Gambling Vs Investing Christian
Can you explain the difference between gambling and investing? Thanks in advance.
Thank you for your e-mail and question about the differences between gambling and investing. There are a number of Christian authors who have addressed this issue (Norm Geisler, Tony Evans, Gary North, etc.).
Gambling Vs Investing Christian Academy
Think about these reasons why gambling violates Christian principles: Working and investing for a living is based on a win/win scenario, but gambling is always win/lose. God put his stamp of approval on commerce and work. When a carpenter builds a cabinet and gets paid, both parties win. At the heart of it, gambling is based upon chance. And all must lose for one to gain. But investing is based upon knowledge and all have the opportunity to win. Both involve risk, but only investing allows equal opportunity for all to benefit.
Briefly let me say that there are some similarities, and there are people who get addicted to high risk investing just like gambling. So I would acknowledge there are some similarities between the two.
Gambling Vs Investing Christian Colleges
But the key issue is that there are some striking differences. Investors research an investment with the goal of lowering the risks and making a wise investment. Gambling is all about risk and the odds cannot be lowered by further research (except for those who can modify the odds of blackjack by card counting or something like that).
The goal of investing is to build up a company and portfolio. Even if it’s done selfishly, it still can have a positive effect on the company and the economy. Gambling takes money out of the capital economy. It doesn’t contribute to job creation, etc. As I argue in my transcript on gambling, gambling actually hurts a local economy and increases social costs (abuse, neglect, bankruptcy).
Most investing is done with discretionary income and with certain limits (amount of stock that can be bought on margin, debt load allowed by a lender, etc.). Most gambling is not done with discretionary income. Money that should go for food, rent, clothing is often risked in a “get-rich-quick” scheme.
So while I would acknowledge that investing and gambling have some similarities, the differences make the difference. If you are interested, I would encourage you to read some additional material by some of the authors I mentioned.
Thanks for writing.
Kerby Anderson
Probe Ministries
Related Posts
- 'What's Dominionism?'
Mr. Anderson: I heard you say on Point of View that your guest, Craig Parshall, can speak on many issues. You were talking about that PBS person, Bill Moyers. What's…
- 'Is the United Pentecostal Church a Cult?'
Is the United Pentacostal Church a cult, theologically speaking? And if so, why? What do they believe? The doctrine of the UPC is definitely heretical; they deny the Trinity in…
- 'Is There a Christian Alternative to Yoga?'
I have a question in response to your postings regarding Yoga and Christianity. This posting addresses the incompatibility of Yoga with Christian beliefs. I agree with the content of the…
- 'Why Do Christians Have to Bash Pop Psychology?'
Dear Mr. Anderson, I was just browsing the Probe Ministries website and read parts of your article about Pop Psychology Myths. Honestly, I just don't get it. Well, I should…
- 'What's the Difference Between Lesbian Relationships and Heterosexual Marriage?'
How are the dynamics of lesbian relationships different from a marriage's? A lot of marriages have issues and 'skeletons in the closet' too. So just generally speaking, how are they…
- 'How Can I Share the Gospel with Jehovah's Witnesses?'
How can I deal most effectively with Jehovah Witnesses? I specifically want insights on how to really reach the hearts of these dear people. I am not interested in just…