Can a Christian play poker?

[d0nkaments]

i think the better question is Can a Christian play poker and win without seeking purity for stacking big blind?

[DerFleisch]

[ QUOTE ]
As I've stated several times in these forums, I am not only a Christian, but a pastor! And FWIW, I'm an Evangelical (Bible-believing, Bible-preaching), not a liberal Christian. And, I play poker.

Does the Bible condemn gambling? No. However, there are still biblical principles that apply. Note, for instance, that the bible also doesn't mention using drugs, etc., but we can still gather from stated biblical principle that drugs are a sin for a Christian.

Principles: 1) being a bad steward with your money. Answer: The bible gives clear indication what to do with your money: pay your bills, take care of your family, give to the church and to those who are less fortunate, and save some. The rest, as far as I'm concerned, can be used for fun and entertainment.
2) Contributing to an industry that is a major factor in ruining lives. Answer: Now, this is a true problem for Christians. Can I really rejoice in a huge pot I took down if by doing so, the other guy is now bankrupt, losing his house, getting divorced, etc.? That's a tough one to live with.
3) Do things in moderation. The bible does not prohibit certain things such as drinking and gambling. The issue at stake is to not get addicted or to allow those things to control your life. If I'm playing so much poker on-line or live so that I'm leaving my family alone, neglecting my job, not cleaning the house or doing yardwork, etc., and by doing so I'm failing to lead my family, then that is a definite violation of biblical principle. So a Christian can, I believe, play poker. But we have to be alert and vigilant to avoid letting it control us.

[/ QUOTE ]

You put it much better than I did. I guess this is why you're the pastor, and I'm just the sound guy. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

As far as point 2) goes: Everybody who sits at a poker table does so of his or her own free will. One could avoid the ruination simply by getting up from the table (another principle covered in length in POP, TOP, and the Essays.)

[CaseS87]

Go ALL IN for Jesus.

[sightless]

Poker is about as sinful as trading stock?

[maryfield48]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
As I've stated several times in these forums, I am not only a Christian, but a pastor! And FWIW, I'm an Evangelical (Bible-believing, Bible-preaching), not a liberal Christian. And, I play poker.

Does the Bible condemn gambling? No. However, there are still biblical principles that apply. Note, for instance, that the bible also doesn't mention using drugs, etc., but we can still gather from stated biblical principle that drugs are a sin for a Christian.

Principles: 1) being a bad steward with your money. Answer: The bible gives clear indication what to do with your money: pay your bills, take care of your family, give to the church and to those who are less fortunate, and save some. The rest, as far as I'm concerned, can be used for fun and entertainment.
2) Contributing to an industry that is a major factor in ruining lives. Answer: Now, this is a true problem for Christians. Can I really rejoice in a huge pot I took down if by doing so, the other guy is now bankrupt, losing his house, getting divorced, etc.? That's a tough one to live with.
3) Do things in moderation. The bible does not prohibit certain things such as drinking and gambling. The issue at stake is to not get addicted or to allow those things to control your life. If I'm playing so much poker on-line or live so that I'm leaving my family alone, neglecting my job, not cleaning the house or doing yardwork, etc., and by doing so I'm failing to lead my family, then that is a definite violation of biblical principle. So a Christian can, I believe, play poker. But we have to be alert and vigilant to avoid letting it control us.

[/ QUOTE ]

as a non-Christian, this is a very good philosophy to live by, IMO.

[/ QUOTE ]

And not at all trite or self-evident.

[DerFleisch]

[ QUOTE ]
Poker is about as sinful as trading stock?

[/ QUOTE ]

Or going to work in any paying profession, for that matter.

[crzylgs]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Poker is about as sinful as trading stock?

[/ QUOTE ]

Or going to work in any paying profession, for that matter.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think there's certainly a hierarchy of social utility, and poker players are near the bottom. Whether or not makes pro gamblers more "sinful" than, say, firefighters, is not my area of expertise, but it certainly can't help.

[DerFleisch]

[ QUOTE ]
I think there's certainly a hierarchy of social utility...

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree, but that doesn't necessarily mean those at the top (or bottom) of the utility scale actually belong there. For example, lawyers are near the top of this scale, if the number of people aspiring to be lawyers is any indication.

[ESKiMO-SiCKNE5S]

[ QUOTE ]
Is it okay for a christian to wear a girl's dress in a fashion show....Temporary using them(those clothes of girls)...Im a boy, a real boy, and I waas just wanna aask if it is alright to wear them(those clothes of girls) in a few minutes..lets say 5 minutes?....I want to join a model show...Where boys partnered with girls...but there is a part where boys will wear mini skirts..waaaaa....Im not sure though if it is alright to wear them...

[/ QUOTE ]

wow

[TyFuji]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Is it okay for a christian to wear a girl's dress in a fashion show....Temporary using them(those clothes of girls)...Im a boy, a real boy, and I waas just wanna aask if it is alright to wear them(those clothes of girls) in a few minutes..lets say 5 minutes?....I want to join a model show...Where boys partnered with girls...but there is a part where boys will wear mini skirts..waaaaa....Im not sure though if it is alright to wear them...

[/ QUOTE ]

wow

[/ QUOTE ]

What, you don't using them(those clothes of girls)?