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Question
What makes gambling wrong biblically? Are there some critical analysis of the texts suggesting wrongness in gambling?
Hi Joseph,
Its more tradition really. The Bible does not address the question directly.
There are plenty of examples of casting lots in the Bible and so on. This is sometimes a form of gambling. The Romans even gambled over Jesus' cloak. The issue of gambling is a bit more subtle and has to do with what has been called the Protestant Work Ethic.
When Adam and Eve were banned from the Garden of Eden they were told that 'by the sweat of their brows' they would have to scratch out a living. The idea is that by gambling one is bypassing this process and undermining the will of God.
The purpose of human life is spiritual not financial gain. We are told: I Tim. 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Gamblers tend to focus more on financial gain than on God and spiritual life... but they sure are not alone with that! In my opinion, the biblical approach is moderation in all things. Paul says that nothing is unclean of itself. If gambling (eating, drinking, mating...etc. ) controls us it is sinful, if such things are used as tools we utilize properly and in love they are not.
Hope this helps,
Write back any time,
John of AllFaith
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Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine
Expertise
I will be happy to discuss all aspects of Christianity, Judaism, biblical doctrine, prophecies, etc. The Bible offers a wealth of information to us! So if you are wondering what the Bible has to say about any topic drop me a note.
After 40 plus years of study and research I have concluded that the religion taught by Y'shua (Jesus) is best defined as authentic Messianic Judaism. This is the approach I bring to these questions. If you are interested in a Messianic Jewish perspective I'm here to answer.
I have hands-on experience with several different Christian denominations as well as with Judaism, the Noahide movements, Islam and more.
I head our shul's (synagogue's) free online Yeshiva Beth HaShem: http://templebethhashem.org/yeshiva if you would like to learn more about Messianic Judaism.
Experience
41 plus years of seeking God.
Provost of Yeshiva Beth HaShem: http://templebethhashem.org/yeshiva
Author of JewToo.org
Organizations
Temple Beth HaShem, Magalia, Ca.
Yeshiva Beth HaShem
Publications
JewToo.org: JewToo.org
JewToo Multiply Blog: Multiply site
Yeshiva Beth HaShem: Online Yeshiva
Temple Beth HaShem: Our congregation's website
Education/Credentials
I am an ordained Messianic Jewish rabbi at Temple Beth HaShem in Magalia, California.
Education/Credentials
Ordained Messianic Jewish rabbi, three Christian ordinations (Baptist, Calvary Chapel and from an independent Christian Church), an MA in Religious Studies, an ordination in Ministry and Spiritual Counseling from the Interfaith Seminaries, 42 plus years of sincere seeking/practice and 14 years answering questions and posting studies online.
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