Gambling A Sin?
Through a recent post by Steve McCoy, a Southern Seminary friend, I recently found the blog of one of my SBTS Professors, Hershael York. He has linked a good article for thought on the issue of gambling. I can remember great debates in my business ethics classes at Cedarville on this issue. Many argued that it was no different than any other form of entertainment and that since it was never specifically forbidden in scripture, no one could call it wrong. I never bought that argument, and I think it takes several illogical skips in its logic. Here is the conclusion of the article found on Dr. York's Blog.Gambling shows no concern for GodÂs glory. A Jesus-follower should try to glorify God in everything (1 Cor. 10:31), and use his or her money to accomplish good for the kingdom (Matt. 6:19-21, 24). Gambling is not an act of faith but a game of chance. Paul wrote that ÂEverything that is not of faith is sin (Romans 14:23). The Christian life is to be lived in dependence on God to meet all needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). Jesus wouldnÂt do it. Can you picture Jesus sitting at a slot machine with a cup full of quarters? He was interested in doing His FatherÂs business, alleviating suffering and grief, not contributing to it.
We must be careful as Christians under grace and living in liberty, that we use this grace and liberty for the glory of God and the service of others.
posted by Pastor Andy @ 11:11 AM
9 comments
9 Comments:
"Gambling is not an act of faith but a game of chance."
How does "chance" play into your worldview which I assume includes a belief in providence?
Games like poker and black jack require strategy and educated guessing. The same principle applies to financial investing. Is someone who invests in stocks, bonds, currency, real estate, etc. not acting on faith?
i agree with anonymous, although rather than arguing the virtue of poker and black jack, i would suggest that using the term "gambling" creates all sorts of problems.
what does and doesn't constitute a "gamble"? is it gambling to drive a car in anderson, IN? what about in Chicago, IL? what about riding the "el-train" in Chicago...there was an accident there today, did those people gamble and lose?
if you carry out the argument here, you end up condemning all activities that are not "spiritual" in nature. this borders on American Gnosticism...
are you willing to argue that gambling is a sin? or is it just a "less than wise decision"? or is that a distinction you are willing to make?
good topic. i think it deserves better discussion than it usually gets.
Good points Dave.
I wasn't trying to argue the virtues of black jack or poker. I was simply comparing those gambling games to other means of making money (stocks, etc.) which also bring with them a certain degree of risk. Every time you invest you are in a sense gambling on a volatile market.
Personally, I have no problem with gambling. I don't feel like I'm sinning when I play Texas Hold'em with buddies or play black jack at a casino. It all comes down to personal responsibility. If someone gets addicted to gambling then it is wrong for them because it causes them to lose sight of Christ. Same principle applies to an enumerable ammount of activities...investing, alcohol, sports, work, studying, etc.
First: Anonymous. I again would ask that you identify yourself when posting. I try not to respond to posts unless I know who they are from, but I would love to converse with you.
Dave, I think we both would agree that we cannot simply equate gambling with risk. There is so much more to it than that. As for trying to argue that gambling is less than a wise decision, if you feel that it is not a wise decision, why try to defend it. It brings up an interesting discussion though, in light of the first commandment wouldn't less than wise decisions be sin? I fear we have lost the concept of sin in our churches today. Seeker sensitive pulpits quit preaching it to the lost for fear of hurting their pride. The next step to follow would then be to stop preaching it to believers. We seem to be living in a day and age where we no longer want to call anything sin, we just want to discuss wiser choices and what is better. I believe the article attacks the heart of the sin of gambling as self centeredness. Read through the defense of anonymous, can you not see selfishness?
Ok, Ok...
I'm Lee Webb, and now I'm going to have to fine you.
Oh... Hey Lee, welcome to Andy's comments.
I think you would agree with me that eating at the Cedarville Cafeteria is a bit of a gamble.
Daniel,
Good to have you around. I would say that you are right, particularly on Sunday nights with the Grade D but edible hot dogs. However, now that we have left the cedar-side of town, Chuck's has really upscaled.
andy,
i think gambling and risk should be equated. it is simply a matter of degree.
is it wrong to play games?
if not, is it wrong to play card games?
if not, is it wrong to play card games which require bidding?
is poker okay if it is played without the betting?
is it okay if chips are used instead of money?
see what i'm saying? i think it is too often a matter of degree.
I would agree that Risk has to be equated, but not at a 1 to 1 ratio. Just because there is risk, does not constitute gambling. Many want to make this argument. There more to it. I cannot prefectly define what the more is, but there is the get rich idea, love of money, and desire to care more about something (ie football game, golf match, etc) than one should.
For years, cards were considered taboo for those within the church. There is nothing inherently evil about cards, or playing cards (Unless you side with the puritans that they are a waste of time). However, you are right that when money is put on the line it changes much. So for some it may still be best to not play cards, for it will blur the line for them between right and wrong. For some others it may be alright.
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