John,

Depending on whom you ask, Halloween is either a day with Christian roots…or a gateway to the demonic.

So which is it?

It's important for pro-lifers to get this right. If we dabble in the demonic, not only do we endanger our souls, but we also won't be able to fight the evil of abortion effectively.

On this week's episode of The 40 Days for Life Podcast, we take a look at the origins of Halloween, how it became a celebration of the grotesque and macabre, and whether it can be redeemed:

To watch or listen, click the image or visit:

40daysforlife.com/halloween-the-occult-and-ghostbusters

Join us as we tackle:

• The historical evidence on whether Halloween is rooted in Christianity...or an ancient sinister pagan festival;

• How excessive focus on the Halloween controversy can become a distraction from actually living out our faith and our pro-life convictions;

• Which is worse: Halloween or divorce?

• Discerning the Christian elements of Halloween from the demonic ones.

There's nothing scarier or more evil than abortion...

...so find your local vigil and sign up to pray these last ten days of the campaign:

40daysforlife.com/locations

Granite City, Illinois

Attorney April Wood with the 40 Days for Life Institute of Law & Justice visited a campaign that prays in front of a notorious late-term abortion facility to encourage vigil participants.

She came away encouraged herself, as the local campaign has saved SIX babies from abortion during this campaign!

The prayer rally was led by Bishop Thomas Paprocki, who has long been a courageous advocate for life. "I was so humbled to be with him for this event," April said.

Tacoma, Washington

A young girl on a bicycle rode up to the vigil site, patiently waited for prayer warriors to finish a scripture reading, and then challenged them.

"Why would you take away women's rights by standing against abortion?" she asked. "And why would you have women go back to the coat-hanger days?"

While Kevin explained to her that every human being has a right to live, Tammy offered an answer packet. The girl rejected the materials, but a calm and respectful conversation planted seeds.

"You all handled that beautifully," Tammy told her team. "Just wonderful, the tender wisdom, blessings, and prayer that all of you covered her with! No telling how God will use your words in this young woman's future." 

Barre, Vermont

The Barre midpoint rally provided an opportunity for Tom and his team to witness to hundreds of motorists passing by Planned Parenthood.

Vermont is a notoriously abortion-friendly state, so it's no surprise that not everybody welcomes the 40 Days for Life presence. "One of the neighbors serenaded us with some rap or hip-hop, including obscene lyrics," Tom recalled.

But even in a tough part of the country, others responded favorably to the pro-life presence.

Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." 

—Luke 18:42 

Dear Lord, give us the courage to pray for miraculous healings of body and soul. Extend your mercy to mothers and fathers who have experienced miscarriage. Grant them the peace of your son, and help them to rest in the assurance that they will one day be reunited with their precious children. Amen.

For life,

Shawn Carney

President & CEO, 40 Days for Life