gambling

[ulu]

why is gambling (using card games) frowned upon by the church, but gambling by playing the stock market is not?

in both cases most lose-with stocks more than 50% of "professional" ivy league educated traders lose money-they only profit because they are paid a percentage by "investors" whether they make money for them or lose it

day traders win and lose everyday, same as blackjack players

 

[KitKatMatt]

I would wonder what the legal differences are between those types of gambling as well.

There probably are a lot. I just don't know anything about it.

 

[keith99]

why is gambling (using card games) frowned upon by the church, but gambling by playing the stock market is not?

in both cases most lose-with stocks more than 50% of "professional" ivy league educated traders lose money-they only profit because they are paid a percentage by "investors" whether they make money for them or lose it

day traders win and lose everyday, same as blackjack players

Uh, NO.

Most people make money in the stock market.

You can lose, but the difference is that overall people make money in the Stock Market and either break even (for a game at someones house) or lose when gambling.

Basically the stock market lets the little guy be a part owner of a large company.

 

[Cearbhall]

why is gambling (using card games) frowned upon by the church, but gambling by playing the stock market is not?

Ethically, I would guess it's because when you play the stock market, you're actually investing in businesses. Whatever other motivations a person might have, our economy depends on this.

 

[dayhiker]

I'd agree that most make money in the stock market. The value of the market goes up over time.

With gambling at a resort the resort takes a profit off the top, the government takes their taxes off the top and what is left is paid back to the gambler. So only the individual can win.

Quite a different game.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Some churches frown upon gambling, some churches regard gambling a sin. But it's not a position held by Christianity broadly.

Gambling in and of itself is morally neutral. In the same way that drinking alcohol is perfectly fine and acceptable in and of itself (and, indeed, alcohol is treated as a good thing in Scripture when not abused), it can become a problem when it becomes a problem. Gambling addictions are a problem, in the same way that alcoholism is a problem.

If someone is unable to gamble responsibly, then they should not gamble. Likewise, if someone is unable to drink responsibly, then they should not drink. As such this is a matter of conscience and personal responsibility, knowing one's limits, etc.

I would wager that those churches which do classify gambling as innately sinful simply don't extend such thinking of games of chance to things such as the stock market or even life insurance (which is, strictly speaking, gambling).

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Jonathan Hodgson]

Lets not forget that by having bank accounts we are facilitating gambling by the banks. The bans use our money to invest in stocks, hedge funds, oil and many other things hoping to make money. If gambling is a sin then we shouldn't be facilitating it. Although low-risk, there is a chance that we could loose money that is put in banks - that is gambling. Every time we get in a car or cross the road we are taking a gamble. Where do board games come into it? Monopoly? Even snakes and ladders is gambling when you roll the dice with a desired outcome. Also remember that the apostles drew lots to replace Judas.

 

[Hank]

Banks make money by lending out money and collect interest.

Most day traders loose money. It's the way it is supposed to work. One's profit is another one's loss.
Casinos are also in business to make a profit. But unlike the markets you can't maneuver, the odds are with the house.

No clue about the Bible here, but where ever is 'easy' money in the offering, it usually drains your wallet instead of what was offered.

This reminds me on when I was a kid growing up by the JWs. My mom (very un-JW like) and I played cards, with real money. I lost two month worth of my allowance. She never gave it back. One good lesson learned for life. Unless you know what you are doing, don't play.

 

[KitKatMatt]

This reminds me on when I was a kid growing up by the JWs. My mom (very un-JW like) and I played cards, with real money. I lost two month worth of my allowance. She never gave it back. One good lesson learned for life. Unless you know what you are doing, don't play.

That's a good life lesson!

I went to a casino when I turned 21 with my stepmom as a birthday trip and spent about fifty bucks playing the slots. It was fun in a way, because I'd never done it before, but very disappointing because I was out fifty bucks (I never won). It holds no further interest for me, it was an enjoyable experience but I don't want to throw away money like that again

 

[dogs4thewin]

Banks make money by lending out money and collect interest.

Most day traders loose money. It's the way it is supposed to work. One's profit is another one's loss.
Casinos are also in business to make a profit. But unlike the markets you can't maneuver, the odds are with the house.

No clue about the Bible here, but where ever is 'easy' money in the offering, it usually drains your wallet instead of what was offered.

This reminds me on when I was a kid growing up by the JWs. My mom (very un-JW like) and I played cards, with real money. I lost two month worth of my allowance. She never gave it back. One good lesson learned for life. Unless you know what you are doing, don't play.

That actually depends. In games like 21 also called Black Jack IF you can remember the cards that have been played you can bet heavy ONLY when the odds are in your favor. Additionally, because the information needed for card counting is there for ALL members of the table who wish to use it it is NOT cheating. The casino may kick you out or even blacklist you, but the act is NOT illegal in and of itself.

 

[Dave-W]

Lets not forget that by having bank accounts we are facilitating gambling by the banks. The bans use our money to invest in stocks, hedge funds, oil and many other things hoping to make money. If gambling is a sin then we shouldn't be facilitating it.

Remember the words from the Parable:

Matt 25.26 “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27 Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’

IF putting your money in a bank is a sin, then the LORD advocated sinning; which meant that He invalidated Himself from being our sacrifice and we are all still lost in sins.