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How does gambling benefit us?

As of Monday, July 9, 2012

EDITOR, The Tribune.

If we did not consider ourselves a “Christian Nation” I would keep my mouth shut, but as a Christian in a Christian Nation, I feel the need to speak out.

I read the story in this morning’s Guardian “Pastors ‘sensitized' to gambling, and I think it is good that reverend Philip McPhee agreed to meet with a coalition of web shop owners.” (I hope we can see as Christians how well the number guys work together), but the meeting should have been to tell them what Jesus would have told them, not to hear how much they have done for the country with their ill gotten gains.

 The article further went on to say, Rev. McPhee said: “We got a very positive input of what the web companies are all about, what they are doing and how they contribute in many ways to the benefit of the country.”

What really got me was the statement by McPhee, which said “the Church could not remain stagnated’ on something which takes place on a daily basis which could prove beneficial to the country.” Beneficial in what way Rev. McPhee? Financially? I cannot think of any other contribution that gambling makes other than the almighty dollar, and that alone is a red flag! Prostitution takes place in this country on a daily basis too, and it provides much needed funds to women and children and even the young homosexual men and women who sell themselves for money, but should we have a referendum to make it legal?  Are we now, as Christians, willing to stoop to anything as long as money is involved?  How far will it go?

Remember, Gambling has been "illegal".  The government of this country at one point made the decision to make it illegal, and there was a reason why! What happened to that reason? Did it just go away?

The worst kind of evil is the kind that comes with a sugar coating. Jesus saw the sugar coating when the devil asked him to bow down and worship him, and told him that he would give him all the riches this world had to offer! Jesus was hungry! He was tired and he had nothing, but he knew that being temporarily broke and hungry is a lot worse than being eternally lost!

Whatever happened to, “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus!?” Philippians 4:19  God does not supply our needs by allowing us to do things that are contrary to his will. The ability to utilise funds that come from games of chance, and winning the lottery is not a blessing from God. Remember, the devil can bless and answer prayers too!

Quoting from Jack Zavada, “Gambling is a way to bypass work, but the Bible counsels us to persevere and work hard: Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. (Proverbs 10:4,)

One of the key principles in the Bible is that people should be wise stewards of everything God gives them. Gamblers may believe they earn their money with their own labour and may spend it as they please, yet God gives people the talent and health to carry out their jobs, and their very life is a gift from him as well. Wise stewardship of extra money calls believers to invest it in the Lord’s work and to save it for an emergency, rather than lose it in games in which the odds are stacked against the player.

Gamblers covet more money, but they may also covet the things money can buy. The Bible forbids a covetous attitude in the Tenth Commandment.

Gambling also has the potential to turn into an addiction, like drugs or alcohol. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2 million U.S. adults are pathological gamblers and another 4 to 6 million are problem gamblers. This addiction can destroy the stability of the family, lead to job loss, and cause a person to lose control of their life. I wonder how many Bahamians have lost control of their lives because of their addiction to gambling?

Some argue that gambling is nothing more than entertainment, no more immoral than going to a movie or concert. People who attend movies or concerts expect only entertainment in return, however, not money. They are not tempted to keep spending until they "break even." (And in my opinion, Christians should spend their time doing God's work, catering to the needs of the less fortunate and the lost, not being entertained, but that's another story...)

Finally, gambling provides a sense of false hope. Participants place their hope in winning, often against astronomical odds, instead of placing their hope in God. Throughout the Bible, we are constantly reminded that our hope is in God alone, not money, power, or position.”

The desire for riches is a trap that will bring this country to  ruin and destruction. The pursuit of wealth is a dangerous path for Christians and one which God warns about: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” If riches were a reasonable goal for the godly, Jesus would have pursued it. But He did not, preferring instead to have no place to lay His head and teaching His disciples to do the same. It should also be remembered that the only disciple concerned with wealth was Judas.  A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. We cannot serve God and money!

Choose ye this day whom you will serve!

BARBARA HENDERSON

Nassau,

July 6, 2012

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Comments

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

the gambling question is a tough one ..as for us being a christian nation ,to be that would mean the majority of us would have to behave as christians not talk as christians ,jesus said you will be known by your deeds not ur talk ..i,m sure we have some fine christian ,but the majority of us don,t act as christian ,,therefore just to keep saying where a christian nation because that is the dominate religion doesn,t make us a christian nation ...the majority of people play numbers and our illegimate birth rate is about 70 to 80% ARE WE A CHRISTIAN NATION ??????????????

Arob 12 years, 4 months ago

The words "christian nation" do not appear in The Constitution of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. In the preamble, however, we find the following words " the People of this Family of Islands recognizing that the preservation of their Freedom will be guaranteed by a national commitment to Self-discipline, Industry, Loyalty, Unity and an abiding respect for Christian values and the Rule of Law".
Therefore, based on the quote above, we are not a Christian nation. We are not have a theoracy. We are, however, a nation with an abiding respect for Christian values.
THE BAHAMAS CHRISTIAN COUNCIL: The reactions to Reverend McPhee and the other Ministers of the Gospel is unfortunate. So much vitriolic words. So many hurtful words. Yet, we (the older generation) condemn our youth for this flaw --the inability to deal with conflict (differences) in a civil manner.
The leader of the Christian Council should be reminded of their mission:

"The role of the Bahamas Christian Council “The 1948 Mission statement, The Bahamas Christian Council is constituted (1) to promote understanding and trust between the various parts of Christ's church in the Bahamas at all levels; (2) to further Christ's mission of service by joint action of Christians in the Bahamas; (3) to witness for the Christian community in the Bahamas on matters of social or common concern.” http://www.thebahamaschristiancouncil.c…

The current dialogue does not promote understanding and trust between various part of Christ's church in The Bahamas at all levels. Witnessing is not bashing. Bashing is divisive. Moreover, the BCC does not speak for all Christian denominations. Reverend Patterson, the president of the BCC, speaks for a small group of pastors. Note that the leaders of the various denominations made their own announcements on legalized gambling: The Roman Catholic Church, The Anglican Church, the Seventh Day Adventist, the Church of God of Prophecy etc.

Before continuing this very negative path, I suggest that we pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3) -- Wisdom, Counsel, Fortitude, Piety, knowledge, Understanding, and Fear of the Lord.

http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2012…

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

THE MAJORITY OF US DON,T HAVE AN ABIDING RESPECT FOR CHRISTIAN VALUES OR WE WOULDN,T HAVE THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE ,,WITH ALL DUE RESPECT CALLING A CHAIR A TABLE DOESN,T MAKE IT SO ...I,M NOT FOR OR AGAINTS GAY PEOPLE ,,BUT DON,T BIBLE TOTERS RUN AROUND SAYING ADAM AND EVE NOT ADAM AND STEVE ,WELL WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT PRATICE ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES HIGH UP IN OUR LEADERS AND HAVE SINCE PINGS TIME ,IF NOT THE TOP LEADER WEVE HAD GAY PEOPLE ONE DEATH AWAY FROM LEADING OUR COUNTRY

Arob 12 years, 4 months ago

The current discussion is legalizing the lotteries not homosexuality. Let's deal with one issue at a time.

Do we want legalized lotteries in The Bahamas? If no, why not? If yes, why?

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

YES I SAY LIGALIZE IT ,I WAS REFERING TO THE WRITER SAYING HE /SHE IS A CHRISTIAN AND WE ARE A CHRISTIAN NATION .I KNOW HOMOSEXUALITY IS THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM IN OUR COUNTRY ,LIKE BABBLING ON OVER THIS INDEPENDANCE ABOUT WOMENS SUFFERAGE ,WHEN THEY STILL CAN,T PASS THEIR CITIZENSHIP ...AHHHHHHHHH THE HYPOCRACY OF IT ALL,,THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN CHURCH PLAY NUMBERS AND USE GOD AS THEIR HAPPICAPPER ,,IE DREAMS SIGNS ETC ETC ,THE WRITER BROUGHT UP THE RELIGOUS ASPECT, NOT I ...

CatIslandBoy 12 years, 4 months ago

The Bahamas is NOT a Christian Nation. In fact, the majority of Bahamians are not Christians. Registering one's name on a church's rolls, and attending regularly, with bible under arm, does not make an individual a Christian. Even invoking quotations from the great writers of the bible does not make a person a Christian. We do have many serious and well-intentioned Christians, but not enough to make us a Christian Nation. Just like we have many people in the Bahamas who like to drink alcoholic beverages. Many of them are alcoholics, but we are not an alcoholic nation.

True, sincere Christians, like the author of this letter most likely is, need to pay more attention to the commands of Jesus, and less attention to the affairs of this world. If we go out, preach the gospel, and people come to accept Jesus and His teachings, we would not have to worry about gambling houses. If Christians really did the job that Christ commanded we would not have to worry about many of society's ills. Good Christians would not want to gamble, steal, murder, etc.

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

YOU HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD

Arob 12 years, 4 months ago

About the Rule of Law. (I am not a lawyer). To keep our discussion focused, we can eliminate the exemptions to the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 387) The EXEMPTIONS are those lotteries that do not have CASH winnings. 14(1) Exemption of small lotteries incidental to certain entertainments. (bazaars, sales of work, fêtes, dinners, dances, fairs and other entertainments of a similar character) e.g. Roman Catholic Church 15(1) Exemption of private lotteries (club, institution, organization) e.g. Rotary Club 16(1) Exemption of lotteries conducted for charitable and other purposes. e.g. Ranfurly Home for Children etc.

Here are the OFFENCES based on the Lotteries and Gaming Act (Chapter 387) Offence to pay money for purpose of participating in lottery (customer?) Offence to receive money for purpose of lottery (cashier?) Offence to possess instruments for gambling (receipts?) Offence to possess books etc. having names etc. for purpose of lottery (King Tut, Deam Book?) Offence to declare winner etc. of lottery (Cable network channels?) Offence to be found on premises where lottery is taking place (employees/customer?) Offence to permit premises to be used for a lottery (Owner/Landlord?) Offence to promote, organise or conduct a lottery (business owners? billboards, signs etc. ?)

Obviously, some of us do not have "an abiding respect" for the rule of law. Is the proliferation of "Web shops" an direct way to force the Government to adjust the Lotteries and Gaming Act?

Arob 12 years, 4 months ago

Comrades, now that we agree that The Bahamas is not a “Christian Nation” but a nation with an abiding respect for “Christian Values”, I wish to point out that the framers of our Constitution did not define “Christian Values”. What were they saying or trying to say? (Perhaps because I did not attend ‘The Government High School’, I have a deficient intelligence and cannot comprehend the term “Christian Values”. One Website I visited defined “Christian Values” as the teachings of Christ passed down through the centuries. This doesn’t help me because in The Bahamas, we have numerous ‘Christian’ denominations and each has its own interpretation of The Bible. In a brief reflection, I have flashes of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Chapters 5-7)—beatitudes, new laws, Lord’s Prayer, Money and Warnings. Bahamians, what are Christian Values?
Are “Christians Values” moral codes?
Are “Christian Values” something we had in 1973 or a goal?
Should “Christian Values” be “Bahamian Values”?
What do you think?

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

CHRISTIAN VALUES ARE GOOD .I THINK THE NEW TESTAMENT CAME TO SORT OF NEGATE THE OLD TESTAMENT .IN THE OT YOU HAD BIGAMY ,SLAVERY ,HUMAN SACRIFICE ,STONEING NON VIRGINS TO DEATH ALL IN THE NAME OF GOD .I THINK ,JUST MY OPINION, IT TELLS US TO BE HONEST ,DON,T KILL, STEAL OR CHEAT AND BE GOOD TO EACH OTHER AND THANK GOD .I HOWEVER DON,T THINK ITS THE LITERALL WORDS OF GOD ,IT WAS MISSED AROUND WITH TOO MUCH BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH,KING JAMES ETC ,,I DON,T THINK A PEACEFUL MUSLEMS OR BUDHIST ARE GOING TO HELL.................

Arob 12 years, 4 months ago

Great! I agree that our focus should be on the New Testament and not the Torah. Ironically, this evening I heard a Minister on NB12 telling our young people that they must follow the Judeo-Christian principles. I don't think some of our Pastors can deal with the gentle, compassionate Jesus.

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

I THINK JESUS WAS ONE OF THE BEST GUYS ,BUT I,M NOT GOING TO TELL A BUDHIST ,BUDA IS BAD ..MAN ,IF WE COULD ALL BE A LITTLE MORE LIKE JESUS WHAT A PLACE THIS WOULD BE ..I KNOW OUR PASTORS LIKE THAT OLD FIRE AND BRIMSTONE WHILE THEIR SUCKING AND WHEEZING AROUND LIKE PEOPLE W/ RESPORTORY PROBLEMS ,IN BETWEEN SHOUTING AND WORKING THE CONGREGATION INTO A GOOD US AGAINTS THEM LATHER ....

Arob 12 years, 4 months ago

We will observe the debate. Let's see how Christ-like the pastors and self-proclaimed Christians behave.

jt 12 years, 4 months ago

Um, last I checked, numbers houses were thriving. We would be foolish not to profit from it! Don't you guys get tired of quoting from a book cobbled together by many writers, thousands of years ago? What has a guide to Iiving in the middle east 2000 years ago (when the height of technology was a horse and cart) to do with us, here, today? Why not prop up our appalling educational system with numbers house profits? Why not fund community centres with the money? People are going to spend the money whether we gain from it or not. Get with the programme, people. And stop abusing caps lock, it makes you look like a moron.

Arob 12 years, 4 months ago

Civility please!
JT, a discussion on the form of the lotteries business is very important.
Why not a national lottery with monthly drawings? The funds for education etc. Why are we selling foreign lotteries? Are we proping up the US economy? Does the wide range of U.S. lotteries for betting increase the possibility of "reckless" betting? Why not develop our own lotteries system like Jamaica and Barbados? (Government tax for education etc.)

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

MY FRIEND ,ONLY MONTHLY DRAWINGS WON,T WORK ,THE PEOPLE ARE USED TO THEIR DOPE EVERYDAY...LEGALIZE IT TAX IT ....ANYONE ELSE THHINK THIS CELL PHONE THING AND MINUTES IS THE NEW GOV /CWC,CRACK , AND HOW MANY PEOPLE SPEND MINUTES CALLING TO SEE WHAT FELL,,,,WHEN I DON,T ANSERW ,PEOLPE ARE LIKE SHOCK ,SAY THINGS LIKE WHY DO U HAVE A CELL PHONE ..SORRY BOUT THE CAPS JT VISION PROBLEMS

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

I READ AND QOUTE FROM MANY BOOKS AND I DON,T THINK THE BIBLE IS THE WRITING WORD OF GOD ,BUT I DO THINK JESUS ,AS I UNDERSTAND HIM ,WAS A PRETTY COOL CAT ..SORRY ABOUT CAPS I HAVE VISION ISSUES AND IT MAKES IT ESAIER...

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

iread and quote from many books and i don,t think the bible is the written word of god ,however from what i understand about jesus ,he was a pretty cool cat and we would do well to emulate him ...i have vision issues thats why the caps ,but i am just as capable to do something moronic as any of us ...

242 12 years, 4 months ago

@ concernedcitizen....If you are using a windows pc try holding down the 'cntrl' key and press the ' + ' key at the same time it will magnify the font on the page.

jt 12 years, 4 months ago

Apologies to all, especially concerned citizen. Sometimes i get carried away...

concernedcitizen 12 years, 4 months ago

thats cool ,there is alot to get carried away about ,and good debate is always spirited

242 12 years, 4 months ago

lol we all do at some point

Arob 12 years, 4 months ago

Friends, I listened to an interview with our Governor General, Sir Arthur Foulkes, former Governor General Sir Orville Turnquest and the Honourable George Smith. Sir Arthur stated that the insertion of "christian values" was added to the preamble of the Constitution by Reverend Reuben Cooper. In 1971, Reverend Cooper was President of the Bahamas Christian Council.

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