Shimba Theological Institute
Newsletter Article
Title: The Spiritual Deception of Halloween: A Former Satanist Exposes the Hidden Realities
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, once remarked chillingly, “It makes me so happy to see that Christians are allowing their children to celebrate the devil one night of the year.” His statement reveals a profound truth about the spiritual blindness and cultural compromise that have infiltrated modern Christianity. What many perceive as a harmless celebration of costumes and candy is, in reality, deeply rooted in occult symbolism and dark spiritual practices.
Recently, Riaan Swiegelaar, a former leader in the Church of Satan in South Africa, has sounded an urgent warning regarding the spiritual realities behind Halloween. Having lived within the very heart of Satanism, his testimony offers a sobering insight into the demonic realm that operates beneath this seemingly innocent festivity.
Swiegelaar explains:
“If we take it to the Satanic context and why it's such an important day on the Satanic calendar, and also the fact that it is the day of the year where there's the most human sacrifice around the planet; and quite often in or during Halloween, and All Hallows' Eve that evening, is also when people climb the ranks in the occult and in Satanism by practicing and by doing certain things. So we have an atmosphere, a spiritual atmosphere of the celebration of death and the revels of death…”
He further warns that the enemy’s influence has intensified in recent years, fueled by society’s moral decline and the desensitization of the human conscience.
“We can definitely see that in the last few years, it's like the enemy is roaring more loudly. And it is because people have become despondent. People have been desensitized through the media and through various things about the occult and the realities of Satanism and things that's going around in the world globally.”
The normalization of dark imagery—ghosts, witches, gargoyles, and death—especially among children, serves as a strategic tool of demonic deception. What appears as play or cultural tradition subtly opens spiritual doors to bondage. Swiegelaar emphasizes:
“A very easy way to desensitize children to things like death and demons and gargoyles and you name it, is something like Halloween. And then furthermore, if we think of a neighborhood or an area where there is a few homes that is celebrating Halloween, that whole perimeter becomes a satanic ritual by definition. So it is like a hotspot for demonic activity. And you are opening doors to the dark side of the spirit world when you are doing those things and engaging in those celebrations.”
From a theological standpoint, Scripture consistently warns against participation in practices that glorify darkness. The Apostle Paul admonishes, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11, NIV). Halloween, therefore, represents not a harmless social event but a spiritual compromise that invites demonic influence into homes and communities.
As the Church, we are called to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) and to resist conforming to the patterns of this age (Romans 12:2). The growing fascination with occult imagery and rituals in popular culture underscores the urgent need for spiritual discernment among believers. Parents and church leaders must teach children the truth about such practices, offering instead godly alternatives that celebrate life, holiness, and the victory of Christ over the powers of darkness.
In this spiritual battle, neutrality is impossible. As Joshua declared, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Halloween is more than cultural entertainment—it is a reflection of a deeper spiritual reality that opposes God’s Kingdom.
Let us, therefore, stand firm in truth, reject the counterfeit celebrations of the enemy, and proclaim the light of Christ in a world that delights in darkness.
Reference:
Watch the full interview with Riaan Swiegelaar: CBN News – Ex-Satanist Exposes the True Evil Behind Halloween
By Dr. Maxwell Shimba
Shimba Theological Institute
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