Is it wrong for christians to gamble? If yes, how is that different than putting money into the stock market? Both are a gamble.
Hey! Great question. In short, I do believe Gambling and the stock market are different though they share commonalities. In fact, in some respect-the real issue behind your question is, "how do we define gambling". If one uses a very loose definition of gambling, giving to the church could be considered "a gamble".
As we seek to define gambling, I think it is helpful to distinguish between "gambling" and investing". In reality, giving to church isn't a gamble, it's an investment. Gambling is when a person seeks to take the wealth God has given them, and risk it for the sake of personal entertainment, leisure, or self gain. Investing is when a person makes a judgment based on data that by putting money into a particular thing, they have a high potential of increasing their wealth. One is frivolous, the other intentional and calculated. One seeks financial gain for the sake of self while the other seeks financial gain as a means of stewardship.
In Jesus' parable of the wages, He rebukes one servant for not investing like the others. It seems most likely that the servant would have received same rebuke if he spent money for self-enjoyment. I do believe there are people who "gamble" on Wall Street but I don't think that's it's purpose. Stock investment is a way in which the people of this country can invest in the success of its own enterprises by putting forth money as support. If the company does well, it hires more people, gives money back to investors, thrives, and ultimately provides America with a stronger economy. Gambling is all about self and does not promote societal flourishing. Hope this is helpful, much more could be said. Grace and Peace! Feel free to ask follow up!
As we seek to define gambling, I think it is helpful to distinguish between "gambling" and investing". In reality, giving to church isn't a gamble, it's an investment. Gambling is when a person seeks to take the wealth God has given them, and risk it for the sake of personal entertainment, leisure, or self gain. Investing is when a person makes a judgment based on data that by putting money into a particular thing, they have a high potential of increasing their wealth. One is frivolous, the other intentional and calculated. One seeks financial gain for the sake of self while the other seeks financial gain as a means of stewardship.
In Jesus' parable of the wages, He rebukes one servant for not investing like the others. It seems most likely that the servant would have received same rebuke if he spent money for self-enjoyment. I do believe there are people who "gamble" on Wall Street but I don't think that's it's purpose. Stock investment is a way in which the people of this country can invest in the success of its own enterprises by putting forth money as support. If the company does well, it hires more people, gives money back to investors, thrives, and ultimately provides America with a stronger economy. Gambling is all about self and does not promote societal flourishing. Hope this is helpful, much more could be said. Grace and Peace! Feel free to ask follow up!