Beside it's Biblical forbiddenness, why don't Christians approve of gambling?

Question

What is the spiritual argument against it? Not, "What is the scriptural argument against it", please.

Is it because the outcome of a game of chance is random, thus not decided by God? There isn't supposed to be anything beyond God's control.

Is it due to a classification of being an addictive substance, like drugs or alcohol? Could it at least be enjoyed in moderation?

If God wanted me to win a hand against a sinner, would he give me 4 aces, or would he punish me for gambling and make me bust out? And why does the church down the street have Bingo Night? Just wonderin'.

Thanks, but that's not what I asked, Punter, you scallywag.

Answer 1

There is no "scriptural argument against it". Nowhere in the Bible does it say anything about gambling being wrong.

The reason that it's taught to be wrong is much simpler than the reasons you suggested. The bottom line is that if you blow your money gambling, what are you going to put in the collection plate next Sunday?

I will admit the possibility of there being some moralistic view point i.e. blowing your money instead of taking care of your family or someone else in need but even if that is a reason for churches teaching against it, it's not a Biblical edict and the Catholics have a completely different policy about it. They offer church sponsored gambling i.e.bingo night, gaming tables at chuch sponsored carnivals etc. This way, if you're going to do it, they want you to lose your money to the church.

Either way it really all boils down to the fact that if you can afford to gamble, you should give that money to the church instead.

Believe ot not, this answer is coming from a Christian. While I'm not much of a gambler myself, it's not because of religious beliefs. As a Bible researcher, I study the scriptures as well as the teachings of the church and the answer to your question is not found in either. The churches just preach against it without any scriptural backing.

If you get together with a few friends for a friendly game of poker or buy the occasional lottery ticket. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it. If, however, you blow your entire paycheck (or even worse, your savings) in Vegas instead of providing for family or others as I said before, I can understand God not really being too happy with it but that is just an opinion.

I hope this answers your question.

Answer 2

If two people (legally) bet a dollar on the outcome of the game between their two teams, I would have a hard time saying that in itself was sin. However, for many people gambling is greed. They want money the easy way without working for it. For others it is addictive and they plunge themselves and their families into financial ruin. And even in the first case--it might not cause the two people making the bet a problem, but it might be a bad example for someone else who then thinks it is ok to gamble and suffers for it.

As for bingo night at the church down the street--I think the churches that sponser a bingo night are sinning.

Answer 3

Dear Metaphysical,

First i don't think there is specific passage in the Bible that prohibits gambling. i think it falls into a grey area - where Christians have freedom but should not use their freedom to sin and (indulge the flesh).

The Bible does teach that Christians are to be responsible with their finances, and also that Christians are to provide for their family and have a heart for those who poor.

That being said- i think that just about anything can become sinful when not in moderation. We know that gambling in many cases have destroyed many lives. There are those who can not handle the freedom responsibly (left their families in bad situations), put their faith in money, and so for those people gambling can indeed be sinful.

In terms of your hypothetical. First of all we're all sinners so i don't think God roots against one person versus another. He does allow bad things in our lives to mold our character (but if a person loses his car, house, a bunch of money because of gambling i don't think that's fair to say it's God's fault because you bet on the wrong numbers on the roulette wheel. God won't punish you by making you lose- that's you punishing yourself- most casinos are out to make money from you, not vice versa.

In terms of bingo night- not sure why some churches do that. By the way more often Catholic churches have that than Christian churches. But i personally don't think it's very-wise because of the reputation Bingo has and for some people it can be a stumbling block.

Anyhow hope that helps. Kindly,

Nickster

Answer 4

I don't know if there's a "spiritual" argument against it other than the effects that it has.

* Gambling increases the likelihood of domestic violence.

* Gambling increases the likelihood of bankruptcy.

* Gambling increases the likelihood of suicide.

* Gambling increases crime.

In general these are all bad things that nobody wants to inflict on their family. As a result, people of many faiths oppose gambling.

It's true that God controls the outcome of gambling, but God asks us to work to earn our income (oops, I think I'm giving a biblical argument, sorry). Gambling causes us to place our faith in the dice instead of in God for our income.

Don't ask me why Catholics use bingo as a fund raising activity then team up with anti-gambling groups to stop gambling venues from coming to town. Some speculate it is to protect their own revenues.

I don't think there's a biblical proscription against gambling, but it isn't very wise. I call it a tax on stupidity.

Answer 5

some do. The Anglicans have their very own form of the Rosary, and that i've got met a pair of persons from different denominations who say the Rosary and delight in its splendor. regrettably, too a lot of human beings experience that it incredibly is "ineffective repetition," no longer understanding that if that replaced into the case, then why might Christ have taught us to desire the Our Father? That incredibly does not qualify as ineffective repetition! And we meditate on the activities in Christ's life as we pray, so the Rosary is almost a miniature Bible. I pray the Rosary each night if a threat. it incredibly is a gorgeous thank you to end the day and provide as simply by God.

Answer 6

More money spent on gambling=less in the collection plate. These are old laws and do not need to be followed the only Commandment is John15:12This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Answer 7

Does it say something about gambling in the bible? If it does its probably in the Old testament list of laws that none of us follow anyhow. We dont have to, we are gentiles, and thats Jewish law..

I am all for pulling out the Old Testament and letting it get dusty on the shelf...

Answer 8

The basis is that of usury, that it is not good to gain money without earning it through labor. Of course, that doesn't stop the churches soliciting donations, demanding tithes or running gambling nights. Hypocrisy? You bet it is, and hypocrisy is a founding stone of christianity.

Answer 9

why gamble while you know it's forbidden? instead of gambling try to find other recreational activities which will not disturbed your faith in God.

Answer 10

i am not one that knows the bible back and fourth. but i think it would be because you would waste the money for pleasure and not for your needs, or to donate the money and time for the needy.