argument but also demonstrates a lack of respect for the religious beliefs of others. Your attempt to defend a historical point crosses the line into offensive and disrespectful territory. The use of "Jebus" is both hurtful and unnecessary.
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Rev. Dr. Father JJ
my use of jebus when discussing a fictional character is harmless. that someone who believes in a particular fictional character takes umbrage...well, thicker skin is suppose.
as for elements of personal attacks, I try to copy your writing style, the same holds true of your dismissive language. it would appear neither of us has much respect for those that hold opposing beliefs. however...the difference is that I no intention of trying to force my beliefs onto anyone else, on that point you and I are clearly different.
the credibility of my arguments lays in the points I try to make, not in your dubious accusation of "...religious bigotry.'" which I have to point out, absolutely reeks of irony.
and finally, I do not believe the jebus character was real and most certainly was NOT who he is claimed to be and because it IS all fictional, there is no need on my part to worry about someone's feelings being hurt as a result.
and one last time
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Pastor George Day
Rev. Dr. Father JJ
Using derogatory language to refer to Christ can be seen as imposing your religious beliefs (or lack thereof) on others. It is also partly the responsibility of the moderators to prevent such language that could offend those who hold Christ in deep reverence.
Your claim that he was a fictional character suggests you haven't researched thoroughly.
I feel only compassion for you, as you are distancing yourself from an experience with him.
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Ben
An experience with with a lie is nothing to be proud of. It's just feeling good over made up nonsense. Besides, why would you worship and praise the name of an distorted archetype that burns people that doesn't worship and praise his name? That's downright evil. That sort of behavior is unacceptable for humans so why would a god construct be held to a lower level than even that?
https://youtu.be/urlTBBKTO68?is=URw9Iqn3p1nafJwf
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Pastor George Day
Rev. Dr. Father JJ
You way of argumentation is beyond silly. And what's even more disheartening is your awareness of it.
In fact, you are quite intelligent; you're just acting in a very unhelpful manner, which I would deem rather foolish.
This does not facilitate a two-way conversation.
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Bond Wright
"Some trans dude Jesus"..LOL. That was funny.
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Ben
😂
Yep.
There's absolutely no historical basis for the composite Christ which is simply the retelling of the Egyptian Horus Krst, the Hellenistic Hercules, the Persian Mithra, and the Vedic Hare Krishna.
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Larry Gooden
evil is something in the mind of man, for if you ask a child to go outside, they will most of the time hesitate for someone at one time or another made them scared of the dark. Many people like a good ghost story but these stories told to young children can be harmful. I have been teaching the Wicca for many years we first of all do not believe in evil for to do something evil is a man kind thing. some have told me that mother nature is evil, is she? mother nature (Gala) does what she does to protect the earth. for the earth dose not belong to us, it belongs to mother earth. but humans waste and destroy everything they can set their hands on, why because they can. Halloween to the wicca is the witch's new year. I am a male witch, I do not ride a broom, I don't have warts, and I am not green, nor do I wear a pointed hat thank you very much.
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Tami-Lu Flannery
Hear hear!
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Shannon McLaren
Thank you for sharing truth on this subject. 🙏
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Grand Poobah M
I only came here for the comments! They rarely disappoint. Everyone has their own opinion and free to express it. Can we all get along? Most likely not but in the end we are all human. Kindness goes a long way.
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SDA
I visit most of the articles for the comments. Sadly, these are all wildly off topic and disappointing for their mean spirited sentiments.
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Susan Nagel
Such a cute article for the Halloween season.
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Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski
Interesting article. I love the history of Halloween & the symbolism that correlates religiously. 11.1. is all saints day in well rounded Christianity as we welcome the fall holiday's. Samhain & the wiccan festivals of witches new year, during the last week of October & first week in November Bring blessings & good fortune.
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Rev. Dr. Father JJ
meester keester, very good abilities to access AI but sadly, all you have are definitions of what it is. of course, you're crop dusting here with all of this nonsense and obfuscating the point.
actual paranoia affects a person's life in the same ways that other mental issues do. and you are flailing about a mental diagnosis that can be devastating to people who suffer from it. actually it's sad that you would find describing someone you disagree with as mentally ill; do you still your the R-word too, to, you know, get laughs from your friend (I use the singular because I can't really believe that friend would be used in the plural). in any event, being "aware" is quite significantly different from being "paranoid".
once again, you attack those who disagree with you by calling them "woke radicals" and yet, and assuming you're attacking me, while I guess I could be considered 'woke' I'm certainly not 'radical'. now the regressive right on which you hang your hat are actually the purveyors of nearly every conspiracy theory out there today. Q-anon anyone?
what you are doing is accusing me of being paranoid to disarm or deflect the point I was making which is the kkkristian nationalist 'movement' is real, is coordinated and put together Project 2025 as well other resources.
you like sources and links, visit this one for you edificatio: www.desmog.com/2024/10/23/trump-project-2025-tim-dunn-crownquest-convention-states/
and since you like to label people, here's one that I fully believe describes, well, whomever it applies ;-) Willful Ignorance. google it, it's fun and might help enlighten you as to your attitude and behavior (or probably not because...wilful ignorance
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Reverend Paula Copp
Well said, Rev. JJ
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Russel A. Kester
JJ, your comment appears to be a very long, complex ad hominem attack, a logical fallacy. While providing outside sources to support your opinions can be beneficial, they must be credible. Sources suffering from the same psychological condition as it's readership doesn't strengthen an argument it weakens it.
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Mark A. Bartholomew Sr.
Debate would elude to the concept that through constructive sharing of different opinions would result in a shared learning experience.
The more I visit these blogs, the less I see debate, and more I see selfish one-sided attacks.
Rev. Mark A. Bartholomew Sr.
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Larry Gooden
there has always been one sidedness since the beginning of Man. most people have been trained to believe in things they see and do today. not all is good is it.
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Dr Dennis Chevalier PhD, DDvin
I agree they are very one-sided and are inciting hatred and not achieving anything that could remotely resemble debate.
Dr. D.
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Colleen McAllister
I found the article interesting. Much of it common knowledge but some new info as well. Thanks for sharing.
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James Riggle-Johnson
It’s a holiday geared towards making lots of money just like most of the others.
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Larry Gooden
I have to agree with you for no matter where you go to have a good time is going to cost you in one way or another.
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Brien
Is it possible to have a holiday that isn't related to one religious belief or another? There's something to be said about getting together with friends and family for no other reason than just to have fun. I am tired of debates that have been created for the sole purpose of having arguments. Peace ✌️
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Rev. Dr. Father JJ
fourth of july, memorial day, labor day, thanksgiving, (all US of course) not to mention weekends, vacations, backyard swim parties, etc. lot of ways to have fun for the sake of having fun.
this place isn't those kinds of places though. this place is for debates, however inane they become and regardless of the demographic they invite. sadly though the debates here are pretty lame, re-hashing the same things instead of actual relevant, current events. maybe after 11/4
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Reverend Paula Copp
Remember that “holiday” is a contraction for “holy day.” Holy days are religious by their very nature. Holidays began as holy days, but fortunately the meaning has changed from its original meaning to its current definition.
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Patricia Ann Gross
Brian, As a "holy day" rather than holiday, Halloween (or All Hallows' Eve) was initated to have a day/night of revelry before one of the high holy days (All Saint's Day) celebrated on November 1. So articles relevent to the religiosity of a "holy day" seems appropriate on a ministry site. It makes more sense than discussing the religiosity of the 4th of July, since we arent a theocracy (at least not yet, and not without a major fight, as that would be unconstitutional).
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Russel A. Kester
A fun article. It seems even the church understood it was healthy for people to have a good scare once in a while.
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Nicholas J Page
Even as a kid I never celebrated Halloween or went trick or treating Yes witches exist or so they say but I have never met one
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Theresa C. Marquess
It's Halloween! Come to my house, we have candy!
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Dr Dennis Chevalier PhD, DDvin
lol
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Reverend Paula Copp
I’m a witch…
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Theresa C. Marquess
Good for you, Paula! There are so many more out there, they may be your friends, family members, neighbors, or the person sitting next to you in church! We're everywhere. Glad to have you join us!
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Reverend Paula Copp
Oh, I know! It’s marvelous to meet more brothers and sisters! I finally can out of the broom closet 7 years ago, and I’ve been meeting more of us as time moves on.
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Edyth Branscom
I'm a witch, nice to meet you. Blessing. May the four winds guide you on your way.
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Rev. Dr. Father JJ
It just seems that there are way more important news items we could be discussing rather than halloween or VMITB or Dead Poets talking.
Is the plan here to reach for the lowest denominator in terms of education and intelligence? How many more 'bakers-won't-bake-for-gay-couple or church-can-hire-whomever-they-want 'blogs' will there be?
Meanwhile, just today a kkkris chn nationalist pastor in texas in a sermon (and he's not only not backed down but has doubled down on) saying that women who make false rape claims should be executed. He feels the same way about gays (and this is NOT an african nation, we're talking texas, USA)
A pastor in Missouri declaired that there is no such thing as mental illness, it's actual demonic possession. it couldn't be mental illnes because god made our brains perfect! Oh and he's running for the missouri state senate
Project 2025, the people involved and the goal to theocratize the US
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Russel A. Kester
Wow, someone sounds paranoid.
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Rev. Dr. Father JJ
paranoid how? mentioning the texas pastor? I can provide you a link. or was it the missouri pastor? I can provide you a link to that as well.
or are you denying that kkkris chn nationalists are indeed working toward making the US a theocracy? if so then follow your own advice and check it out, read and find out for yourself (I can provide a link as well) instead of being condescending and borderline insulting.
unlike you I'm not making any of this up. so again, why do YOU think I sound paranoid?
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Russel A. Kester
Conspiracy theories oh my. Christian nationalists are coming for you, Project 2025 is going to take away your freedom, look out or people who believe that American culture is good will come for your children. Ya, paranoia abounds.
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Reverend Paula Copp
I will give you the benefit of the doubt, Mr. Kester, and believe that in some recess of your mind you have the ability to comprehend various ideas. Sadly, I may have overvalued your comprehension skills. Therefore, perhaps it may behoove you to stick with your heightened interest in young men instead of addressing current events, which seem to be beyond your grasp…
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Russel A. Kester
Paula, it is respectful to follow the guidelines of this blog by criticizing ideas not people and be constructive with one's comments not insulting. Did your comment by chance violate any of those guidelines? Could you possibly be specific as to the details of current events which seem to be so triggering to far-left activists?
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Rev. Dr. Father JJ
unlike you, Rev Paula is not attacking you, simply pointing out obvious and evident issues and flaws. it's not an insult, for example, to point out that someone may not have finished high school. it is an insult to state that person is stupid because they did not finish high school. your problem is saying the quiet part out loud but them, your kind lately, does
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Russel A. Kester
JJ, no one but you mentioned anything about high school. I didn't question anyone's intelligence. You write that I said the quiet part out loud. Could you be specific by quoting the part of my comment which gave rise to your statement?
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James Riggle-Johnson
Paula, that last part about interest in young men was unnecessary.
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Reverend Paula Copp
When that is the sum total of someone’s conversation through 98% of the posts, even when the posts are discussing young ladies, it’s relevant to the discussion at hand.
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James Riggle-Johnson
Conspiracy theories like transgender folk are taking over the country, or drag queens are coming for your children? You mean like those? Every one of the statements JJ talked mentioned actually happened.
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Russel A. Kester
James, let's look at the claims made in the comments and assess them.
A pastor in Texas thinks women who falsely accuse men of rape should be executed. I hope we can agree that falsely accusing a man of such a heinous act is terrible and the accuser should face some type of punishment though the pastor's recommended punishment is rather outrageous and would never be enacted into law. It doesn't seem to be a realistic threat to the general population.
A pastor in Missouri claimed that mental illness doesn't exist without any foundation for his claim other than the clearly false claim that our brains are made perfect. Clearly this pastor is wrong and his statement isn't worth worrying about.
That the goal of project 2025 is to make America a theocracy. This is clearly claiming that there is a conspiracy by unnamed persons and no quote from the document to support the assertion.
It first two claims sound a bit wild eyed as the two men have no power to do anything to enforce their statements. But the third doubles down and he asks me if I deny "that kkkris chn nationalists are indeed working toward making the US a theocracy." Okay, this does sound rather paranoid. Yes, I deny that Christian Nationalists are conspiring to take over America and make it into a theocracy. I think they do sincerely believe in national pride and Christian values, but those are not tantamount to taking over our country.
Didn't the writer display a hypersensitivity and overreaction to two people saying really stupid things and then displayed an irrational fear of groups of people conspiring to take over our nation for nefarious purposes?
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James Riggle-Johnson
Russel, since you’re fond of AI results, let’s see what ChatGPT has to say about Christian Nationalism and a theocracy. When asked, “are there politicians who want the US to be a theocracy?” this was the response.
“Yes, there are politicians and public figures who openly support moving the U.S. toward a more theocratic or Christian nationalist direction, advocating for policies and rhetoric that align closely with specific religious principles, often from a conservative Christian perspective. Although the U.S. Constitution establishes a separation between church and state, some figures argue that America's laws should be based more directly on Christian values or that the country should officially recognize Christianity as its guiding faith.
In recent years, Christian nationalism—a belief that the U.S. should be defined as a Christian nation—has gained some traction in political circles. Some prominent politicians have invoked this belief to promote policies against abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender identity rights, arguing these policies uphold “biblical values.” Certain officials have also pushed for more prayer in schools, religious displays on public property, and public funding for religious schools. The concept of a full theocracy is not widely endorsed by mainstream U.S. politicians, as it would directly conflict with Constitutional principles. However, the rise in support for “Christian values” as a foundation for U.S. law signals a shift in how some groups envision the role of religion in government.”
There is more but I’ll leave it here. You seem to be under the impression that it’s the “Liberal Left” who are the main conspiracy peeps, but I can name many far right leaning people who are further down the rabbit hole than liberals. Don’t forget QANON and the people it was aimed at.
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Russel A. Kester
James, while I think what you posted from ChatGPT is interesting and it is true that there are some lonely voices advocating silly things, your post was not in answer to mine wherein I asked for an honest assessment from you if the three points I referred to in a fellow ULC minister's comments displayed hypersensitivity, irrationally, and paranoia. Instead you tried to redirect the conversation elsewhere to avoid responding directly to my question to you. If you would be so kind as to stay on topic and answer my questions, then we can bring this thread to a conclusion and move on to other interesting topics like the one you suggested.
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James Riggle-Johnson
In short, no I don’t think he’s being paranoid. I referred to ChatGPT because in later comments you refer to Google AI.
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Rev. Dr. Father JJ
they are not conspiracy theories and once again, you dodge, deny, defy and weave. hmmm.....hmmmm
instead of demeaning other people, as is your wont (and against the rules here) maybe try a nicer approach and google what it is you claim is a conspiracy theory.
I pointed out in texas two billionaire pastors who admit they want to make texas a theocratic state to start, and they believe, as do many, many other people that the US needs to be a theocracy. again to call it a conspiracy theory is to go full blown cognitively dissonanced. smfh...easy to see where the problem lies
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Ben
It's definitely not a conspiracy theory that's for sure.
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Tom Herman
Russell, One only needs to open their eyes to see the Christian Nationalist want to impose their beliefs on you through overthrow of the US Constitution. If you cannot see that Project 2025 is happening then you haven't read it.
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Reverend Paula Copp
Comment removed by user.
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Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
Hardly paranoid, dearest Russel.
Perhaps you could strive to be more well educated than you try to show us you are. You come off as just plain silly. A buffoon in fact.
Go ahead and actually read (assuming this is a skill you possess) Project 2025. I suppose as a “man” you might be delighted with it but for those in this group and those not in this group who are part of the LBGTQIA2S+ community and their families it is terrifying, not paranoia inducing.
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Russel A. Kester
Elizabeth, let's do as you suggest and educate ourselves on paranoia. I asked Google AI which responded, "people with paranoia can experience intense feelings of fear and anxiety. Paranoia is a thought process that can be influenced by fear, suspicion, or anxiety, and can lead to irrational beliefs and delusions. People with paranoia may experience the following:
Fear: Uncontrollable feelings of fear, especially about being tricked or taken advantage of
Mistrust: Intense and irrational mistrust of others, even when there's no evidence to support it
Suspicion: Suspicion that others are working against you or scheming to take advantage of you
Hypervigilance: Constantly looking for threats
Difficulty relaxing: Being unable to relax or rest due to nonstop fear and worry
Sensitivity to criticism: Being extremely sensitive to criticism, even misreading mild comments or looks as insults
Persecutory beliefs: Believing that someone is persecuting you or that there is a conspiracy against you."
Hmmm, the comments from the woke radicals here do seem to exhibit those mentioned by the AI. Thanks for helping clarify just how paranoid those comments are.
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Michael Hunt
You just described every conservative news outlet in America and the vast majority of conservatives. Everything pushed on right-wing news is fearmongering, largely baseless. They tell you that everyone else is lying to you and only our news organization can be trusted. The "Evil Democrats" and the "enemy within" are trying to destroy America for some unstated reason. Anytime you bring valid criticism against them they deny and jump down the person's throat. Conservatives are constantly claiming they're the victims of "woke ideology" or cancel culture. You're so clearly projecting that it's actually funny.
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Russel A. Kester
Your comment presents a sweeping generalization about conservatives and conservative media outlets. It paints a picture of a monolithic group that is driven by fear, distrust, and a victim mentality. You accuse conservatives of using fear-mongering tactics, promoting conspiracy theories, and silencing dissent. While there may be some truth to these claims in certain cases, it's important to recognize that not all conservatives fit this description. There is a diverse range of opinions and beliefs within the conservative movement, and it's unfair to stereotype an entire group based on the actions of a few
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Patricia Ann Gross
I'm impressed, Russel. You are finally acknowleding that there is a continuum on ideological/political thought. One can be conservative, and still have a liberal view or two. Same is true for liberals having conservative views. We aren't all militant feminists trying to turn men into women (or run children through sex-change surgery). Thank you for also acknowledging (in your own way) that it's the far fringes (both right and left) that get the press. I've been trying to convince you for months that most of us fall somewhere inbetween. It's those far fringe voices (on both sides) that become scary to a lot of us, especially when those voices are from people with positions of power
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Russel A. Kester
Patricia, thank you for your kind comment with which I do agree. And it does seem that comments, including mine, are directed to those fringes positions.
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Ben
The sensible conservatives that aren't a bunch of religious fanatics need to distance themselves from the Christian nationalists.
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Sir Lionheart
We do Ben, but I think you will find there are Christian’s nationalists, or nationalists in general, on both sides of the fence, and is being a nationalist really a problem within our Republic of the United States of America?
Here’s a common description of a nationalist:
A nationalist is a person who strongly identifies with their own nation and advocates for its interests, culture, and sovereignty.
So basically: The core belief of nationalism is that a nation should govern itself, maintain its own distinct identity, and remain free from outside interference.
Fanatics can of course be a problem on both sides of the political spectrum, and that’s where we need law and order.
As a nation I quite like the idea of our own independence, don’t you? What are your thoughts?
🦁❤️
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Reverend Paula Copp
When it’s the truth, it’s not paranoia. Please learn the difference.
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Russel A. Kester
But Paula, the sociological theories of the progressive crowd has taught for decades in our elite universities that there is no objective truth.
In fact, ipostmodernism argues that there is no objective truth, instead suggesting that knowledge is socially constructed and dependent on perspective, power dynamics, and cultural contexts, leading to multiple interpretations of reality rather than a single, absolute truth.
Guess that leaves paranoia as the best explanation for the views of some commentators.
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Reverend Paula Copp
Mr. Kester, The sociologists and philosophers to whom you refer have nothing better to do with their minds than think. They seem to belong to the educated elite who think for the sake of thinking. Actual institutions of higher learning, however, hold that truth is truth no matter how much one would like it to be otherwise. Oh, and by the way… the educational system has, or should have, nothing to do with politics, and progressives are not going after you.
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Russel A. Kester
Paula, your argument directly attacks the character and motivations of sociologists and philosophers, minimizing their intellectual pursuits and their contributions to society.
Your assertion that "actual institutions of higher learning" hold a specific view of truth is a broad generalization. It implies that all academic institutions share a monolithic perspective, ignoring the diversity of thought and opinion within these institutions.
Your claim that education should be "apolitical" is a simplistic view. Education is inherently political, as it shapes societal values, norms, and power structures. Ignoring this fact can lead to a narrow and biased education system a concern I've expressed in looking at how we as a society are educating boys.
Your suggestion that "progressives are not going after you" misrepresents my concerns about the ideologies of progressive organizations, their effects on society, and their logical flaws.
Your argument oversimplifies complex issues such as the relationship between education and society. It fails to acknowledge the historical and ongoing impact of education on social change and political discourse.
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Reverend Paula Copp
I’m a retired educator with 30 years experience. I retired as an English professor. I know more about education, Mr. Kester, and your ideas aren’t accurate. You say that education runs society. That is absolutely not true. Society determines its ideals, which used to be called the “body of common knowledge”, which are then implemented by the education system. While society changes, the pillars of society (religion, education, politics) are nowhere near as quick to change. Since you know little (as evidenced by your argument) about educational pedagogy, may I suggest that you stick within your area of expertise.
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Russel A. Kester
Paula, your argument presents an ad hominem attack. Instead of addressing the substance of my argument, you resort to a personal attack, questioning my knowledge. This is a logical fallacy.
You oversimplify the relationship between society and education by asserting that "society determines its ideals, which are then implemented by the education system." Education is not merely a passive recipient of societal ideals. It can also shape and influence societal values, norms, and future directions.
Your comment generalizes. For example, your statement that "the pillars of society (religion, education, politics) are nowhere near as quick to change" is a sweeping generalization that overlooks the dynamic nature of societal change. While some aspects of these institutions may be resistant to change, others can evolve rapidly in response to social, economic, and technological shifts. Witness how our most elite colleges and universities were taken over by far-left radicals whose teachings then entered into society and the workforce in only a generation.
You make an appeal to your personal experience as an English professor to assert your authority on the subject of education. While your experience is valuable, it does not automatically qualify you as an expert on all aspects of education, particularly those related to educational policy and societal impact. In fact, your apparent lack of understanding how our current educational system is affecting boys demonstrates that being an expert in a singular field, like English, does not make one an expert in any other field or aspects in either education or life.
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Rev. BH
Russel, an "ad hominem attack" is not the same thing as a "logical fallacy". Two different things.
PS: what ever happened to discussing Hallowe'en monsters?
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Bond Wright
Also in how we are educating girls.
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Tom Herman
For good reason.
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Bond Wright
Russel Kester: Ahhhhh. A breath of fresh air.
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ServantOfJudgement
JJ, I'm super bummed to let you know the KKK is a democratic denomination. Big-time bummer, I know. I know it hurts to accept that in my lifetime(and yours) the democratic party were/are icky racists. Bummer on that one too. If I may use your vernacular, DemonKKKrats are super good at enslaving, oppressing and redirecting their icky supremacy. I'm sorry I have to let you know this, from one adult to another but somebody should. Since most here hate me, I thought I'd be a good candidate. Did you know that when you say stuff, you're promoting antichrist nationalism? Weird. Big time weird.
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Joseph Grieco
If the KKK is a Democratic party adjunct, why do avowed Klan members keep running as Republicans? Why did a certain NY real estate developer receive endorsements from pretty much every KKK organization and known leader in the country?
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Sir Lionheart
As an FYI, Joseph, the Republican Party emerged in 1854, with one of its earliest formative meetings taking place in a small schoolhouse in Ripon, Wisconsin, on March 20. Its founding movement was driven largely by opposition to the expansion of slavery, approved by Democrats, into America's western territories, particularly following the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
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Dr Dennis Chevalier PhD, DDvin
to: Rev. Dr. Father JJ Oct 25, 2024 at 09:26 am
“saying that women who make false rape claims should be executed” That’s a bit much but they do need to be put on public display, so everybody knows who these lowlifes are.
Why is the reply button missing on your entries? Is someone trying to silence you like they do me?
“pastor in Missouri declared that there is no such thing as mental illness,” Oh he is unhinged and definitely wrong… “Project 2025, the people involved…” No it is not Project 2025 now it like paranoia is sneaking through you remarks ... Sorry…
“they are not conspiracy theories and once again, you dodge, deny, defy and weave. hmmm.....hmmmm” Now you see the nightmare I deal with over people on this site, they don’t deal with issues that can make them better or professional and serve their constituents or parishioners better, They deny and obfuscate and cause problems using race-baiting and emotional-baiting and religion-baiting as some kind of perverse hobby looking for a fight with name-calling!
They act like they are drunk or high and/or have mental disease/illness and have no idea about being a professional in anything.
They are a very bad joke of humanity that needs to be avoided and that’s the nicest way to say it.
To call them as any kind of ministers or reverends is a slap in the face of God Almighty and blasphemous. Now there will be 20 days and 90 pages worth on this blog of their hate response to this ;watch you’ll see. They can't help themselves!
Dr. D
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Kaylene Peters
Hello, I suppose you've had a chance to think about this. Would strict legalism that don't permit human interest articles really be in the best interest of the thread? If there was no dance the water into wine wedding story was thrown out of the New Testament would it be a much more intellectual read? Is the goal to only read sobering serious facts about current events?
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Anita Rogers
Wow the comments have gone all over the place here. That's not bad. I do want to mention that if this article is "not up to snuff" for some of you. It is not your website. If you have more important subjects to talk about then plz I would be interested in that website too.
I am not sure how this got so political. It seems a bit of topic. But I think it has actually made this article of value to nah sayers.
I read an article about 30+ yrs ago that asked the question of "why children want to be the monsters of Halloween?" By today's standard this question is outdated. I saw spiderman, some character from a videogame, a clown, and several characters I didn't remember. Only 2 were "scary" and those were teenagers that were accompanying their autistic brother. I think most teens are in scary costumes. I think this is important to see how the culture among our youngest trick or treaters have changed. Will the feel the need to be monsters for one night as they get older?
I understand the comments about project 2025 being scary. Or the fear of politicians going amuck this old fashioned misogyny. No wonder women are afraid of what the future holds. Why is bad timing to bring a child into the world or even to be pregnant because of current laws they can't get proper healthcare until they become septic from a burst fallopian tube or from a miscarriage. Let me tell you I am a retired nurse, I have seen the results of women needing emergency surgery due to an etopic pregnancy. I have seen those who had fetal death in utero in distress because they are half way through their pregnancy when they needed medical intervention to expell their child's corpse to prevent Sepsis. I have seen someone who has good financials grieve over choosing to have an abortion halfway through their pregnancy. Mom and Dad were extracted from a house where they both could have died. CO2 poisoning, malfunction heating system was the cause. Tests over several weeks worsened upon amniotic testing. They couldn't morally being a child into the world who would never walk, enjoy the splendors of the earth, or much less have the capacity to know why they are there being tortured by the medical community trying to keep them alive.
I pray there will be a blue wave tsunami to wash clean the red states whose focus is being rich rather than helping it's neighbor. I pray that the DEMOCRATIC socialism baptizes true Jesus as savior upon red states. That the people see that they and many others need SNAP benefits and their Republican membership has not kept them from reaping what that party was sowing. I pray we can mind our own house and not worry about if someone was gay, transgender, non-binary, Muslim, Catholic, or what division of Protestant they are. I pray that every gender is respected. I pray that we respect the homeless and find a way to help before they become homeless. I pray for a healthcare system that is affordable and more drug/alcohol systems can help people longer than detoxing people and putting them out on the street. I pray those with addiction issues have the right in them to stay away from people, places and things that being them back to that road. I pray that no less that 3 months of addiction treatment becomes the gold standard because it is the most successful in addiction management. I pray for the end to of Christian Nationalism, it's just a different new sheet to disguise white supremacy.
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John P Maher
I HAVE BEEN CELEBRATING THIS FEAST OVER 80 yrs AND I BELIEVE in WHAT I WAS TAUGHT BY MY PARENTS, MY FAMILY and POSSIBLY SOME GOOD FRIENDS and THEN MY CHILDREN and GRANDCHILDREN, ITS NOT WHAT YOU SEE, HEAR or ARE TAUGHT its WHAT YOU " BELIEVE " ACTUALLY ALL HOLIDAYs and FEASTS ARE B S "TOTALLY"
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Reverend Paula Copp
Please stop yelling.
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Dr Dennis Chevalier PhD, DDvin
lol
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David Arthur Lewis
Why are you shouting??? It's very rude to type in all caps. Please learn some basic internet etiquette! https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/preemptive-safety/what-is-netiquette
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Sir Lionheart
Thank you, Sir John. Thank you for your years. May the ground you walk upon always be firm my friend. 🤗
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Pastor George Day
John P Maher,
You have an awkward habit of yelling.
This behavior is exceedingly rude.
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Pastor George Day
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit, John P Maher!
From 'Desiderata.'
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Rev. BH
Yelling John, "all holidays are BS"?
I feel bad for you kids.
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Vampires are fictional?
ROFLMAO
Unless by vampiric you mean symbolically and if that's the case that would be pretty much every Republican and Democrat politician.