Is gambling a sin?

[Neck]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

If so, why?

What is Gambling? Is it not tying to beat the odds?

Are there certain things we can't gamble on?

The things in life that become our greatest achievements were gained by taking a gamble!

Is it wrong to walk up to a window and place a bet on 7 horses running in a circle?

But then it's OK to enjoy skydiving as a hobby?

Is it wrong to bet dimes on a card game?

But then OK to gamble with your life by eating a Triple Stack Wendy's burger everyday for lunch?

Is it wrong to bet a friend a lunch on who will get the best score on the back 9?

Then OK to day-trade your money on an internet trading account?

Is it wrong to put $5.00 on Powerball?

But then give the homeless bum on the street $5.00 and believe he is going to eat it and not drink it?

I "bet" that if I looked at every single person on earth.

We all gamble more with our life than we do with our money.

And we "all" gamble.....

If we were to live one day without a wager.

That day would be spent sitting on the couch.

[Timmy]

"If we were to live one day without a wager.

That day would be spent sitting on the couch."

No, a lack of exercise is very risky!

[corvet786c]

What is your definition of gambling? Spending all your money in casinos or just playing a machine or 2 or knowing when to stop?

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by corvet786c

What is your definition of gambling? Spending all your money in casinos or just playing a machine or 2 or knowing when to stop?

Many Christians believe that it is a sin to buy a single lottery ticket. So the question applies to all of the above, I guess.

[Jeffrey]

AQP, it's not a sin, it's just stupid. Poor people play the lotto


jk. Sort of.

It's not a sin to gamble. It's a sin to be make gambling an idol so that one sells their whole life out for it. Addiction. Bringing them to poverty. For that, those inclined to addiction, and those disinterested maybe should just avoid altogether.

[*AQuietPlace*]

This is an old thread, so I don't even remember what has been posted previously. But I was just wondering where the mindset came from that it's wrong to buy a lottery ticket.

No one thinks it's a sin to blow money at a fast food joint for food that is a complete waste of money.... but spending $2 on a lottery ticket is a mortal sin. I don't understand the logic.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

I agree, I don't think playing the lottery is the smartest thing around, and I don't do it or have a desire to do it. I just don't understand why it's preached against as sin, when we waste money in so many other ways.

My friend BHILL says that gambling is a "tax for stupid people." You could tell your kids that....

Really, pel has the best answers on this thread. Some issues aren't clear cut, so you have to be guided by principles and common sense. This is a great way to teach your children how to do that. They need to learn that the Bible doesn't give a black or white yes or no on every issue.

Try making a pros/cons list on the white-board, find scriptures that address the issue from all sides, and ask your kids if they think gambling is a good idea. I'm amazed at how conservative my kids are sometimes, when I present them with the facts and let them make up their own minds.

I know some people just buy a lottery ticket here and there, and really, I guess it's no big deal if that's all they ever do. However, others spend lots of money in hopes of winning big, and their families pay the piper. Get-rich-quick schemes and risky investments could also fall under the generic category of gambling, as has been mentioned already.

[Aquila]

I think if you have the money to play with no issue. But if you're letting it whipe you out, it's foolishness. The sin comes with not providing for your own family.

[corvet786c]

What about poker and blackjack? I think those games are fun to play, is that a sin? Because it is fun. What about if you can afford to lose some money? What about entertainment purposes? I know some people who like to play just for fun?

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by corvet786c

What about poker and blackjack? I think those games are fun to play, is that a sin? Because it is fun. What about if you can afford to lose some money? What about entertainment purposes? I know some people who like to play just for fun?

Sin.



(J/K! In fact, tonight my wife and I are attending a fund-raiser Casino Night! Gonna have a blast! )