Gambling Forum - View Single Post

Harvey · #4 () 09-01-2006, 04:14 PM

Nice topic. I did a little research, and here's what I found:

Christianity- While gambling in not specifically mentioned in the Bible, it is commonly believed that the practice is frowned upon. Gambling is viewed as a way of practicing dishonesty. It is a form of taking what does not rightfully belong to a person. Along with gambling frequently goes cheating, and both are forms of dishonesty. Paul states, "Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth" Ephesians 4:28.

Although the word "gambling" does not appear in the Bible, the practice is clearly condemned in numerous passages of scripture. Gambling is based on the evil desire to get money or goods which belong to someone else without giving fair value in exchange. The Bible calls this sin "covetousness" and makes it clear that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Romans 1:28-32).

Judaism - Gambling is not mentioned in the Torah, nor in any of the Jewish scriptures. (Although there are things that are decided by the casting of lots; for example Haman decided on Purim day by lots.) In the later legal literature, there is some ambiguity about gambling. The only thing that is sure is that a professional gambler -- one who has no profession other than gambling -- is not to be trusted as a witness in court.

Buddhism - The following passage is taken from a Buddhist text:
"There are, young householder, these six evil consequences in indulging in gambling:- the winner begets hate, - the loser grieves for lost wealth, - loss of wealth, - his word is not relied upon in a court of law, - he is despised by his friends and associates, - he is not sought after for matrimony; for people would say he is a gambler and is not fit to look after a wife."

Hinduism - The following is taken from a Hindu text:
"Do not take to gambling, even if you can win,
for your wins will be like the baited hooks that fish swallow.
To win once, a gambler loses a hundred times.
What a way to procure happiness and prosperity!
Incessantly calling bets on rolling dice causes
a man's rich reserves and potential revenues to run elsewhere.

Gambling brings on many miseries and erodes one's good name.
Nothing else ends in such wretched poverty.
Desiring to win everything, those who love the dice,
the gambling hall and their lucky hand lose it all.
Gambling is Misfortune's other name. Fools ensnared by her
will suffer an empty stomach and distressing sorrows."

Islam - According to the Muslim religion, as documented in the Koran, Muslims are not permitted to take part in any form of gambling. The Koran cites that destiny is predetermined by Allah and cannot be affected by chance. Games of chance, it continues, draw men away from Allah because the gamblers begin to believe in luck, and distance themselves from God.

Here's a quote from the Koran:
"O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and (divination by) arrows, are an abomination, of Satan's handwork: eschew such (abomination), that ye may prosper.
Satan's plan is (but) to excite enmity and hatred between you, with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from prayer: will ye not then abstain?"

It looks as though all the major religions in the world frown on gambling, if not out and out condemn it. Is gambling a sin? I'd say the world religious leaders would unanimously agree that it is.