Gambling- A Closer Look
By E. A. Green

Preface

This article originally appeared in the September 1987 issue of The Christian Baptist . I have made minor revisions in the arrangement and wording but my arguments remain essentially the same. I believe the arguments I present are valid and biblically sound, but I humbly acknowledge they could be better stated by others more qualified.

  • Gambling-- Why Is it Wrong?
    1. Moral argument against
      (a). responsibility--accountability
      (b). chance vs. assignable cause
    2. Scriptural argument against
      (a). example
      (b). principle
    3. Experiential argument against
      (a). personal
      (b). gracious
      (c). historic
  • Gambling Defined
  • Examining Ways Gambling is Excused
    1. Legalization
    2. Motivation
    3. Risk involved

Gambling-- Why Is It Wrong?

First, the premise of this article is that gambling is morally wrong for everyone. But more to the point, I believe the facts will show that gambling is especially odius for those professing to be followers of Jesus Christ. I believe my argument will demonstrate that gambling is not only inconsistent with Christian living, but it also carries the inherrent potential to disrupt social, moral, and economic laws and relationships. If this is true then none should gamble, especially those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. In this article I will examine why gambling is wrong from three perspectives: (1)morally, (2)scripturally, and (3)experimentally.

(1) Moral Argument

1)Regarding Responsibility & Accountability

By virtue of creation man is a moral being. What does this mean? It means that God has endowed man with the moral capacity to discern between right actions and wrong actions. To put this in perspective though, we need to understand that because of Adam's sin, his offspring are not as originally created. They are no longer morally pure. Thus, our present dilemma is that man chooses and prefers the wrong; "...men love darkness rather than light" Jn.3:19. While it is true that the purity of man's moral faculty was lost through Adam's transgression, yet the moral faculty itself, that capacity to make moral distinctions remains. To deny that man possesses the capacity to make moral distinctions, even in his fallen state, removes the ground for human responsibility and accountability. I therefore urge that the natural man has retained the moral faculty by which such distinctions are made. Consequently, all men are accountable unto God their Creator and sustainer.
"For he maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matt. 6:45

Inasmuch then, as man is accountable to his Creator, it therefore follows that it is required that they act responsibly; this principle applies to all aspects of human activity. Consider the many blessings of life, freedom, and personal property that we enjoy. These are all blessings from the beneficent hand of God. However, when these blessings are abused it is aberrant behavior. Irresponsible behavior of all sorts is unworthy a creature made in the image of God.

Since it takes time, strength, and effort to accumulate personal property and wealth, it logically follows that when we squander these benefits, it is equivalent to squandering our life. All reasonable people agree that there is a higher--a more noble purpose for human life than this. But when a person gambles, What is he doing? He is taking wealth that required time and strength to accumulate and casting it to the wind. This is behavior unworthy a creature made in the image of God.. Again, man is responsible for his behavior and shall be held accountable for his actions.

· Small Stakes Gambling

Some argue that so long as you only gambled for "small stakes" it is ok. However, the principle of accountability remains regardless of the size of the "stakes." Let it be observed that the compulsive gambler also started with "small stakes." I have seen, as many of you have, the destruction that has been caused in the lives of those trapped by the "gambling fever." Some have described it as a sickness, others as a disease. However, the moral implications of gambling are most clearly seen in it's results, the actual stakes. The actual stakes go far beyond the initial wager and include miserable lives and broken homes, heavy debts, stress, depression. Aggravating and perpetuating the cyclic behavior of the gambler is his delusion that if he could have had enough money to place a few more bets, he could have turned it around and become a winner. The deceitfulness of sin can become very graphic at times. Each month I see charter buses filled to capacity with pensioners enroute to Las Vegas. They leave filled with the hope of building a new reality for themselves through gambling. Their expressionless faces returning are a sad commentary to the actual reality of shallow and empty lives.

· Faulty Motivation

The motivation to gamble is suspect: greed, lust, sport or excitement, having fun, boredom. Each of these have the potential to propel a person into a downward moral spiral.

As rational beings, conducting our business, social affairs, and personal behavior in a responsible and honorable manner is an indispensable key to building productive lives and fulfilling relationships. These things are good and acceptable in the sight of God, our Creator and Sustainer.

2) Regarding Chance Vs. Assignable Cause

In this section, I will briefly examine how the word chance is used in the Creation vs Evolution discussion. Although it may seem to deviate from the subject at hand, I believe it will aid us to focus more clearly on the concept of chance and understand its moral connection with gambling. Let us briefly review the Design Argument for Creation and observe the role of "cause and effect" .

God has given a Natural revelation of himself in His work of Creation. (Romans 1:19,20) Objective consideration of natural revelation provides a basis of evidence to warrant a rational belief in the existance of God and His eternal power. Thus, all rational men ought to acknowledge the existence of a powerful, though unseen, Creator. God has not left himself without a witness (Acts 14:17). The clarity of this revelation is such that the agnostic is left without an excuse.

When one contemplates possible origins of this vast and amazingly complex cosmos, he utilizes the rational process of considering cause and effect. Thus reasoning, we backtrack as it were, until we ultimately arrive at a logical first cause...a personal, intelligent First Cause of all that exists. We arrive, I say, at such a First Cause because a lesser Cause would not provide an adequate explanation for the Cosmos and our experience of it. We gaze in awe at this enormously complex universe, from the most distant galaxy to the smallest microcosm, and it appears as though they unite as in an ecosystem, harmoniously declaring the glory, the wisdom, and the power of God. Thus, even apart from the biblical record, man has been given the necessary objective evidence to logically conclude that the Universe exists by intelligent design and assignable cause. This conclusion forms a rational basis for responsible moral behavior for all men.

By definition, chance is the absence of intelligent cause and design!

Gambling is based on chance: a spin of the wheel, a roll of the die, a flip of a card, a pull on the handle. Who can intelligently predict what will happen? Taking a chance does not require intelligence. Does anyone seriously believe that actions guided by chance may be considered as responsible behavior? Yet the gambler believes, or at least hopes, that out of the random, chaotic, and unpredictable succession of events (wagers) he will hit the big one, enrich himself; that his life will be improved, ect. Have you noticed that many of the words associated with the concept of chance, may be used to describe both gambling, and its second-cousin, evolution? Many of the concepts relate to both: chance, randomness, chaotic, fate. Interestingly, for his system to succeed the evolutionist claims he needs vast eons of time and random chaos will become an orderly system. In his view the impossible can become probable given enough time. Similarly, the gambler supposes additional resources will reverse his losses and increase the probablility of winning. Both promise upward mobility. Both fail miserably on all counts: logically, mathematically, and experientially.

In summary then, (1) Gambling is immoral because it is an activity prompted from flawed motives. (2) Gambling is immoral because it aligns human action with risks (chance) which are opposed to rational behavior and human purpose. As such, gambling is an irresponsible type of behavior which clashes with the concept and reality of an intelligent, designing Creator.

(2) Scriptural Argument

Since there is not a direct scriptural prohibition against gambling some have assumed, and others are willing to argue that it is therefore morally benign. This argument is full of flaws! For example, we could use the same reasoning to justify snorting cocaine or torturing babies for fun. There is no direct prohibition against neither of these in scripture either! Are they therefore harmless activities?

When gambling is considered in the context of scripture, we find that it isn't one of two isolated verses that express the scriptural view, but rather the general theme of the whole book as it relates to practical living. Let's examine scriptural instruction as set forth by two methods: (1) biblical example, and (2) biblical principle.

(1) From Biblical Example:
First, the pattern of life as demonstrated by the example set by the Apostles and Prophets ought to be considered. Consider the words of Peter, who was an elder, and exhorting other elders among the church to "...feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:2-3)

Next, lets consider the words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy: "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 5:12)

Both of the above verses illustrate the role and importance of setting a good example. Teaching a lesson by setting a good example confirms the credibility of both the instructor and the lesson. Whether we realize it or not, our lives have far reaching effects... far beyond the immediate sphere of self. Therefore, to ensure we are teaching the right lesson and that we maintain our credibility as teachers, we ought to examine ourselves and question, "What kind of example am I setting for others? Is my behavior going to have a positive, beneficial effect in the lives of those around me? Am I following the good example of those before me?"

When we consider the greatest and perfect example that has been set before us in the person and life of our Lord Jesus Christ, it appears inconceivable that anyone could fail to see the moral contradiction of gambling with such a consecrated and holy life style. I therefore must conclude, that when people gamble they are setting a poor example to those that look to them, and are obviously following a different life style than the examples given us in scripture.

Some might object that the above examples are for preachers and elders only, not for the common person or church member. While it is true that the verses cited above have reference to elders, this in no wise limits the application of the principles involved, after all, Who are they to set the example for? Just themselves? Of course not! They are setting an example for those under their care and influence.

(2) Bible Principle:
There are numerous passages of scripture that set forth basic Bible Principles relating to practical living. I will use 1 Timothy 6:11:

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; perverse disputings, greed, love of money,...and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."

This is an interesting verse. If you pause and look closely you will notice that it lists some things we ought to flee, and other things we ought to follow. There is a sharp contrast. Clearly, gambling is closely aligned with those things we are commanded to flee! Can any honest heart think, for even a moment, that gambling carries the stamp of righteousness and godliness upon it? How contrary gambling appears to be to every Godly principle set forth in this passage. It therefore seems reasonable to conclude that gambling is inconsistent with the activities that ought to mark the Christian life. Consequently, gambling is incompatable with the principles of holiness, sanctification, and consecration.

In summary then, gambling is wrong scripturally because, (1) it is contrary to the biblical examples set forth for us in the lives of our Lord and the Apostles, and (2) it is contrary to biblical principles of Godliness.

(3) Argument From Experience

(1) From Personal Experience
I will now consider "what is wrong with gambling" from experience. We have already alluded to the havoc in the lives of those trapped by the "gambling fever"; as debts, broken homes, stress, depression, false hopes, ect. In addition, gambling frequently opens the door and exposes one to other evils such as alcoholism, drugs, and other depravities.
"Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?" Pro. 6:26,27
Without further detail I believe we may safely say that our personal experience in observing the effects of gambling in the lives of others teaches us that gambling is wrong.

(2) From Gracious Experience
A person that has had a genuine Gracious Experience knows gambling is contrary to the teaching of the Spirit of God upon his heart. We are told that the Holy Spirit bears witness within the child of God, As it is written, "I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them..." Hebrews 10:15,16
Consequently, the depth and genuiness of the experience of a "believer" who can willfully and greedily drink and eat at the polluted fountains and feeding troughs of this world is suspect. In the words of our Lord, "Doth not a good tree bring forth good fruit?"

(3) From Historic Experience
Having shown that gambling is incompatable with the principles of holiness, sanctification, and consecration of life unto God, it only remains to note that when viewed Historically, it can be observed that compromise with ungodliness and worldliness does not bring unity and peace within a church, but rather strife, confusion, and an increase of every evil work. It ought to be clear to most of us, that a local church can only suffer and ultimately lose its identity by compromising its Purity. When not discouraged, gambling soon causes a blight, not only on the character of the person involved, but also on the record and witness of the local church which knowingly harbors such persons.

We have briefly examined the subject of Gambling from three perspectives: Morally, Scripturally, and Experimentally. Based upon the foregoing evidence I believe one is justified to conclude that all forms of gambling are wrong . This brings us to the next query to be considered, which is:

Gambling Defined

What Is Considered Gambling?
By common definition, gambling is the betting, wagering of money, or some valuable in a game of chance. It is the betting or wagering that constitutes the activity as gambling. There are virtually innumerable games or methods by which gambling is done. Therefore distinction must be made between the act of betting, and the vehicle upon which the betting is done. For example, there is nothing inherently wrong with racing horses. You can watch them run, or ride one yourself... nothing would be wrong with that. However, when your money is "riding" on the horse, then it becomes gambling. Friends can socialize and play dominoes... it's called "social entertainment." I personally see nothing wrong with that. However, when wagering is involved, then it is called gambling and I do see things wrong with that. You can listen to, or watch a ball game and there is nothing essentially wrong with that. However, when your money is being risked on the outcome, then it is gambling, and that's wrong.

Examining Ways Gambling is Excused

From the foregoing, it appears simple enough to identify "what is considered gambling." I'm unaware of any evidence that would indicate that our Baptist fore-fathers shared our uncertainty about recognizing gambling. In my view, it approaches the absurd to think that they may have had the need to sit around and try to come to a concensus about whether gambling was morally right or wrong! And yet, here we are today with church members, and yes, occassionally church leaders also, expressing uncertainty about which moral category Gambling belongs. In my opinion, the confusion regarding this issue is an indication of the perilous times in which we live. Moral discernment is at an unusually low ebb. The enemy is inside the gate and many do not even realize it! I believe there are several reasons for this lack of moral discernment. Part of the confusion and uncertainty on this issue is because faulty views are commonly held on these related particulars: (A) legalization; (B) motivation; (C) risk involved. Those attempting to justify their interest in gambling, frequently have a tweaked view in one or more of these areas.

(A) Regarding Legalization

In California, which is where I live, gambling in several different forms has been legalized in recent years. The State Lottery is now as accepted and beloved as Granny's apple pie. A few years ago, a person would have been prosecuted in the Courts for participation in a Lottery. However, now that the State Lottery has been legalized, some believe that it is now a morally acceptable behavior and use it's legalization as a means to justify their involvement. However, we need to remember that although man-made laws may change, and frequently do, we ought to use moral discernment... obeying God and keeping His laws rather than following the fluctuating whims of politicians and public opinion.

(B) Regarding Motivation

Some attempt to justify their inclination to gamble by 'claiming' to have good (or morally neutral) motivation. According to this notion, gambling is fine if you don't do it for the wrong reason or with a bad motive. In other words, if you did it "just for fun or entertainment," then nothing would be wrong with it, but if you did it for the purpose of "winning money," then it would be wrong. Let me plainly say as a friendly reminder, there is no good motive for gambling, and regardless of the motive, gambling remains gambling.

(C) Regarding the Risk Involved

Another method frequently used by those attempting to justify their interest in gambling, is a false notion of the risk involved. Accordingly, they attempt to make a comparison of the risk associated with a normal business investment to the risk involved when gambling. They claim that the risks are the same. But this is simply not true. Why? In an honorable business investment wild or random speculation is ruled out. In a business investment, careful and prudent judgment is exercised and is based on personal knowledge and accumulated facts. An investment made in this manner is agreeable to basic and honorable laws of Economics. The outcome of such an investment is foreseen by the investor, though not with absolute certainty. The reason the outcome is foreseen is because the investment was made by design within the framework of valid economic laws. The uncertainty of the investment lies primarily in the finite knowledge of the investor.

Now, if you contrast the above business investment with gambling it will be seen that the supposed similarity is not there! The risk involved in gambling is more properly called chance, and as we noted in a previous argument, chance is an absence of design and intelligence.

 

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