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Should the church permit betting on sport events?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by righteousdude2, Aug 28, 2020.

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  1. righteousdude2

    righteousdude2 Well-Known Member
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    I used to attend this huge So. Baptist church that held polls and friendly betting on them. Is this really something a church should be doing? I questioned their actions, only to be told that there is nothing wrong with this, because the members of their fellowship normally participated in sport polls at work or clubs (i.e., VFW, American Legion, etc.) The group collecting bets told me, that most of the time, the winner turned around and donated some of, or all of, their winnings to the church. Give me a break?! I guess that soothed any gif!?

    So, what should I have done? And, what would you have done?
     
    #1 righteousdude2, Aug 28, 2020
  2. David Kent

    David Kent Well-Known Member
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    No. We would not have joined. Churches should not hold any money making events.Christians should not bet.
     
    #2 David Kent, Aug 28, 2020
  3. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    No BINGO nights at the Baptist Church

    Rob
     
    #3 Deacon, Aug 28, 2020
    • Agree Agree x 1
  4. agedman

    agedman Well-Known Member
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    Nope!
     
    #4 agedman, Aug 28, 2020
  5. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Is that based on Scripture or just "we've always done that"
     
    #5 Salty, Sep 2, 2020
  6. tyndale1946

    tyndale1946 Well-Known Member
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    To the OP, you're asking question like that after Jesus drove out the money changers?... The church is a house of worship, you want to bet, go to the gambling house and what is a Christian doing in a gambling house anyway?:confused:... You want to throw your money away, give it to your church, where it will do the most good... Betting in church?... Never crossed my mind in the over 50 years I've been in it... Do what you want in your church, in my church... Never!... Brother Glen:)
     
    #6 tyndale1946, Sep 2, 2020
  7. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    Dont have time to asnwer at the moment - will try later toning or tomorrow
     
    #7 Salty, Sep 2, 2020
  8. Salty

    Salty 20,000 Posts Club
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    There are several different issues here.
    1) Jesus drove out the money chargers
    The real question is - Why did Jesus drive them out. Was it because he did not think that things should be sold?
    Or was it because of the dishonest and greedy practices of the merchants?
    I used to teach the Defensive Driving Course. I would often use churches as my classroom. The purpose was so that
    the church could use it as a ministry - as way to greet new potential members. Several churches took the opportunity.
    I went to one church to do likewise. The pastor said no because I charged money. - Okay - if that is their policy so be it.
    But two things - As I was leaving that day, I noticed on the Bulletin board - the church was sponsoring a mother-daughter
    dinner. The cost was only $10 a person. In addition the church used to house a Bible Institute - of which they charged
    students tuition to attend classes.
    So I ask: Was the church wrong to charge for the mother-daughter dinner?
    Was the church wrong to charge tuition for the Bible Institute


    Gambling: Suppose after I pay all my bills - I have $100 left over for "fun money"
    Sure I could go to the casino and play the machines.
    Or I could go to the $ store; buy Soda, candy, and other junk food to last the rest of the month

    Another words what is the difference between buying soda and buying a lottery ticket?
    They are both just for fun.

    At the State Fair there are only two games that I play - 1) The Frog - You hit the hammer to send the (fake) frog
    flying - and if it lands in the proper place - you win a prize. Well, I never won a prize - but the only reason, I played
    the game - because it was fun watching that frog fly thru the air with the greatest of ease!
    Was that wrong (or even a sin). But then again -I could spend the same amount of money to ride the
    Ferris Wheel so I could "fly thur the air with the greatest of ease"

    I go to the "Guess your weight". (within 5 pounds) The Barkers were usually 20 - 30 pounds off.
    I carry my weight very well (I was - and still am- about 50 pounds overweight for US Army Standards)
    Is that gambling? Was my wife wrong for accepting the prize?

    You stated "give it to your church, where it will do the most good."
    So are you suggesting that after you pay all your bills - you should give any leftover money to your church?

    BTW - many years ago - I was one who thought that nothing should be held at a church with had a charge -
     
    #8 Salty, Sep 4, 2020
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