2007-07-19 05:12:10 · 26 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is no Bible passage that directly forbids gambling, so you will get different opinions on this one.
Historically, most Christians have opposed gambling on the grounds that: (i) it is addictive; (ii) it is based on greed; and, (iii) it encourages laziness and dishonesty (cheating).
2007-07-19 05:17:42 · answer #1 · answered by Randy G 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
This is an interesting question. I suppose the answer is that Love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. So gambling would lead to the craving of more money. I think Buddhism may also agree with this one.
My own stance on gambling is that I don't do it. I have never done the lottery or gambled in that way. But I have played cards with my Children for pennys and also played the penny slot machines in seaside towns. Also I would I expect buy shares if I had any spare dosh. And all those are a form of gambling.
I do think it leads to addiction so that can't be right. And I realise I need to look up some of the relevant texts in case I need to change my behaviour.
Thanks for that x
2007-07-19 06:21:20 · answer #2 · answered by : 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
This is just a guess, but maybe it's because the Bible says something about "...working for your increase" and "earning by the sweat of your brow" (working for what you get) and gambling/wagering for increase is not equal to working, and hence against God's mandate to His people. (Remembering that working for your keep was a sentence of punishment to Adam in the Garden of Eden, and not meant to be pleasant). It's almost like gambling is a system created by man to circumvent God's punishment or mandate.
Also, since sin is most times a slippery slope -- it could lead to idleness, greed, lack of gratitude for what you do have, and breaks the covenant with good stewardship over money.
Again, these are just guesses, nothing I'm sure of.
2007-07-19 05:29:15 · answer #3 · answered by LadyB!™ 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
There is nothing is Scripture or tradition that forbids it.
Abuse of it would be a sin, if you are using money meant to pay the rent on the Ponies you would be in hot water. Gambling when you know you are supporting groups that use the money for bad purposes would be wrong also.
We as Christians have to be careful not to infuse our own likes or dislikes into the word of God.
Like Drinking, it can be a sin if done to excess but is not in and of itself evil.
Peace be with you!
2007-07-19 05:29:51 · answer #4 · answered by C 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Jews and the New Testament Christians "cast lots" That is basically a dice game of chance.
I view it as not relying on GOD for our daily bread or wanting "more" like the Israelites in the desert when they whined about the manna.
I do not see it as a forbidden thing. I just see it as bad stewardship to invest our money into something that uses greed as it's attraction.
Not a big deal really.
2007-07-19 05:19:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It depends on the branch of Christianity. For some branches gambling is an absolute no-no. Other branches don't have as much of a problem with gambling as long as it's done in moderation.
2007-07-19 05:19:43 · answer #6 · answered by some_guy_times_50 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Well our parish priest rocked up at our poker night last week and he didn't give two f****ng hoots as he went back to the rectory 120 quid better off.
Every faith just picks and chooses which bits to follow, for example the missus is always hinting about adultery and going to hell. Gets a cob on though when I mention gluttony as she shovels in chocolate cake
2007-07-19 05:24:25 · answer #7 · answered by Enoch Returns 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The Christian view is that it is better to give than to receive if we are interested in eternal life. Gambling is a way of taking (or hoping to take) from others.
2007-07-19 05:45:53 · answer #8 · answered by Malcolm 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I consider all moneys that I receive belong to God anyway so would not want to use His money to gamble with...that is like using my Faith in God to believe He might give me more if I gamble it. I would rather use it wisely in His name and for His purposes...and yes I tithe 10% of everything I get to the Church and get repaid in special ways by way of gifts from God. God makes promises which He keeps.......
Best wishes, Mike.
2007-07-19 06:44:22 · answer #9 · answered by georgiansilver 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Depends what you mean by gambling, after all, its
a gamble that people will still attend church and
make donations !!! also any monies donated by the
Lottery commission are never refused, so I would say
the view on gambling is OK or hypercritical......
2007-07-19 05:48:59 · answer #10 · answered by landgirl60 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋