Gambling has always been considered wrong. Now, I don't believe in putting your paycheck into mere chance, as that is foolish. But, what is the scriptural reference which shows that all gambling is wrong?
I also know that as people who believe that God is provider, we should not expect the lottery to bail us out. But, I know of people who occasionally buy a lottery ticket. Are they wrong? If so, why?
2007-05-23 09:54:59 · 12 answers · asked by TroothBTold 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Churches have casino nights and bingo nights quite often to raise money so I don't think there is a scriptural reference to it. But then again I wouldn't know for sure.
2007-05-23 09:58:49 · answer #1 · answered by Lena 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not aware of any passage that says that all gambling is wrong, and I have looked.
The lottery is considered wrong by some, I think, because it is considered to be taking advantage of the gullibility of people with low education, poor people, and/or a gambling addiction (statistics show that these are the people who buy the most tickets), and by buying the ticket, you are supporting a corrupt system that disproportionately hurts poor people.
Other people consider gambling to be a form of greed, which seems to be sinful in of itself. Others say that you are worshiping chance, rather than relying upon God to provide. Others say that anything that is addictive is sinful, because you can lose self control and ruin your life.
See Romans chapter 14 for guidance about how to handle grey areas.
2007-05-23 17:04:45 · answer #2 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These days gambling has been renamed gaming, to make it more acceptable. Now even Christians love to go to casinos and gamble and they can justify it a million ways but it is still very unrighteous behavior and imprudent. So is that sin? 30 years ago it was thought to be sin, so what changed?
2007-05-23 17:07:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gambling is not a sin
Acts 1:15-26 shows he Apostles throwing lots (a form of gambling) in there venture to choose the successor of Judas.
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.
Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
If you over indulge in it then it is wrong!!!!! Like all things.
2007-05-23 17:00:22 · answer #4 · answered by scholar_wood 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gambling takes advantage of people with the idea of chance and in some cases false hope. I think its because it becomes an addiction and most things addictive are bad. trying to put it simply.
2007-05-23 16:58:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Althuogh I cannot quote the exact scripture, there is one that warns believers against being desirous of "filthy lucre." If you have a Bible with cross references you can look it up. Some might consider money won through gambling "filthy lucre," as well as any money obtained dishonestly, such as drug money, stolen money, etc.
2007-05-23 17:01:35 · answer #6 · answered by beattyb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
whats okay for one person
may not be okay for another
and things done in moderation
can be dangerous if taken to far
life itself is a gamble
you gamble everyday
for example when you get in your car to go to the store
all these wanting to know how to live
you have to figure that out yourself
use your heart and your mind
no one else can know whats right for you
2007-05-23 17:00:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bill Benett, famously devout Christian and author of "The Book of Virtues" would never say gambling is immoral... at least, not anymore
2007-05-23 16:58:11 · answer #8 · answered by SvetlanaFunGirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Churches also run raffles. Isn't that gambling too?
Or just another form of hypocritical BS??!
2007-05-23 17:02:59 · answer #9 · answered by phatzwave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, they are not wrong.We are humans with human flaws, God expects this. So, we gamble!
2007-05-23 16:58:31 · answer #10 · answered by luckford2004 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋