Catholics/Gaming in Bible

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Expert: - 8/20/2009


Question
Many nonprofit organizations including churches use some benign form of gaming (Bingo, raffles, Monte Carlo nights) for fundraising.  Can you please point me to any scripture that addresses gaming or similar games of chance conducted for the benefit of the church?  A friend argues that it is a sin - period.  I argue that it is not sinful if no one is hurt (such as a gambler spending the rent and food money) AND if it is done for the benefit of the church.

I would like to refer to any scripture that addresses this for us.  Thank you for your help.

Answer
Don,
Thanks for your question.   Honestly, I'm not an authority on this question.  Thus, rather than giving you a fish (answer) and feeding you, I'm going to teach you how to fish (resources).

The following are a good resources for researching and answering your question:

http://www.dianedew.com/gambling.htm

http://www.bible.ca/s-gambling.htm

http://www.gotquestions.org/gambling-sin.html

God bless,
Charlie

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Charlie B

Expertise

I can answer questions like, "Help me reconcile the Catholic Church to Protestant religions" or "Help me understand some of the staunch, unbendable rules that the Vatican asks Catholics to keep" or "How must the Church reconcile other religions or religious beliefs" and more...

Experience

Raised Protestant; converted to Catholicism in 1995 (one of the best things that I've ever done for myself); Eucharistic Minister; Lector Leader for our parish; resource-hound; interested in kind yet thoughtful answers to those with questions.

Organizations
Board of Directors, North Carolina Right to Life

Education/Credentials
BS in Engineering from West Point
; Professional employed and self-employed; father of four children and married to the same woman for 25 years!

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