I have been recently asked how gambling is a biblical worldview issue. It is a valid question and since Florida is, at this moment, considering a renewal of the 30-year compact with the Seminole tribe concerning the extent, enlargement and administration of gambling, it is a question which deserves an answer. Especially from a pastor and Christian advocacy organization which espouses a biblical worldview philosophy. (NOTE: My answer is my own and not necessarily the organization’s official position.)
Let me begin by saying that as Floridians, we have much to be grateful for under the leadership of our Governor, Ron DeSantis. He has navigated an unprecedented pandemic with effective and appreciated leadership as well as advocated for conversative values. His leadership has been so exemplary that it has catapulted his name into the forefront of GOP possibilities for presidential nominees. So, it is with no small sense of awkwardness that I find myself opposite a “political” friend who on most occasions articulates a common worldview. When it comes to gambling, I find myself on a different page with the governor as well as other friends at the state capitol. While that somewhat pains me, this is a “balls & strikes” moment for those of us who hold a biblical worldview. We need to exhort our friends to embrace righteousness. A friend doesn’t get a political “pass” when a principle is so clear. Our engagement isn’t based on party loyalty, but rather Kingdom principles. Sometimes our “friends” get it wrong, and they need a faithful friend to remind them. (Proverbs 27:6)
That’s called integrity…
There is no exact verse which states, “Thou shalt not gamble”. Of course, there are no verses explicitly stating that heroin use is wrong or that we can’t marry our pets either. Biblical worldview is not simply stamping an issue or a situation with an exact verse which addresses it, but rather understanding the principles at work in the vice, as well as the righteous expectation from the Lord. Gambling, as a whole, exploits the working class and opens doors up to various ancillary vices. To expand an economy on the backs of those least able to afford it is not in the interest of the common good, nor is it pleasing to God (Prov. 22:16, 14:31, 22:22-23, 17:5, 29:7, Is.10:1-2).
I have posted below my remarks I will share at the Florida State Capitol on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, when we gather to exhort our representatives to reject this “compact…
I believe it’s important to have pastoral perspective here at the capitol to speak into this moment. In 1751, the Reverend William Stith (who eventually became president of the College of William and Mary) was invited by the Virginia Legislature to deliver a sermon against gambling entitled, “The Sinfulness and Pernicious Nature of Gaming”. (Can you imagine that today?) So, this moment has historical precedent. This “compact” has spiritual and practical ramifications.
I want to take a moment to remind us of those spiritual concerns and repercussions in expanding and enlarging this “compact” of gaming. I realize that for many people, the ability to create a divide between the spiritual and the secular seems pragmatic and reasonable. There is no reason to bring God into this because it is strictly a budgetary decision.
Is it really?
In previous generations, gambling was universally seen by Christians as improper and immoral. Our founders regularly identified gambling as dangerous and deceptive. Washington, Franklin, Jefferson all wrote and spoke to its harmful and destructive nature. Jefferson actually introduced a state law prohibiting the eligibility of anyone involved in gambling from running for office. (Times have certainly changed) How many people have made fortunes by gambling? (Few) How many have been ruined by it? (Millions). Over 240 years ago our founders recognized that gambling did not travel alone, it kept company with crime, prostitution, sex trafficking, loan sharking (called usury), poverty and the like.
Did you know…
Suicide rates are higher for those who gamble regularly…
Mood disorders and depression are 3 times higher…
Work-related issues and problems increase…
Physical and sexual abuse are 16 times higher…
Arrest rates go up 3-5 times…
Divorce rate is 2-3 times higher…
Ask Detroit what happened within 18 months of casinos opening…
Ask South Dakota, Gulfport and Biloxi Mississippi, the stats on bankruptcy, felony crimes, domestic violence, and suicide…
I can assure you this is far more significant than just a few dollars filling the budget income line…
In recent years, like many things, the stigma of gambling has been lost. Gambling is most often referred to as “gaming” because that label seems so innocuous, so innocent. Who could possibly be against playing a game? It’s just a fun moment of chance and excitement, especially if exercised in moderation. These are the sounds we hear to cover the darkness that swirls around this industry.
But pastors know differently…
I was with a pastor in Jacksonville recently as we talked about this special session, and he looked at me and said, “You and I both know that this is no game. Pastors across America sit across the desk from people regularly whose lives have been devastated by this industry. We have watched children, families, marriages, personal lives destroyed because of this vice. This pastor told the story of a law enforcement friend who serves in Las Vegas. This police officer (anecdotally) told him that for every $1 of revenue the state may get from gambling, there are at least $10 dollars spent in social services, counseling, crime, law enforcement, and ancillary considerations. (Actual studies show 3 to 1) And while the church is always ready to help pick up the pieces, government ought not be encouraging lives to be broken.
Scripture speaks to the very core of what gambling is all about and that is foundationally, the LOVE of money. Now money isn’t wrong, we all need it to navigate our lives, pay our bills, and yes, even to enjoy the blessings of life. Even government needs it to do its required business. Money itself isn’t evil. However, “the LOVE of money (I Timothy 6:10) is the root of ALL KINDS of evil, and those that long for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (That’s what Jesus would say, if He were here today, and by the way, He is.) And honestly, is there really any debate that gambling fits the description of “many griefs”?
The gambling industry undermines working people and those least able to afford such things and it does so by specifically targeting, exploiting and manipulating their hopes, aspirations and dreams. Don’t be fooled by the slick and professionally produced commercials touting its benevolence for communities. It takes exponentially more than it gives.
The Scripture repeatedly tells us (at least a half-dozen times in Proverbs alone) as individuals to avoid such deceptions, and according to Isaiah 10:1-2, there is a “Woe” upon those who would enact such laws that target the poor in this manner.
So, as a pastor, speaking for hundreds of pastors, I want to encourage our civic leaders to rethink this compact, certainly in light of history and its sociological harm, but also in light of God’s Word.
No Comments