Is Playing Poker Immoral?
I have had an ongoing debate with my local minister for quite a while about the morality of poker. He claims that poker is immoral because it promotes covetousness. I try and defend poker in that the players choose whether or not to play and that it is just a game. What are your thoughts on this?
Billy
Billy,
This is a common debate among many religious groups, especially Christians. There is nothing in the Bible that specifically speaks out against a game of chance. In fact, the act of casting of lots was used in many instances to settle disputes, and in one case to determine an apostle.
However, where the argument shifts is when you evaluate some of the negative results that playing poker can cause. For example, if you have a man that will play poker to the exclusion of taking care of his family, then that person is conducting morally reprehensible behavior. If a player gets into a fight over a poker game, then the game gets blamed for the actions. In some cases, people have killed over a poker game.
Poker by itself is not morally wrong. However, when people allow themselves to get involved with activities that are morally wrong as a result of the game, then the game naturally gets viewed as the cause. Some people can play poker all of their life and never do anything morally wrong. Others will enter lives of crime or wind up hooked on gambling and drugs. If you are the type of person where the poker lifestyle may influence you negatively, then perhaps you shouldn’t play.
Is poker immoral? No. Can it lead to immoral behavior? It depends on the person.
Tags: Poker, Poker and Religion, the Bible