Is gambling a sin?

*AQuietPlace* · #1 01-29-2009, 10:53 PM

If so, why?

pelathais · #2 01-29-2009, 11:00 PM

You're taking a bit of a gamble here yourself by starting this thread.

pelathais · #3 01-29-2009, 11:26 PM

My take is that "gambling" is NOT a sin - but that "gaming" can be a real social problem and can be sinful.

When you think about it, just about everything we do in life involves some sort of risk. Thus most of life is really a gamble. Driving to work on the interstate is a gamble. Flying to another city in an airplane is a gamble.

If you read the fine print on your 401(k) plan you will see that it "involves risk..." I've known people who say investing in the stock market is a sin because it's "gambling."

In the Christian best-seller "In His Steps" by Charles Monroe Sheldon, one of the things that is "given up" by folks in the mythical town is trading in stocks because they decided that was a "sin." This is the book where the famous "WWJD" saying came from.

For myself, I have settled on something of the official government terminology here. Since by not gambling at all, what I'm really saying is "do nothing at all..." I have decided to try and summon up the courage needed to peek out from under the covers from time-to-time and even to venture out of doors on occasion. Of course, what really prompts me to do this is the fear that by staying in bed all day I am gambling with being struck by a meteor. "Better to be a moving target," I say.

"Gaming" is the term our society has chosen to use to describe that recreational pursuit of giving your money to strangers in exchange for an atmosphere of bright lights and loud noises. While perhaps not an out-and-out sin in and of itself, gaming is usually conducted in less than "family friendly" environments and the mark is often plied with alcohol to get him to more easily turn out his pockets.

I once put a quarter into a slot machine in a Nevada gas station that was marked "25¢." I pulled the lever and nothing happened. This was my first and only experience with a slot machine. I felt like I had been ripped off since nothing happened.

As I thought about it though, and looked at other machines; I realized that these were "dollar slots" and needed 4 quarters or a dollar bill. The "25¢" markings merely indicated where to insert the quarters. The flashing lights were so mesmerizing that I was beguiled out of my quarter. I was so embarrassed that I didn't return to the machine, but instead turned up my coat collar, paid the attendant for my gasoline and hurried out of the place.

I don't think this was a "sin" on my part, just stupid. But I must have found mercy because later I discovered a quarter on the ground in a parking lot.

Falla39 · #4 01-29-2009, 11:36 PM

1Timothy 6:17-19

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Gambling would certainly come under "uncertain riches"! Taking a chance or a gamble! Paul is giving
Timothy a charge! Must be important!

Falla39

Praxeas · #5 01-30-2009, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*

If so, why?

Only if you win and don't tithe on the winnings....since the Devils had that money long enough

Parkbench · #6 01-30-2009, 05:03 AM

Mega Millions Lottery jackpot is $40 million. I have to fill up at the local Road Ranger Gas Station this evening.

Is it gambling to request a $1.00 quick pick lottery ticket?

Is it gambling to pick my own numbers?

Aquila · #7 01-30-2009, 05:59 AM

I think if you have the money to gamble with it's not a sin. But if your family is struggling to survive and you're gambling your last dollars, the neglect and irresponsibility is a sin.

If gambling in and of itself is a sin, don't invest in the stock market. lol

Of course, never put your "trust" in uncertain riches, as stated above. I think that means that you're not to trust in your money to provide your every need... you need the Lord for your spiritual needs. Also it may mean, don't waste your rent money thinking that you'll hit the lotto this afternoon with that last $1 bill.

Jack Shephard · #8 01-30-2009, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falla39

1Timothy 6:17-19

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Gambling would certainly come under "uncertain riches"! Taking a chance or a gamble! Paul is giving
Timothy a charge! Must be important!

Falla39

With respect to you this is a stretch. If you are right then getting a raise on your job would also be uncertain riches. But the verses are talking about total trust in God.

I DO NOT think gambling is a sin, but is it being a good steward? Not all the time. I think where it can go wrong is when a person takes from their bills, grocery money, etc. I do gamble from time to time. Here is what I do. We occasionally go to Laughlin--mini Las Vegas and play. But this is only maybe 3times a year. We also save up for the trip. But if a person thinks it IS wrong then they should stay away.

MomOfADramaQn · #9 01-30-2009, 06:46 AM

In the town I grew up there were a few little restaurants that had poker machines. A friend of mine and I would go over there during lunch and after we would order we would play on the poker machines while we waited - always made enough money to pay for my lunch - don't think I was sinning - just getting a free lunch

*AQuietPlace* · #10 01-30-2009, 08:09 AM

I've always heard that gambling was a sin because it was a waste of money, and not being a good steward. But aren't a lot of things a waste of money?

I can plop $5 down for a fast food meal at McD's, which is pretty much a waste of money

and that's okay, but spending $1 on a lottery ticket is not okay? I've never understood that.

The subject of gambling came up with my kids tonight, and they wanted to know why it was wrong to gamble. Sheesh, *I* don't know!

I know that it can be addicting for some people, but a lot of things can be addicting.