An Ethical Question

As a Christian, do you think gambling is wrong? If so, then stay away from it and don't participate in funding it knowingly.

Joseph Botwinick

 

Show me the way to Ryan's, Cracker Barrell, & Shoney's----lots of good eating establishments out there---tell those in question---thanks but no thanks!!!!!

Bro. David

 

The restaurants in Casinos also include bars. Personally, I wouldn't accept the invitations. I value my testimony more than a good meal.

Jim T.

 

I agree with Jim. I would not go -- there are other places to gather, and by going it would look like you endorse the kind of lifestyle that goes with gambling and drinking even if you do not do these things. Sometimes, we have to know when to draw the line.

I don't like the atmosphere of places with bars or gambling anyway.

 

Count me in agreement with the above posts.
WallyGator

 

I go to several different restaurants that serve alcohol. I also shop at Publix and get my gas at several different quick marts. I don't order beer with my dinner, buy a case with my bread and milk, and don't pickup a 6 pack with my gas. If I did, I would have gas.

 

Never been in a casino but Ive heard the resturants have very good food. We have quite a few just across the border in Indiana. Not saying those who disapprove are wrong, but it would'nt bother me in the least.

 

We live close to casinos as well and this is an issue for many churches around here. My answer is: "abstain from all appearance of evil".

My mom goes there alot to eat and/or gamble. Doesnt think its a sin.

 

Mt. 9:10-13, "Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples." When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?" But when Jesus heard this, He said, "It i] not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. "But go and learn what this means: `I desire compassion, and not sacrifice,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

 

i have gone to a local casino for a company gathering, and was quite a witness in that I subtly made it known that I would NOT gamble or drink alcohol, but would still be a part of the celebration of our accomplishments.

This COULD lead to more vocal witnessing (as God leads), or it could just be a one-time witness. It is not MY decision which it will be, but God's. MY job is to be a witness "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Bill

 

If the Holy Spirit does not lead me to go there—I don’t go there. So far, the Holy Spirit has not led me to houses prostitution, ill repute, “adult” entertainment, gambling, or drinking. Can you even begin to imagine the horror of being caught on the grounds of a casino by your friend at work to whom you have been sharing the Gospel of Christ?

 

No, What would be the horror?

 

Casino's don't bother me anymore than a resturant with a bar. Just don't partake in that part of it. Sure you are giving money to that establishment, but I bet you shop at places that sell alcohol (if it's approved in your county). A lot of people stay away from it becuase they are afriad of the temptaion. However,if you really feel it's wrong and might damage your witness, then you need to do what you feel is right and not go. If your friends can't understand that, then they are disrespecting you and they aren't worth being friends with.

 

Good point.

The only casinos I have been to are with my family to eat. No other reason. They were in Nevada. I would not go alone.

 

I'll bet every person in the US supports Muslim owned companies when they buy gas for their car too.

 

Well sadly the world isn't always a nice and fair place. Unless I want to live in a cave then I can't stay away from the evils. I just don't let it tempt me. We are all soldiers and messengers! I'll live with the evil around me in order to spread the message of Christ to those who need to hear it. Even it means I need to go into a "sinful" establishment to do so. You all might think I am crazy for saying that. You know those little booklets that tell you how to become a Christian? Well there would be no better place to leave them then in a casino or bar restroom.

 

Personally, I have never found it necessary to enter a den of iniquity to distribute Gospel tracts, and this world is so full of hypocrites that I see no need for leaving evidence lying around in dens of iniquity to prove that another Christian has been there.

 

I just think sometimes we get so wrapped up in "Abstaining from the absence of evil" and messing up our witness that we turn our backs on those who need us most. If I could walk in a bar today and lead someone to Jesus would I do it? In a heartbeat. My rep isn't so important to me that I would turn my back on that chance. Maybe someone is in that casino gambling because they are filling a void when all they need is Jesus. Does anyone see my point?

BTW, we are slightly straying away from the original post. Out of respect to the original post, if you really feel the need to argue some of my points please PM me or we can start a new thread. Thanks.
Allie