Break out your Bibles, Halloween’s coming.
That’s the message from a Calgary pastor, promoting an initiative called Jesus Ween that aims to turn standard Oct. 31 activities on their head.
“I don’t believe Halloween represents anything close to God or close to Christianity,” says Paul Ade, who has been doling out Bibles instead of sugary treats since 2002.
Now, the 40-year-old wants others to follow suit and has made contact through letters and phone calls to approximately 3,200 North American churches.
“I would say we have received about 70 per cent support,” Ade said.
Participants are also encouraged to ditch the skimpy nurse and pirate outfits and instead wear white clothing to symbolize righteousness.
Ade said some Jesus Ween supporters in Toronto feel so dedicated to the cause, they have begun carting around billboards promoting the event.
As of yesterday afternoon, Jesus Ween had 2,500 supporters on Facebook and was even featured in a spoof on Jimmy Kimmel Live over the weekend.
While Ade says he has kept busy in recent days composing two Jesus Ween theme songs, University of Calgary religious studies professor Irving Hexham was quick to point out that the origins of Halloween celebrations can be traced back to early Christianity, when it was known as All Hallow’s Eve.
“Some people get upset about it . . . but Halloween’s really a bit of a joke,” he said. “People dress up and have fun with it.”
For more information on Ade’s cause, visit jesusween.com.
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