Is Gambling a Sin
by Jerry "Jet"
Whittaker
April 25, 2006
Gambling has long history and has
evolved in different forms over the centuries. With the
boom in the gambling business, the effects of gambling
have started to show up on different aspects of the
society. Debates have started as to whether gambling is
really that bad, and its ill-effects on the society.
Here are some discussions on different aspects of
gambling.
What is wrong with gambling?
Gambling is a waste of
money, but it is not necessarily ‘evil’. If gambling is
played within the limits and occasionally it cannot be
called a ‘sin’. The fact that money is wasted on
gambling, than other necessary things, makes gambling a
wrong deed. Those arguing against gambling say that the
excess money should not be wasted, but saves for future
needs or given to God’s work.
What does Bible say about gambling?
Gambling is defined as
“risking money in an attempt to multiply it on something
that is against the odds”. Bible does not specifically
mention the term ‘gambling’ but refers to terms like
game of ‘luck’ or ‘chance’. Bible does not specifically
speak out against gambling, but warns to stay away from
them. Bibles mentions these instances – Casting lots
were used in Leviticus for choosing between the
sacrificial goat and the scapegoat. Joshua cast lots for
allotting land to different tribes. Nehemiah cast lots
to decide who would live inside Jerusalem and who would
not. The apostles cast lots to decide the replacement
for Judas. The Bible says that the lot is cast in the
lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. Bible does
not anywhere say that ‘gambling’ or ‘chance’ is used for
entertainment or is an acceptable practice for the
followers of God.
Gambling and Christianity –
A lot of debates have
taken place regarding this among the Christians. Not all
Christians agree on whether there is something wrong
with gambling itself or if it is a problem when gambling
becomes excess. The answers to these questions have
interesting implications on Christianity as a whole.
Gambling involves betting, individually or in pools, in
games of chances where the odds of winning or losing are
created artificially so that the person winning wins at
the expense of those who lose (to some extent at least).
The winnings are not earned, but they are the result of
luck and maybe a little skill in working the odds.
Considering the debate, most Christian theologians and
philosophers argue that gambling is not inherently wrong
but becomes wrong when is played in excess.
Another stricter Christian view on this is that gambling
is always wrong irrespective of its effects because it
is an attempt to win something for nothing and that too
at the expense of others who lose.
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