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I am confused about religion......?

I want to be a Christian but I like to take a limit to casinos and play slots. I stop at my limit and go home. My cousin says this okay b/c I don't seem addicted but a pastor I spoke with said it is a sin no matter what. HELP!!!!

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Not really a sin per say as much as it is just not edifying for you. The casino's don't get big by paying people out.. He's just looking out for your spiritual well being !!

    Gambling can be defined as “risking money in an attempt to multiply the money on something that is against the odds.” The Bible does not specifically condemn gambling, betting, or the lottery. The Bible does warn us, however, to stay away from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to "get rich quick" (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches.

    What’s wrong with gambling? Gambling is a difficult issue because if it is done in moderation and only on occasion, it is a waste of money, but it is not necessarily "evil." People waste money on all sorts of activities. Gambling is no more or less of a waste of money than seeing a movie (in many cases), eating an unnecessarily expensive meal, or purchasing a worthless item. At the same time, the fact that money is wasted on other things does not justify gambling. Money should not be wasted. Excess money should be saved for future needs or given to the Lord's work - not gambled away.

    Gambling in the Bible: While the Bible does not explicitly mention gambling, it does mention games of "luck" or "chance." As an example, casting lots is used in Leviticus to choose between the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat. Joshua cast lots to determine the allotment of land to the various tribes. Nehemiah cast lots to determine who would live inside the walls of Jerusalem and who wouldn’t. The apostles cast lots to determine the replacement for Judas. Proverbs 16:33 says, “The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Nowhere in the Bible is gambling or "chance" used for entertainment or presented as an acceptable practice for followers of God.

    Casinos and lotteries: Casinos use all sorts of marketing schemes to entice gamblers to risk as much money as possible. They often offer inexpensive or even free alcohol, which encourages drunkenness, and thereby a decreased ability to make wise decisions. Everything in a casino is perfectly rigged for taking money in large sums and giving nothing in return, except for fleeting and empty pleasures. Lotteries attempt to portray themselves as a way to fund education and/or social programs. However, studies show that lottery participants are usually those who can least afford to be spending money on lottery tickets. The allure of "getting rich quick" is too great a temptation to resist for those who are desperate. The chances of winning are infinitesimal, which results in many peoples’ lives being ruined.

    Why lotto / lottery proceeds do not please God: Many people claim to be playing the lottery or gambling so that they can give the money to the church, or to some other good cause. While this may be a good motive, reality is that few use gambling winnings for godly purposes. Studies show that the vast majority of lottery winners are in an even worse financial situation a few years after winning a jackpot than they were before. Few, if any, truly give the money to a good cause. Further, God does not need our money to fund His mission in the world. Proverbs 13:11 says, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” God is sovereign and will provide for the needs of the church through honest means. Would God be honored by receiving donated drug money, or money stolen in a bank robbery? Neither does God need or want money that was "stolen" from the poor by the temptation for riches.

    1 Timothy 6:10 tells us, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." Hebrews 13:5 declares, "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." Matthew 6:24 proclaims, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

    Recommended Resource: All In: Gambling on Life, Love & Faith in a World of Risk by Michael DiMarco.

    Source(s): Pastor in Training and X- Casino Employee :)
  • 1 decade ago

    you can totally still play at a casino and be a Christian. it may be a sin but that doesnt mean that you can't be a Christian. that's whats so cool about it i mean God sent Jesus to die for us so that all we have to do to be saved is truly believe in him. John 3:16. sin is all around you i mean we r human we were born into a sinful world its just up to you not to do those things. dont let that turn you away from God and if you feel like you can't be a Christian because thats holding you back then maybe you should think about which is more important to you. and im hoping that you pick being a Christian. Hope i helped!! if you need any thing else my email is Bubblegum349@yahoo.com!!!

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Are your obligations taken care of? If so, have at it. You are entitled to a little pleasure in life, and if gambling gives you pleasure, GO FOR IT. The important thing is that your obligations are taken care of first. Any disposable income is yours to do with what you want.

  • C
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Gambling is not good, Drinking is not good either. Neither is over eating.

    But food is not bad, alcohol is not either. Eating to gluttony is bad and being a drunk is bad.

    Placing a wager is not bad, Placing a wager with the money for your kids is.

    All things in moderation.

    Peace be with you.

    Source(s): Catholic Convert
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  • 1 decade ago

    I agree that gambling is sin.

    Spent that time studying the Bible and give the money you usually lose at the casino and give it to the Lord instead.

    Source(s): 43+ years following a Jewish Carpenter & studying His Book!
  • 1 decade ago

    'casting lots' (aka games of chance) were used to decide quite a few things in the bible... You only have to be right with God, listen to people around you for sure, but ultimately it's between you and God.

  • 1 decade ago

    Just because you do that does not mean you can't be a Christian. If you believe Jesus is the son of God...you're a Christian.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Fosho gave the best answer.God will let you know threw the holy spirit when u are in the wrong. =D

  • ?
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    the pastor speaks for himself alone; do your own thing and if they resist you or try to make you feel bad, they are trying to control you. be very, very careful

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    oh yeah go with the slots.

    forget the christianity.

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