Evidence for God from Science

claysmithr wrote: ↑Thu Jul 26, 2018 7:42 am

RickD wrote: ↑Wed Jul 25, 2018 11:50 am

claysmithr wrote: ↑Tue Jul 24, 2018 6:38 am Gambling with money is a very bad idea from the Christian viewpoint, it's the opposite of being a wise steward. I'd argue that Magic: The Gathering is less harmful because money isn't involved, but I wouldn't feel good about playing Magic either.

So, from a Christian viewpoint, 401k accounts, other retirement accounts, buying real estate, etc., are very bad ideas?

What about the poker player who is very good at what he does? The one who can make a good living by being good at poker?

No, and I'm not even sure how you are comparing the two. For a lot of folks, gambling is a sin. 401k and real estate are good investments. Also, just because you can make a living off something doesn't make it right.

Philip wrote: ↑Thu Jul 26, 2018 9:01 am But there IS high stakes poker and other games! And it doesn't mean every point one gambles at has to be for high dollar amounts - as collectively, with time, large sums can easily be lost. And what may seem like a slight loss, for some, is a critical difference to themselves or those they are responsible for. There are many people addicted to gambling. Whenever one risks unnecessarily whatever amounts they and their families can't afford to lose, and / or to win it takes away from similar families - it's wrong! Or where a substantial sum risked could do others good that need it.

RickD wrote: ↑Thu Jul 26, 2018 11:55 am

claysmithr wrote: ↑Thu Jul 26, 2018 7:42 am

RickD wrote: ↑Wed Jul 25, 2018 11:50 am

claysmithr wrote: ↑Tue Jul 24, 2018 6:38 am Gambling with money is a very bad idea from the Christian viewpoint, it's the opposite of being a wise steward. I'd argue that Magic: The Gathering is less harmful because money isn't involved, but I wouldn't feel good about playing Magic either.

So, from a Christian viewpoint, 401k accounts, other retirement accounts, buying real estate, etc., are very bad ideas?

What about the poker player who is very good at what he does? The one who can make a good living by being good at poker?

No, and I'm not even sure how you are comparing the two. For a lot of folks, gambling is a sin. 401k and real estate are good investments. Also, just because you can make a living off something doesn't make it right.

You seriously don't see why I made the comparison? 401k and real estate aren't always good investments. Just ask those who lost their 401k savings a while back. And plenty of people have made bad decisions with real estate investing, or have lost money when the real estate market dropped.

My point is, that whether it's poker, or 401k, or real estate, they are all forms of gambling. There are many professional poker players, who are really good at poker, who make a very good living off of poker.

Not all gambling is luck of the draw. Some takes skill.

claysmithr wrote:
It's an absurd comparison, have you heard of real estate or 401k addicts? If someone loses all their money in their 401k, do they need support groups to stop investing in their future retirement, or would it be encouraged to try again? They are generally safe investments, which is a day/night difference from gambling.

The problem with gambling is that it can be highly addictive and highly devastating sin. It uses human reward psychology against humans to get them to lose vast sums of money. Poker players only win when others lose.

There are many professional poker players sex workers, who are really good at poker sex, who make a very good living off of poker sex.

See the problem?

RickD wrote: ↑Thu Jul 26, 2018 12:35 pm

claysmithr wrote:
It's an absurd comparison, have you heard of real estate or 401k addicts? If someone loses all their money in their 401k, do they need support groups to stop investing in their future retirement, or would it be encouraged to try again? They are generally safe investments, which is a day/night difference from gambling.

Generally safe doesn't mean they can't be unsafe. Generally speaking, most people that gamble, don't get addicted.

The problem with gambling is that it can be highly addictive and highly devastating sin. It uses human reward psychology against humans to get them to lose vast sums of money. Poker players only win when others lose.

You are calling gambling a sin. But for some, it's not a sin. For many people, gambling is a fun way to let off stress and enjoy themselves. Maybe gambling isn't for you. So don't gamble then. Drinking alcohol can be highly addictive too. That doesn't mean that everyone who drinks is an alcoholic.

There are many professional poker players sex workers, who are really good at poker sex, who make a very good living off of poker sex.

See the problem?

The only problem I see is that you are making a blanket statement that all gambling is a sin, and comparing it to prostitution.

I can show you scripture that says prostitution is wrong. Can you show me any scripture to back up your assertion that all gambling is a sin?

We both agree that gambling can be addictive, in some cases.

But labeling it as a sin in every case, has no justification. There are many things that can be addictive, that aren't necessarily sinful.

Again, my point is that if your conscience won't allow you to gamble, then don't gamble. If your conscience won't allow you to drink, then don't drink. But don't judge others who can gamble and drink responsibly.

And btw, I don't gamble, and I hardly ever drink. But I don't judge those who do either responsibly.