What another wonderful opportunity for the church to put some energy in its mission vis-à-vis defining a 'Day of Worship.'

Is it not significant that the Seventh-day Adventists have grown tremendously without complaining about gambling on the 'Sabbath'? Is not our challenge to see how we might reach the masses in spite of the distractions which may prevail? This is nothing new.

My guess is that people who want to go to church on any particular day will do so, regardless of the gambling taking place on that day. If every day is a day of worship, does it really matter which is used for any gaming activity?

Do we believe that gambling is so good that it will present big competition with church attendance?

Just imagine the reach we could have as the Church when people experience the Church as being interested in them above dictating their choice of Sunday activity!

Someone once suggested that many people are violently opposed to gambling for the simple reason that they can never win anything at it. It is, however, true that some gamblers do abuse the sport to the point of negative attendant consequences. Similarly, some, whether gamblers or not, abuse salt, sugar, and even painkillers.

Point of contention

The point of contention here, however, is not gambling. It is the day on which it is done.

The Church to which I belong does not approve of this activity, which it considers out of line with the ethics of the Kingdom of God. In essence, the position is that gambling is not based on a certain hope, but instead on fantasy.

Generally speaking, I believe most people who gamble are aware of the terribly great chances of losing over winning. Experience has been their greatest teacher. Many have also come to learn that the losses are often more than the money spent; and their irresponsible approach has, at times, led also to the loss of house, car, job, and family!

Maybe there would be some value in challenging/educating people about responsible approaches to gambling versus moralising. Many persons remain outside of the Church because they feel so unworthy and so condemned.

Gambling negative?

Has gambling got to be always negative, especially if done on Sundays? Would it be reasonable to suggest that there are decent law-abiding citizens, even committed Christians, who gamble, and their faith in God is no less than that of some who would never gamble?

Is it really abnormal, irrational, and immoral to think that in the midst of one's economic dungeon spending J$50 on a lotto ticket may just bring in some relief, remote though that may be? Is it sinful for me to ask such a question since I am a pastor?

Gamble laundering is an option used by some churches. No raffles allowed. Gate prizes are, however, fine. A gate prize, after all, is just an activity where ticket stubs with a number are shaken in a bag, and the one which is drawn is declared the winner!

There might be some wisdom in having a series of Bible studies geared towards promoting responsible use of one's resources. 'Counting the cost' might be a good start. In Matthew 10:16, the subject was not one of gambling; but I will borrow this advice for us as we continue to reflect. "Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."

I am, etc.,

Fr Sean Major

Campbell