Christian Gambling?

[Wanderer977]

I was watching this tv show the other day with a celebrity, who apparently professes to be a christian. He was asked about being on a celebrity poker gameshow, and how that conflicts with his religion. He said that it did not because it was a game of skill, and not chance like dice, or slot machines. Therefore in his mind it was no diffrent than working...using your skill to earn money.

That sound plausible to anyone...why or why not?

 

[Krysia]

I was watching this tv show the other day with a celebrity, who apparently professes to be a christian. He was asked about being on a celebrity poker gameshow, and how that conflicts with his religion. He said that it did not because it was a game of skill, and not chance like dice, or slot machines. Therefore in his mind it was no diffrent than working...using your skill to earn money.

That sound plausible to anyone...why or why not?

This was addressed in another post a while ago. In and of itself, I don't think it conflicts with the Christian religion. I am a Wiccan now, but I was raised Catholic and attended religious school throughout grade school and high school (lots of studying the bible ) It is like many things - moderation is key and excessiveness should be avoided. When it interferes with your home life, work life, relationships, etc., then it could be described as a "sin" or as a detriment to your relationship with god.

 

[12volt_man]

Technically, what he's doing isn't gambling but, assuming it were, there isn't anything in scripture that prohibits gambling.

 

[Aimee30]

My guess is that gambling was a sin was taken from the fact the Romans who crucified Jesus cast lots for his clothes--but then further on you the disciples casting lots for who was to join them--so it doesn't work. There are many scriptures that can be made to look like they support the idea gambling is bad if you try hard enough.
Gambling took place in some filthy dives back in the past. Usually drunkeness and prostitution were nearby places where people gambled. So this also might have given the idea it was a bad practice.
The gambling addicts would agree it's a nasty thing to be caught up in and it's really not the ideal thing to spend your money on. So yes, it is bad and no it is not called a sin in the Bible. I guess to the people who win it is not so bad, but if you lose and gamble away your life savings, it is.

 

[seebs]

I think gambling, like nearly everything else, may be a sin, or may not be a sin, depending on the people involved. Good case for using judgment.

 

[crashedman]

"He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him" (Proverbs 28:22).

"He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself, and he who gives to the rich will surely come to want" (Proverbs 22:16).

Proverbs 21:20 says, "There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up."

The Bible clearly states that any form of gambling is wrong - whether it is playing the lottery, bingo, attending horse races, casinos, and 'video/internet poker'. Sadly, there are Christians who involve themselves in such activities.

There are support groups like Gamblers Anonymous that can help rehabilitate people who are gambling addicts.


Crashedman

 

[seebs]

"He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him" (Proverbs 28:22).

"He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself, and he who gives to the rich will surely come to want" (Proverbs 22:16).

Proverbs 21:20 says, "There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up."

The Bible clearly states that any form of gambling is wrong - whether it is playing the lottery, bingo, attending horse races, casinos, and 'video/internet poker'. Sadly, there are Christians who involve themselves in such activities.

The Bible does not clearly state any such thing, and the Apostles drew lots... That's a kind of gambling.

What the Bible says is that being greedy and hoping to get rich gambling is stupid.

 

[Chrysalis Kat]

"He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him" (Proverbs 28:22).

"He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself, and he who gives to the rich will surely come to want" (Proverbs 22:16).

Proverbs 21:20 says, "There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up."

The Bible clearly states that any form of gambling is wrong - whether it is playing the lottery, bingo, attending horse races, casinos, and 'video/internet poker'. Sadly, there are Christians who involve themselves in such activities.

There are support groups like Gamblers Anonymous that can help rehabilitate people who are gambling addicts.


Crashedman

I read through those scriptures you posted and it stikes me that they are all references to greed and not in any way specific to gambling.

 

[Jarrodinabubble]

"He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him" (Proverbs 28:22).

"He who oppresses the poor to get gain for himself, and he who gives to the rich will surely come to want" (Proverbs 22:16).

Proverbs 21:20 says, "There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up."

The Bible clearly states that any form of gambling is wrong - whether it is playing the lottery, bingo, attending horse races, casinos, and 'video/internet poker'. Sadly, there are Christians who involve themselves in such activities.

Odd. If those are the quotes from the bible that are supposed to "clearly state that any form of gambling is wrong", I don't see it. I still don't see it. OK.. I read them again and I still don't see it. Why didn't god just be all.. "Hey.. no rollin' craps in the outhouse yo"?

 

[Hooch]

My church has Bingo-- so that is a negative....