Flabbergasted

I'd be interested in seeing the Scripture that says gambling is wrong.

You can set standards for your family, and should stand on them. Don't be surprised if others who don't believe in those standards operate differently.

Maybe we should begin by figuring out what exactly Scripture says about his matter.

 

I’m not a pastor so if the moderators want to delete my post, feel free.

First, I recommend you pray about the situation a lot.

Second, I would adopt a practical approach rather than a scriptural approach. Make sure your MIL understands she is going to have a net loss if she continues to patronize a casino. They don’t put up those facilities because the patrons win more than they lose. Then make sure she understands how habit forming it is. If she is that thrilled over her first trip there, she may already be hooked and just doesn’t know it yet.

Third, have this same conversation with your son. You might also inform him that he won’t find anyone there his age. Casinos are mostly patronized by old people who can’t afford to be there. The glamorous portrayals you see in the movies just don’t exist unless you go to Monte Carlo or Nassau or to one of the very large establishments in Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

Fourth, resign yourself to the fact that your son can go where he wants to after he turns 18.

Fifth, pray about it a lot.

 

Yes. Today we need a proof text about everything to prove it's wrong. Then, if given a proof text, we say, well, in its strict context it doesn't apply to me.

There are many many things that are just plain common sense.

 

I'm not a pastor either, but I deal with stuff like this in my family too. I find two things to be helpful in dealing with my inlaws: 1) a well taught child who is NOT afraid to speak up (sounds like you have that covered)
2) a soft spoken reply.

Since I can find no direct scriptural warnings against gambling, I find discussing the realities of gambling (you are GOING TO LOSE) and the setting of boundries (decide how much you are going to shove into those slots BEFORE you step into the casino) to be more useful than ranting about "sinfulness". (direct turn off for my inlaws, especially fil who was made a DEACON in their little church!)

If your inlaws are mature enough, a discussion about stewardship might be helpful. My inlaws are not. (for that matter my husband doesn't see gambling in the light of stewardship, he just hates the impact such places have as a whole, so I let him be)

Above all, remember that the Holy Spirit who guides you is perfectly capable of guiding them. Sometimes we "more mature" Christians get up on our pedestal and forget that we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit just as much as others.

 

You also need to talk with your mother-in-law's pastor. It is not unusual for people to twist what someone like a pastor says in order to make it come out the way they want it to. On occasion I have heard myself "quoted" with words or meanings that I do not in the least recognize. A little detective work, and then maybe a heart-to-heart with your fellow pastor.

 

You don't need to get all up in arms about this. The notion that gambling is always wrong in every circumstance is extra-biblical and more of a moral tradition than anything else.

I definitely don't think it's wise, especially after my first time in a casino. It will also be my last.

But if your M-i-L wants to go, it's no big deal, and if she asks your 18-year-old son to go, it's no big deal. If the pastor doesn't agree with you on the issue, it's no big deal, either. Let your son make the call here. It sounds as if he's not particularly keen on the idea, anyway.

 

Mike,

Unfortunately when I read your post I knew that you would have the liberals come out to tell you how gambling isn't wrong. Please don't pay any attention to them. These are the same people that will tell you drinking, smoking, women pastors, and homosexuals are OK. Take what they say with a large grain of salt.

Keep standing on the Truth and keep preaching it brother. Raise your son up properly (it sounds like you have) and you'll have no worries.

 

The Truth is that gambling, just like drinking, is an issue of conscience. These two issues are so entrenched in fundamentalist culture as being wrong that it's hard to look objectively.

Also, Matt is making things up, as he usually does. I have never said homosexuality is okay. In fact, I've said the opposite many times.

 

Yea, put your life savings on RED & let it fly baby, let it fly! {SNIP}

 

I never said that you in particular said anything about homosexuality. You just seem to think that I talk about only you. Please stop thinking so highly of yourself.

 

:thumbs: Amen !

 

Even Jaigner's own United Methodist Church takes a strong stand against gambling:

From The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church — 2004:

 

This thread has nothing to do with pastoral ministry. And it's gone to mudslinging rather quickly. Reprise the theme song and roll the credits.