Research shows that more than 2 million people in the US are addicted to gambling. This topic is worth discussing since Christians wonder what the Bible says about gambling. Is gambling a sin?
The Bible does not clearly state that gambling is a sin. However, it suggests that God hates greed in 1st Corinthians 6:9. gambling is driven by greed. The Bible also warns Christians about the love of money in 1st Timothy 6:9. gambling can lead to a love of money.
Does the Bible condemn gambling? Why do some people believe gambling is a sin? What does the Church say about gambling? These are some of the questions that this article will cover. By the end of it, one can also learn how Catholics justify playing Bingo. Read on to find out more!
Does the Bible condemn gambling?
No verse in the Bible directly condemns gambling. Unlike commands in the Bible, such as Thou shalt not kill, no verse says thou shalt not gamble. The lack of a direct command of Gambling in the Bible makes some people try to justify this activity. Though the Bible does not directly condemn gambling, certain verses suggest that gambling is not always the right thing to do.
What does the Bible say about gambling?
Gambling focuses on the love for money, and the Bible warns Christians against this. 1st Timothy 6:10 says, For the love of money is the root of all evils. Through this craving, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Gambling promises to help people get rich quickly, which is against what the scripture says. Proverbs 13:11 says, wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
The Bible also teaches believers the importance of managing money wisely in Proverbs 21:20. This verse says, Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it. Excessive gambling violates this principle since many people continue wasting lots of cash on this activity.
Why do some people believe gambling is a sin?
Some Christians believe that gambling is a sin since it appeals to greed. Paul described greed as a form of idolatry in Colossians 3:5. This verse says, Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed which is idolatry.
People also believe gambling is a sin since it depends on other people making financial losses. Galatians 6:10 calls us to do good to all people and not to do harm.
Believers also feel that gambling is a sin since it does not teach us to work hard, as the Bible says. The Bible associates honest labor with reward in Ephesians 4:28. This verse says, Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share.
What does the Church say about gambling?
The Church has differing opinions when it comes to gambling. While some denominations believe gambling is a sin, others argue that it is not wrong as long as it is done correctly. Those who feel that gambling is not a sin argue that a person can engage in it as long as they keep their emotions under control.
They should also use material goods productively and be cheerful givers. Those who believe this quote, 2nd Corinthians 9:7, says, So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Some Church leaders teach that the virtue of justice should govern the games and gamblers. They believe that as long as the gamblers have an equal chance of winning and the game is fair, there is nothing wrong with gambling. They quote Leviticus 19:15, which says, Do not pervert justice, do not show partiality to the poor, or favoritism to the great but judge your neighbor fairly.
How do Catholics justify playing Bingo?
Some Catholics have turned the house of God into a place playing gambling activities like Bingo. They believe that gambling is not wrong since the Bible does not directly condemn it. They also say that playing Bingo is entertaining and is, therefore, not wrong.
Such Catholics like comparing playing Bingo with other forms of entertainment, such as watching a movie. They believe that since gambling does not do any harm, it is, therefore, not wrong. Some Catholic churches even suggest that spending an evening playing Bingo in the church basement is more entertaining than watching TV.
Why is Catholic perception of gambling different from Protestant view?
While most Protestants believe gambling is wrong, Catholics argue it is not a sin. Protestants argue that gambling is wrong since it can be addictive. It goes against the Bible, which teaches the importance of self-control, as explained in Galatians 5:22-23. On the other hand, Catholics believe gambling is okay if it is done in moderation.
Protestants also believe gambling is wrong since it shows a lack of contentment. They quote 1st Timothy 6:6, saying, But godliness with contentment is significant gain. On the other hand, Catholics view gambling as a luxury. They argue that one is entitled to dispose of their property as they please as long as they fulfill their duties.
When is Gambling not a sin?
Some people believe gambling is not a sin when one does not use family finances to support the activity and neglects their family. Those who believe this like quoting 1st Timothy 5:8, which says, But if someone does not provide for his own, especially his own family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Some also believe gambling is not a sin when one has enough discipline and self-control. Most gambling sites even encourage players to engage in this activity responsibly. Others argue that gambling is not a sin when the money is used for a good cause, such as giving it to the Church. The problem with this view is that very few people use gambling money for such motives. God also makes it clear in Proverbs 13:11 that he does not need our money to fund his mission.
When does gambling become a sin in the Catholic Church?
Catholics believe it can also become a sin when it takes money from necessities. In this case, the passion for gambling may become enslavement. The Catholic Church believes gambling becomes a sin when it becomes an addiction. 2nd Peter 2:19 says they promise them freedom, while they are slaves of depravity, for people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.
The Catholic Church believes gambling becomes a sin when a gambler uses the money to sin by engaging in prostitution. Most prostitutes like spending their time in casinos to entice gamblers. The Catholic Church views this activity as a societal vice. Even the Bible warns against such sins in Proverbs 23: 27.
Can Christians gamble just because the Bible doesn’t mention it as a sin?
Since the Bible does not say gambling is a sin, people have different views. Therefore, engaging in this activity is all about personal preference. If Christians choose to gamble, they should do it responsibly and not engage in what the Bible declares to be a sin.
One can do it solely for fun and not depend on it to earn an income. One should also practice self-control when gambling, as explained in Galatians 5:22-23.
Bible verses about gambling
Matthew 6:24 says, No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other. Or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Gambling promotes love for money, and the Bible is against this. Hebrews 13:5 says, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.
Additionally, gambling relies on superstitions and luck. The Bible suggests that God views such beliefs as idolatry. Isaiah 65:11 says, But you are among those forsaking Jehovah, Those forgetting my holy mountain, Those setting the table for the God of Good Luck, And Those filling up cups of mixed wine for the God of Destiny.
2nd Thessalonians 3:10 encourages hard work rather than getting something for nothing, a concept that gambling promotes. This verse says, In fact, when we were with you, we used to give you this order; if Anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.
References
- Is gambling a sin?
- What is the Jewish view on gambling?
- Miscellaneous: Gambling and the Christian
- Fasting, The True Treasure, Wealth (Mammon)
- Gambling
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
