Being from the Las Vegas valley, I am no stranger to gambling. With the first step taken off a plane one can hear the tune of the slots in McCarran Airport. As members of the church, we refrain from gambling. But why? Isn't life a gamble? We take risks all the time. Sometimes resulting in loss, other times in gain.
My first thought always considers how gambling is very similar to investment. The New York Stock Exchange is probably one of the biggest casinos. Where are the differences between the two? You put money in, maybe get it back, and do pretty much nothing.
Here is the difference between the NYSE and a casino. When an individual chooses to invest, they are making an economic contribution. The money involved can be used to further production and efficiency of a company. This contributes to the general welfare.
Risk is not inherently evil. Neither is money. They are amoral. The evil comes from the intention behind it.
If I put a quarter into a slot machine, I am not adding to society. I act out of a selfish or an naive desire for money. This is money that grows on trees except that I'm pretty sure a money tree requires more diligent labor and contributes more to society!
Here is what True to the Faith has to say:
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is opposed to gambling, including lotteries sponsored by governments."
"Gambling is motivated by a desire to get something for nothing. This desire is spiritually destructive. It leads participants away from the Savior’s teachings of love and service and toward the selfishness of the adversary. It undermines the virtues of work and thrift and the desire to give honest effort in all we do."
"Isn't life a gamble? We take risks all the time. Sometimes resulting in loss, other times in gain."
ReplyDeleteGood post, but you never connected gambling and real life. I'm more likely to encounter gambling problems through other situations in my life rather than the typical slot machine gamble.
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