Jesusween Becoming Alternative Halloween

For those who believe gore and scariness have become too much a part of Halloween, church-sponsored harvest festivals are a popular option. But another, lesser-known alternative that began in Canada is spreading into the U.S.

In 2002, a pastor created Jesusween, a Christian version of the holiday. Although many members of Colorado Springs’ religious community said on Monday that they’re unfamiliar with it, at least one person posted a sign promoting it.

In Jesusween, participants are asked to dress in white to symbolize purity instead of wearing dark-themed costumes, and to distribute free Bibles instead of gathering candy. However, Jesusween does allow candy to be given as part of a Christian gift.

Jeff Scholes, a philosophy professor at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, said Jesusween gained more media attention this year but is surprised it hasn’t become more widely known in a conservative, religious city.

“Halloween is one night out of the year where strangers will open the door for anyone,” he said. “It provides an opportunity to evangelize. But even Christian patents have trouble telling 5-year-olds they can’t dress how they want, then have to go into a theological or religious explanation of why.”

Many others believe Jesusween goes too far in trying to limit traditional Halloween fun. Shawn Schroeder said she and her husband will continue to decorate their yard with fake blood, skeletons and tombstones as they have for the past 10 years.

“We end up having to take a few days off from work to set everything up,” she said. “I hope we aren’t too frightening for kids. It’s all about just having fun.”

Just up the street from Schroeder’s house, the Fellowship of the Rockies Church held its annual harvest festival, a popular alternative event providing families with safe, toned-down Halloween entertainment. Stewart McWilliams, the senior pastor, said there’s been no need to set requirements for what participants can or can’t wear.

“To be appropriate in dress and celebration,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be all about someone getting their head chopped off.”