Dr. R. Scott Clark discusses the growing crisis of gambling addiction among young men and explains why it is a serious concern for the Christian community. He explores psychological triggers, cultural influences, and the spiritual implications for those who fall prey to it.
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Dr Clark, isn’t there cards and cards, like for instance, Bridge? In your ordinary social Bridge, chance is never eliminated; but what about Teams of Four Bridge, where your team mates get exactly the same hands in their game as your opponents had in yours? Wouldn’t you agree that the level of chance in that was similar to that in football?
A different issue is things like UK Premium Bonds, where investment will net you an average interest from the government of 3.3% tax free. The more you have invested and the longer you hold your investments, the closer to this figure your receipt will be. I suppose this comes under the heading of calculated risk? I suspect Brakel would disapprove this, but how right would he be?
For my part, making an investment is one thing. Betting on cards etc is another.
I dissent a bit from the old Reformed rejection of any playing of cards. As long as there’s no money involved, I don’t care.
Wouldn’t professional Teams Of Four Bridge come under the same heading as professional chess or professional sport, as regards its lawfulness for Christians (One writer I have read adduces the post war revival of professional football matches, even those not on the Lord’s Day, as evidence of Britain’s rejection of God)?