Christian Ethics: Gambling and Greed

Christian Ethics: Gambling and Greed

Introduction

Before we delve into subjects like adultery, cohabitation, divorce, abortion and stem cell research, homosexuality, crime and capital punishment, suicide, infanticide, and euthanasia, genetic engineering, alcoholism and drugs, civil disobedience, war and peace, wealth possessions, and economy, animal rights and care for the environment, let's start with a seemingly lighter subject—gambling and greed. Despite its apparent insignificance, gambling is a significant issue in our society today.

Defining Gambling and Greed

Gambling can be defined as placing something of value at risk in the hope of gaining something of greater value. Kenneth S. Kantzer defined gambling in a 1983 Christianity Today article as:

"an artificially contrived risk, taken for selfish gain at another's expense, with no constructive product or social good as its goal."

Greed, on the other hand, is an intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food.

The History of Gambling

Inspired by Walter C. Kaiser, we recognize that gambling is not a new phenomenon. It has been practiced throughout history in many nations. Pompeii’s ruins yielded gaming tables, and dice with numbers on all six sides were discovered in ancient Egypt. The Roman historian Tacitus (about AD 100) noted that gambling was common among the German tribes.

In the history of the United States, gambling had an early hold. Kantzer noted,

"America began as a gambling nation. Columbus’ sailors whiled their time away crossing the Atlantic by playing cards. In 1612 the British government ran a lottery to assist the new settlement of Jamestown, Virginia. … George Washington declared, ‘Gambling is the child of avarice, the brother of iniquity, and the father of mischief’—but he kept a full diary of his own winnings and losses at the card table. In 1776 the First Continental Congress sold lottery tickets to finance the Revolution. From 1790 to 1860, 24 of the 36 states sponsored government-run lotteries. Many schools and hundreds of churches conducted their own lotteries to raise funds."

Puritans like Cotton Mather preached against gambling, supported later by Methodists and Baptists, leading many states to reject government lotteries. Louisiana was the last state to end its lottery at the end of the nineteenth century. However, the twentieth century saw the return of state-run lotteries, led by the Roman Catholic use of lotteries, and by 1985 most states had set up public lotteries.

Social Effects of Gambling and Lotteries

Educating our congregation on the social effects of gambling and lotteries is crucial. Gambling can lead to addiction, financial ruin, and broken families. Lotteries often disproportionately affect poor families, with significant numbers of African-Americans and Latino-Americans participating in hopes of escaping poverty. Unlike gambling, the stock market involves investment in businesses, which contributes to economic growth and provides goods and services, although it also carries risks.

Biblical Perspective: Matthew 6:19-34

Matthew 6:19-34 provides a profound perspective on wealth and possessions. Jesus teaches us to store treasures in heaven rather than on earth, emphasizing that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). We are called to trust God for our needs and seek His kingdom and righteousness first. This passage challenges us to evaluate what we care most about and recognize whom we serve.

Application: Changing Our Focus

We must change our way of thinking, fix our eyes on God, and recognize His provision in our lives. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of gambling and greed. Instead of seeking selfish gain, we should focus on serving others and promoting justice and compassion.

Reflective Questions

1. How does understanding God as the ultimate reality change our approach to ethical decisions?
2. In what ways can we ensure that our actions reflect our participation in God's reality rather than our efforts at personal or worldly goodness?
3. How can we bear witness to the reality of God's love and reconciliation in our daily lives?
4. What are the challenges we face in aligning our ethical decisions with God's will, and how can we overcome them?
5. How does our understanding of God's mandates in work, marriage, government, and church influence our daily actions and decisions?

Closing Thoughts

Gambling and greed are significant issues that impact individuals and society. By understanding the historical context, social effects, and biblical teachings, we can make ethical decisions that honor God and promote justice and compassion. Let us focus on storing treasures in heaven and seeking God's kingdom first, trusting in His provision and aligning our actions with His will.

Inspired by Walter C. Kaiser's profound insights, let us continue to educate ourselves and others on the ethical implications of our actions, striving to live lives that reflect God's love and truth.

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