Playing cards/dice

[WannaWitness]

Just a question for the sake of curiosity (as I realize there are different convictions on issues such as this)....

I'm interested in knowing various feelings on the casual (non-gambling) use of dice and playing cards, that is, for playing innocent card games like Go Fish and Crazy Eights, and dice games such as Yahtzee and Monopoly. I knew a lady once -- very nice, but old-school in every way, even with this issue (although I really highly respected her, as they were her personal convictions) -- and thinking of her in part drove me to post this thread.

I hope this thread doesn't pose a problem in any way, as that is not my intent. I only want to hear what different people's thoughts are on this common (or what I believe to be anyway) issue discussed in the Christian realm. Share freely, and disagree if you must, but please try not to kill one another.

My own thoughts on this later....

 

[wpbarrett]

I see nothing wrong in using them in the right way, there are several things that can be used the wrong way. I really enjoy playing Spades and Rummy with the family.

 

[Vince53]

When I taught Christian school, I advised parents that playing cards with their children was better than having them watch the garbage that was on TV.

 

[katautumn]

I don't think there is a problem with it. My husband, however, was raised that playing cards in the home could be a "demonic portal", so they weren't even allowed to use cards to play things like Old Maid or Go Fish. Subsequently he has a very warped view on Christianity and is no longer a believer.

 

[lovegame]

You can take the time to guide him

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

I have no problem with them at all.

 

[Vince53]

Kat, I used to believe that cards were evil, and forty years later, I'm still a believer. Whatever went wrong with your husband, I doubt it was cards.

 

[Faith.Man]

Personally I like playing cards especially bridge, Texas Hold-Em, stud, pinochle, gin rummy, etc. I like Monopoly and backgammon which both use dice. I never play for money, only "bragging rights" except I don't really brag. As much as I like bridge, chess is really my game. I've been playing since I was 3-1/2 years old. It was a sad day for me when I realized my father could no longer beat me. He must have realized it too but he still enjoyed the game.

 

[WannaWitness]

Now for my own thoughts....

The use of playing cards and dice can be likened to a knife: In the kitchen, a knife is a very beneficial and helpful tool, and in no way can be called "evil". In the hands of murderers, though, it's an entirely different story.

There are a fair number of people (like the lady I mentioned) that find them to be a stumbling block, due to the other usages of them. Like I said, I respect their convictions. I, on the other hand, see nothing wrong with them if they're not used in evil ways.

I'd like to thank everyone who has contributed their thoughts so far.

 

[Brother-Ruben]

23So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24Then they prayed, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." 26Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Gambling in faith! lol! =P I don't think there's anything wrong with playing a bit of poker now and then.

 

[Doof-Le-Moi]

I'm fine with most recreational things - if done in moderation, doesn't hurt yourself or others. Risking money, per se, is not something I personally condone - plenty of verses about being good stewards with what God's given us. There are major distinctions between what's recreational and what may cause one to stumble, or others to stumble - but I'm not one for being dogmatic about "gambling" and saying it's all bad, no matter what. Is gambling with pretzels or matchsticks "bad" because it's gambling regardless? I really think it goes back to the question, 'are we doing something that might cause someone else to stumble?' If we are, we're bound not to do it. If not, it's then an issue between you and the Lord. Just my 2-cents worth

 

[Cozen]

Cards in themselves can not be evil but like all things that can be abused by people; they can be used for sinful things.

 

[Faith.Man]

Cards in themselves can not be evil but like all things that can be abused by people; they can be used for sinful things.

My sister tells fortunes with playing cards. That is evil.

 

[WannaWitness]

Cards in themselves can not be evil but like all things that can be abused by people; they can be used for sinful things.

My sister tells fortunes with playing cards. That is evil.

In the eyes of some, associations are everything. Of course, there are good uses and bad uses of playing cards (and other everyday things like TV, music, food, and so on). The negative associations are stronger to some people than the positive, and that may be one of the reasons why some have convictions against them. To them, they are sinful and a stumbling block, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're wrong to others.

This is just another one of those "gray" Romans 14 issues in which we, as Christians, should practice a reasonable amount of tolerance (that is, realizing one's own conviction may not be the same as another's).

 

[Cozen]

In the eyes of some, associations are everything. Of course, there are good uses and bad uses of playing cards (and other everyday things like TV, music, food, and so on). The negative associations are stronger to some people than the positive, and that may be one of the reasons why some have convictions against them. To them, they are sinful and a stumbling block, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're wrong to others.

This is just another one of those "gray" Romans 14 issues in which we, as Christians, should practice a reasonable amount of tolerance (that is, realizing one's own conviction may not be the same as another's).

Amen.

It all boils down to our Christian World View. If it does not affect our salvation directly then I believe a fair amount of tolerance is in order. Of course we need a spirit in Christ and very good biblical knowledge to make such a call.

Fortunately for us still learning and growing there are awesome resources available like this forum to discuss these issues.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

Personally I like playing cards especially bridge, Texas Hold-Em, stud, pinochle, gin rummy, etc. I like Monopoly and backgammon which both use dice. I never play for money, only "bragging rights" except I don't really brag. As much as I like bridge, chess is really my game. I've been playing since I was 3-1/2 years old. It was a sad day for me when I realized my father could no longer beat me. He must have realized it too but he still enjoyed the game.

I am also a chess player.

After many years of coffee house, club and weekend tournament play, my rating is now in the low Expert range.

 

[Faith.Man]

I am also a chess player.

After many years of coffee house, club and weekend tournament play, my rating is now in the low Expert range.

I'm impressed. I've never played in chess tournament, but I have played against a rated player. How does the low expert range equate to the number system?

My father was desperate for someone to play chess with so he taught both my sister and myself to play at very early ages. His way of teaching was to defeat us until we earned victory. Occasionally my mother would chastise my father for playing like that but I always defended him. I didn't want to be given a game, I wanted to earn my victories. Sometimes he would play without a queen, to give himself more of a challenge.

The last time I played regularly was against a guy I worked with who had a rating somewhere between 1800 and 2000. We played at lunch time. When I first started playing against him, I couldn't beat him. So I read a few books on openings and started winning almost half the time when I had white. He carved me up when he had white. I only managed to eke out a few wins with black. We stopped playing after a bet, a bet that he was about to lose after I trapped his queen, and he lost an extra man trying to save her. I never did get my Coca-Cola. I still have the positions of the men written down, even though the game will never be finished. That bet cost us a friendship. We didn't speak for ages, until we met at a construction site we were both working at. We spoke briefly and friendly, as if nothing happened. He asked if I wanted to play chess that night, but I had other plans. I only saw him once after that and greeted him warmly. And so it goes.

 

[Lemmiwinks]

I've struggled with pretty much every sin in the book -- except gambling. Never saw the appeal.

 

[WannaWitness]

I've struggled with pretty much every sin in the book -- except gambling. Never saw the appeal.

My question is not about gambling. I'm talking about the use of playing cards and dice for purposes other than gambling (and other questionable things). I mean, do you believe them to be sinful just for playing a peaceful game of, say, Crazy Eights (cards) or Yahtzee (dice). Just making the question a little more clear.

 

[Izdaari Eristikon]

My question is not about gambling. I'm talking about the use of playing cards and dice for purposes other than gambling (and other questionable things). I mean, do you believe them to be sinful just for playing a peaceful game of, say, Crazy Eights (cards) or Yahtzee (dice). Just making the question a little more clear.

Totally ok, no problem with it at all.

Gambling is, as you say, a separate question.