In a recent episode of her podcast, “Relatable,” conservative commentator Allie Beth Stuckey expressed her concerns about the cultural implications of Halloween, labeling it “a high holiday for the satanic church.” Stuckey’s remarks are part of a broader discourse among some Christian groups regarding the appropriateness of celebrating Halloween, a topic that has seen renewed attention this season.
During the episode, Stuckey emphasized the need for humility and wisdom in decisions surrounding Halloween, acknowledging that the holiday can bring genuine trauma for some individuals. She stated, “Decisions surrounding this, they require humility, they require wisdom, and they do, as I said, have a level of liberty.” Her comments reflect a growing sentiment among certain Christian communities that perceive Halloween as a time of spiritual danger.
Stuckey’s podcast is featured on the Blaze Media network, which was founded by former Fox host Glenn Beck. She is no stranger to controversial topics, having previously criticized elements of pop culture she sees as demonic influences. In August, she raised alarms about the rising popularity of “KPop Demon Hunters,” describing it as a manifestation of creeping paganism.
In the Halloween episode, Stuckey shared a video from Christian influencer Forrest Frank, which presents an extreme viewpoint against Halloween. The video features a self-described former leader of a satanic church who claims that Halloween is the “highest day” for satanists and suggests that neighborhoods participating in Halloween festivities may be at risk due to potential “satanic rituals.”
While Stuckey acknowledged the existence of spiritual dangers, she ultimately did not endorse the extreme views presented in the video. “There are evil spiritual principalities at work, and we should acknowledge that and we shouldn’t minimize that at all,” she said. Yet, she pushed back against the notion that Christians inadvertently invite malevolent forces into their lives merely by living among Halloween celebrators.
Stuckey also expressed concerns about the intersection of Halloween with LGBTQ pride, stating, “There is, I would say, a big intertwining of Pride and LGBTQ pride with Halloween.” She argued that this reflects a broader cultural shift where traditional sexual norms are challenged through costume choices and celebrations.
To provide context, Stuckey referenced a 1991 Washington Post article discussing the distress experienced by psychiatric patients around Halloween, specifically those who believed they were victims of satanic ritual abuse. It is important to note that the concept of widespread satanic ritual abuse has been widely discredited, with a 1992 FBI report concluding that there was little evidence to support claims associated with the satanic panic of the 1980s.
Despite her critical stance, Stuckey aims to find a balance in her messaging. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, she mentioned her intent to connect with “the mushy middle”—those Christians who might be swayed by progressive politics. She described her target audience as “the 35- or 40-year-old suburban mom of three or four kids” who strives to lead a life glorifying God.
While grappling with the complexities of Halloween, Stuckey noted, “I think there is a way to push back against darkness without opting out entirely.” She revealed that her family does participate in Halloween traditions, allowing her daughters to dress up and collect candy from select homes, while steering clear of anything overly frightening or inappropriate.
As Halloween approaches, discussions like Stuckey’s continue to highlight the ongoing debate surrounding cultural practices and their implications within religious communities. The intersection of faith, culture, and personal choice remains a dynamic conversation among both conservative and progressive circles.
