Gambling

There is a good reason why you do not see gambling in those verses, and that is because it is not there.

I think you have hit the nail on the head here:

 

I've seen very good, biblically-based arguments against gambling. Nothing on my fingertips right now, but the solid arguments against it are there. One thing about gambling that goes against the biblical ethic is that it is inherently greedy and promotes gain without work. It is also very addictive. There are so many reasons to not gamble.

 

I've never seen a coherent biblical-argument against gambling that moves beyond personal preference and into a textual issue. Gambling is not a behavior condemned or touched on by the Scriptures.

In reality most who argue against gambling are usually invested in the stock market or have other "at-risk" ventures they are part of which are, in and of themselves, proto-gambling.

Honestly, it is a non-issue for me. Of course, just like with eating, drinking, and other activities, when taken out of bounds it can addicting and we must know our boundaries. Funny, the last guy who tried to convince me to move my position was someone for whom food was very addicting and he didn't get my point...seems to be funny that way.

should a rousing topic around here...ah, the seeming vice...

 

But can you gamble without loving money or being lustful for it?

 

Doesn't mean those arguments don't exist. And yes, Scripture does "touch on" principles that are interwoven with gambling. I'm not here to say that every lottery ticket purchased is always a sin, but I don't see how someone can walk away from Proverbs and other portions of Scripture and come to the conclusion that gambling is a wise endeavor.

Of course, their supposed hypocritical practice has nothing to do with the soundness (or lack thereof) of their argument against gambling.

 

The stock market would be gambling too.

Casting lots

 

I can.

I really don't care about the money. One time I started with $5 at the Blackjack table (usually I set a limit of like $25 when I'm out) and ran it up to $250. I went over to the Roulet table, ran it up to $450. Then I went to play poker and lost it all. I was out...oh, $5.

Didn't bother me at all. Had a great time with my friends and people around me.

 

Yeah, I'm pretty well read and I haven't encountered one that is. I'd love to hear it.

um, their consistency is vital to their argument. I don't go to a fat doctor and ask him how to lose weight. Nor do I go to a celebrate priest and get advice on marriage. Argumentation is deeper than the simple points and banter.

 

Yeah, I completely disagree.

Anyhoo, let me ask you this. I've got a friend who makes money hand over fist in the stock market. It ends up being his principle source of income. Last year he made a significant sum of money and tithed on all of it. Part of his tithe was a check for $50k to a missions organization. Was that check wrong? Did God accept his tithe as he gave it in a spirit of worship?

 

Just curious - what is fun about it? And why the limit set at $25? Do you mean that once you lose $25 for the night, you stop? Could make for a short night.

 

Christian A makes an argument against gambling but is a supposed hypocrite on the matter.

Christian B makes the same argument against gambling but is not a hypocrite on the matter.

The soundness of the argument is not affected by what Christian A or B does in practice.

 

I never said anything about it being wrong. I'm not sure on this subject yet. But, the stock market would be gambling too. Because you give money in hopes of getting more back. Just like buying a lottery ticket.

 

Sometimes it is a short night (granted this isn't every weekend...but maybe three four times a year) but I get to hang out with my friends and meet new people. Just a great time all around.

I can't tell you the good people that I've met in casinos and other places. Real salt-of-the-earth. And they have the best buffets. I paid $10 for a steak and lobster dinner one time...wow!

(Ironically, many people are very receptive to hearing about the Gospel in these places. But that is a side-side-side note on this whole thing.)

 

That's cool, I actually was talking about the link. I'm tracking with you. Thanks for the reply.

I think this is spot on...and the way many of our fellow parishioners approach tithing...

 

Wow, a sermon on that would step on a few toes! It could be titled, "Gambling for Jesus!"

 

When I realized how much money we throw away for stupid things I took an easier stance on gambling. Namely, I took my family to Niagara Falls for vacation, and basically burned through a G with nothing to show for it but a few digital pictures and some happy memories. Water was $6 for a bottle... Walking through a little maze was $20 / person. It's ridiculous.

If people are okay with burning through their money that way, I don't see why they would have a problem with people that burn through their money because they enjoy gambling. Of course, as with anything in life, it's when you go too far that it is the problem. Going into debt... Taking money away from things you need... The never-ending downward spiral of believing that gambling away "just a few more dollars" and you'll break even.

 

Orb

Do you suppose Thou shalt not covet would condeem gambling?

 

cc,

One other thing about gambling is that it is a group effort - i.e., it requires many people to play in order for the "house" to profit and have the resources to conduct the gaming. There are a great number of people that are addicted to gambling and have ruined many, many lives due to this addiction. Even if you are an occassional, recreational gambler, your contribution to the system is helping that addict ruin his life and his family's life. Ultimately, the only winner in all this is the house.

To make a comparison of another "hot topic" - you can have a glass of wine in your home for dinner and it does not contribute anything to the drunkard who has made waste of his life on alcohol - he's going to drink no matter what you do. But in gambling, it is the contributions of the many recreational gamblers that fuel the gambler's addiction, because without the contributions of others in the game, he has no system to waste his money and life on.