In the combox on the post Faith and Numbers, Novo wonders if, after saying no to casino gambling, "moderate gambling" might be considered all right as "a form of diversion." Good question!
"All things in moderation" they say: is that true? "All" might include things we wouldn't approve of even in moderation. Most of us would have no problem with someone having a cocktail before dinner but would would draw the line at snorting a line of coke as an appetizer. How about gambling? Is a moderate amount of gambling as entertainment, a diversion, ok?
Another blogger in the Archdiocese (Cardinal Sean O'Malley) has an opinion on this. You might want to check out the whole post in which he writes about the situation in Middleborough:
Like most Americans, I am very sympathetic to our Native Americans who in so many cases have been unjustly deprived of ancestral lands and resources. I realize that the government has attempted to compensate them by giving them privileges with regard to gambling. But I am opposed to that project and hope that Middleborough will not approve the proposal the town has received.I agree with the Cardinal's take on gambling here but can't help but wonder: is there a word missing in his comments? Can you think of what it is? what's that word? it's on the tip of my tongue... BINGO! That's it! How do we reconcile the reality of BINGO in so many parishes with the Cardinal's wisdom on gambling? To paraphrase: If works and projects in archdiocesan parishes need to be funded, there should be other ways to that, lest relying on gambling make us dependent on that money.
The Church’s stance on gambling is a nuanced one. We believe that gambling can be a legitimate form of recreation, like drinking alcohol. But, like alcohol, there are also dangers involved in gambling. Casino gambling, I believe, is fraught with many dangers for a community. First, it drains the resources away from other businesses and activities in the community. Second, it promotes gambling addiction, which is one of the worst addictions and one that is becoming more common...
If public works and projects in the Commonwealth need to be funded, there should be other ways to do that, perhaps by raising taxes. But relying on casinos makes us gambling junkies, and we become dependent on that money, which will result in many ruined lives, ruined businesses and ruined neighborhoods. So we unequivocally oppose casino gambling in the state.
So, I think that gambling in moderation can be an entertaining diversion but, like many other diversions it has the potential for becoming a vice, an addiction. While a parish might occasionally have an event at which liquor is served or allowed, we'd reject the notion of a Catholic church having a weekly cocktail hour for fundraising purposes. Why do we make different rules for gambling in parochial life? Certainly it's time to rethink BINGO as a source of income for parishes and their schools.
Do you, or does someone you know, have a problem with gambling? Check here for information, answers to questions and help.
I think for the most part, you'll find your big time gamblers in the casinos, not at church bingo. It has been my experience that church bingo provides an excellent sourse of entertainment and socialization, especially for the elderly. There are some folks that consider this the highlight of their week because they have contact with their community in a social setting. Just my opinion.
ReplyDeleteNice treatment of an interesting and delicate issue. Keep up the good work. You're a natural, Father!
ReplyDeleteI particularly like your question about whether other potentially 'dicey' activities could be justified with reference to how the funds are to be used. When ends are used to justify questionable means, it's often a signal that something is morally adrift--not necessarily on the rocks just yet, but not exactly anchored to principle...
I'd love to hear more from you about any biblical guidance you might have to offer on the subject. A quick and admittedly amateur scan of scripture shows seventeen references to "cast(ing) lots" (in the NIV)--only three of which appear in the NT. Two of those (Mark 15:24 and John 19:24) refer to Jesus' executioners dividing up his clothing--not exactly the kind of thing we'd want funding anything in the church! (The other refers to choosing Judas' replacement amongst the twelve.)
The effect of ubiquitously available gambling on the individual compulsive gambler seems the smaller (though still utterly critical!) of two spiritual angles, the other being its insidiously licentious ripple effects on the broader community.
Me bad. There are actually *four* NT references (one in each of the synoptics) to casting lots for Jesus' clothing. Not that sheer weight of scriptural reference makes for good church policy necessarily, but when 80% of the NT references to lot-casting are that resolutely negative, it puts in even bolder relief your questions about bingo. (OK, so that's easy for a Protestant to say...) ;)
ReplyDeleteOk, Ok, you know more than me!! :-)
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Newton Evangelical!
ReplyDeleteYour "quick scan of scripture" was interesting and helpful - and I hope other readers clicked on our link to give it a once over.
In a few instances, lots are cast to determine God's will (an interesting way of practicing discernment) but in many cases lots are cast for personal gain, often at the expense of others.
Anything this dicey, in my opinion, ought not be a regular source of income for a faith community. In my first parish there was a weekly Bingo which supported the parish school. In my five years there I attended only once (once was enough) and I can't imagine pastoring a church where gambling was a regular feature of parish life.
Sami: this is a place for all of us to contribute and learn and your contrbution is just as valuable as others'. Don't let newton's link to scripture quoes scare you off - I'm grateful for your posts.
This does seem to be a hot topic: I heard today that there are 3 Towns in MA that are considering building casinos. I guess there must be a lot of pressure from moneyed interests who want to make more.
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling one could get addicted to blogs! I am especially enjoying yours. I noticed that at the end you have asked if this blog has helped one's faith life (very much to not at all -- I don't have the precise ratings terms.) I have already learned quite a lot about current happenings in the church. I have enjoyed many aspects, including menus you've shared, etc. (By the way, the restaurants you have mentioned should be most grateful for your free publicity!) I like the personal touches you have added, such as your time at the beach observing the young families. Whether my faith has been strengthened (and how much) I am not sure. But keep up the great work, Concord Pastor!
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