Gambling and Children: A Biblical Perspective
By Staff
Jul 21, 2008 - 6:02:35 PM
The League is in contact with a number of gambling opposition organizations in different parts of America. One, the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems (ILCAAAP), prominently featured this article in their July newsletter.
It likens the Scriptural story of the Canaanite woman (found in the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew) to what Christians are called to do in opposing gambling for the benefit of children and families.
While we are cautious not to blindly accept all that comes with the "social justice" agenda, Laura Dean F. Friedrich's commentary makes sense when she states that gambling is unjust, especially for the children affected by it. Gambling also demonstrates poor financial stewardship, as we've stated previously in the Record's Pastors Update last year, and again this year.
Protecting Children - Opposing Gambling Expansion
"The Canaanite woman cared deeply for her child, but she could not protect her from the disease that threatened her life. Gambling is like that child's disease. Gambling can have a devastating effect on the lives of children.
"...I believe that gambling also poses other, significant risks to the well being of children:
* Greater probability of children being left alone
* Reduced financial resources in families
* Increased vulnerability of children to abuse
* Heightened stress and tension in families
"Gambling is bad public policy. Gambling is not a just way to solve our state's financial problems. Gambling is bad for children. Speak truth to power!"
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