Opposition To Gambling
Churches are divided along
liberal and conservative lines on many a social issue.
But on casino gambling, opposition comes from across the
religious spectrum. The churches and other faith groups
are now working to give information to the people about
the negative social effects of gambling. Faith
communities represent a silent majority that sees the
negative impacts of casinos and slot machines on
families and society.
Effect on institutions:
Studies have shown charitable donations drop 18 percent
to 20 percent when slot machines come to a city or
county. And churches and nonprofit agencies also are
affected by such problems as gambling addiction and
other economic problems that can come with increased
access to gambling.
The Bible on gambling:
Religious leaders agree that though there is no flat-out
prohibition of gambling in the Bible, there are many
reasons for believers to oppose proliferation of it. The
Bible is God's prescription for our existence, health,
prosperity, happiness and salvation. To live by biblical
principles is to live in obedience and submission to the
lord. We all desire to live rewarding and significant
lives and this can be fully achieved if we share God's
eternal perspective in this life. In Matthew 10:16 it is
said that "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst
of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as
doves." One such wolf is gambling. It is a human
predator that consumes societal stability, personal
wellbeing, marriages, families, life and financial
prosperity. We must be wise and stealthy enough to avoid
the teeth of gambling. Gambling is not addressed
directly in the Bible but it is not exempted from God's
instruction also.
The defects of gambling:
The costs of dealing with gambling addiction are
increasing. The net effect is that casino gambling adds
$3 in new social costs for every $1 in tax revenue
generated. It will soon cannibalize the state's economy.
It may also change the character of our state for
generations to come. Gambling is not in itself evil but
can be misused in a way that injures individuals or
society. Gambling, similar to alcoholic beverages or
fire, is a good servant but a bad master.
Gambling is not inherently good or evil, its how you use
or deal with it and the key is acting responsibly. The
government should
oppose gambling to uphold our highest values. To
want to make money off of people's weaknesses is a
shame.
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