Today is Halloween, a truly bizarre, grotesque holiday. Most people celebrate it simply because everyone else is, and they just go along unthinkingly. But it is important to step back and question whether or not the crowd is actually doing the right thing.

“You shall not follow a multitude to do evil.” That admonition to exercise your mind, to challenge conventional wisdom, to be willing to be an individual and stand alone when necessary, comes from the Bible. In fact, it is found right in the law of Moses, in Exodus 23:2.

Yes, the herd mentality is just about as common to people as it is to sheep, who will stupidly follow the leader to the slaughter.

Such is the case with Halloween. Just look at the themes and images that dominate public spaces and popular entertainment around this time of year. Doesn’t it make you curious about how we came to have these strange customs that promote darkness and evil? Isn’t it worth looking into? You don’t have to look very deeply to find some illuminating and important answers.

Here is a short video I put together back in 2010 on the subject. It’s a good starting point. You can also read our articles “Should You Observe Halloween?” and “Halloween: Worshiping the Lord of the Dead.”