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At the Ballot Box

(Today, October 15, 2018 is the first day of early voting in Idaho. I’m, admittedly, a stick in the mud when it comes to voting on “election day” and, yes, I realize that this new day of early elections means that “election day” began today. I’m just that way.)

Proposition 1 – Is it about horse racing or rapid-bet slot machine gambling?

The way we answer this depends on what the question is.

Is it important for a Christian to know what the question is in order to make a well informed and responsible decision on how to cast a vote on the matter on November 6, 2018? Yes, I think it is.

The thoughts I want to express here are not to tell anyone how to vote, but mostly to give an example on how to think through how this proposition is being presented. I think this is an important exercise to even do with your children. We need to be better listeners and better thinkers.

If you have not read the proposition then that is obviously a first thing that needs to be done in order to make a reasonable and responsible conclusion. Warning, it is a very lengthy read. But if one is to be a well informed and responsible voter then it is on us to read it. (see LINK). There can be great confusion surrounding propositions. Sometimes this is intentional.

DISCLAIMER: What I express in the following paragraphs is my opinion and is not an official opinion of any organization I represent. It is an attempt to help myself think through my opinion and to help others become better thinkers, even if the reader does not agree with my conclusion.

When I’m done reading a document like this proposition it requires me some extra time to process what’s being said and what the sponsors want to accomplish with the way they word the proposition. I’m not afraid to read a document like this with a dictionary in my lap to understand what the drafters of it want me to know and compared to what words they are using to persuade the reader to vote for it. (I do the same thing with any document the opponents write and encourage the reader to do the same with what I have to say.

I have to be intellectually honest from the beginning and realize everything I read, write, and think comes with at least some kind of bias. It’s a rare thing to have a completely unbiased opinion. This is a starting point that needs to be understood at the start.

I could make a case against gambling quickly based on what my family, my church, personal examinations have influenced me historically and presently.

That’s a long disclaimer. Wow!

Proposition 1 on the (October 15 -) November 6 ballot in Idaho is known as the “Save Horse Racing in Idaho Act”.

So, some unpacking and good research was required to get a better understanding of this proposition. You’ll need to do the same and your conclusion may or may not be the same as mine. But at the end of the conversation we are at least better informed.

I will express some things with some levels of assumption on behalf of the reader. Otherwise this piece may become so long that no one would ever finish it. I will post my discussion of this from this past Sunday night that may aid in some additional background information.

First: We have a proposition before the people of Idaho to “deregulate an industry and celebrate western history”. This resonates with anyone in the west. We are all the time talking about not wanting government regulation and of course we want to celebrate western history. But we have to be better disciplined than just responding to this kind of language.

For the follower of Christ, we come to Scripture as a lamp to illuminate our path even if it doesn’t directly speak to an issue. With the aid of the Holy Spirit we can apply biblical principles and precepts as we form a conclusion. And at the same time be at peace that not everyone may come to the same conclusion.

Case and point.

I start with how the gambling “industry” presents the matter and how does that sit with the principles of Scripture. I weigh in the way God describes the normal means of earning wages and then consider the health of a civilization in that economy with regard to not only how they earn a wage, but also in how the wage is spent to support the economy.

For example, an employer decides the value of his product and has to calculate the kind of wage he pays his employees with consideration to the likelihood a consumer is willing or able to pay for the product and for the employer to still make a reasonable profit. (I’m not an economist, I’m just trying to think this through. I’m sure there’s more to the equation than this.)

Again, God uses language in Scripture that implies an established economy that has a foundation of a people earning a wage and then purchasing or trading fairly in the marketplace for equal or fair exchange.

This first observation is a much longer discussion than this space allows, but it does at least expose a flaw in the appeal of bigger than normal reward for smaller than expected expense. This is an appeal to live in an altogether different economy than what the Bible would describe. I admit there are parts of my written expression here that does not unfold every question raised. After all, some would say, don’t you stop by Sonic on a regular basis and purchase a soft drink? Isn’t that wasteful and irresponsible? Let’s have that conversation some day, but I’ve already exceeded the work count limit of most readers of blogs.

I want to give the benefit of the doubt as best as I can to the sponsors of this proposition. I don’t like thinking the worst about someone without cause. So, I read and think about what they are saying.

I do have to say that the phrasing of the promotion for this proposition sounds disingenuous. I’m not accusing anyone of being deceitful unless it is shown that the use or lack of use of words is intentional to confuse rather than to clarify.

Let me just get to the point.

  • Is the legal horse racing industry in Idaho really in danger? (In danger of what? Financially bankrupt? If so, isn’t that the way a normal economy works? When there are not enough consumers for a particular product or service that same industry normally closes its doors. Is it the role of a government to then make a way for that industry to continue doing what people aren’t interested in by letting them do something different, that is unconstitutional, so they can continue calling that illegal activity under the name of the historic industry? Now I’m confused.)
  • Have people lost jobs since this kind of gaming was declared unconstitutional in 2015? (I don’t make light of the reality that jobs are serious.)
  • Is this a proposition to restore “historical horse racing”? (This is really a serious question to be asking.)

It does appear that the legal horse racing industry in Idaho is financially suffering. People have lost their jobs since this kind of gaming was declared unconstitutional in Idaho. “Historical Horse Racing” (HHR) has nothing to do with live horse racing.

It is a slot machine style game (just do a little research) that the gamer places bets on historical horse races with a pool of other gamers. No one knows what historical race they are betting on but they are apparently making calculated guesses on an unnamed horse in an unnamed race in an unknown year for the hopes of winning (big) against the others betting with them at the same time in the same location.

So, let me state some kind of conclusion.

When I read about proposition 1, it sounds like it is all about horse racing. This is, in my opinion, dishonest marketing. It is not about horse racing, it is about highly addictive, rapid-bet (slot) machine gambling. It has been well documented that this kind of gaming is geared to attract undisciplined recreators and the long term impact is negative upon the family, the economy, emotional, and spirituality of a civilization and the promise of funding education is always part of the deal, where it is again documented that education benefits little from lottery/gaming industries.

Let’s talk about this (kindly)… What do you think?

$1.5 Billion Lies

A pastor friend of mine in a neighboring town just south of the Idaho border told me once that the greatest issue they deal with is the “intoxicating drug of gambling.” His experience is that gambling is more addictive than most substance abuse addictions. That said; he argued that the overwhelming majority of those who had gone bust and seeking help when they show up at the church house looking for help are among the poor, elderly, desperate. Where the Lottery doesn’t require a citizen of Idaho to drive to an Indian reservation or cross the Idaho/Nevada border, it has the same level of intoxication as the slot machine.

Can “innocent” office pools, raffle tickets, fantasy sports leagues (for pay) be in the same league as the gaming table and the lottery? If one needs to sooth the conscience then I suppose so.

This is a serious issue that needs addressed. Our government is… wait for it… lying to her citizens.

The church must speak to this. But not in a “the sky is falling” kind of way. With care, compassion, and consideration of how she talks of it as much of what she says about it.

The addict who is looking for a way to sooth his conscience hears an elder make a joke about it, or a deacon talk about the time he won $100 just before a $99 bill was due is all he needs to hear to give his conscience permission to indulge.

the Spell of “the Lottery” has Bewitched the Nation

In today’s podcast (recorded Sunday night, January 10, 2016) we address the hymn, “Trust and Obey”, and pick up the cultural attraction with the bewithching notion that there is no harm in playing the Lottery, gambling, online gaming and fantasy sports.

Part One: John Martinez give a short history on the story behind the hymn “Trust and Obey”

Part two is my consideration to the biblical position on the lottery, gambling, online gaming, and fantasy sports. Primarily the issue of the Lottery.


The Largest lottery prize in American history is currently sitting at $1.3 Billion. I don’t share that as a helpful reminder to go purchase a lottery ticket, and no! the sharing of the winnings with all does not solve poverty. I site it because it is showing to be part of the national frenzy at hand.

A few quick passing facts: (source: www.erlc.com)

  • legal in 44 states, Washington DC, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
  • Powerball Jackpot is a government program
  • the majority of players have less than $20,000 US average household income. On average those in this “below poverty” level income bracket spend $550.00 per year on lottery tickets.
  • This is a legalized, monopolized promotion of political power.
  • Those who live within 10 miles of a casino have twice the rate of pathological and problem gambling.
    • Online gambling, lottery, fantasy sports (where money is being exchanged) is blurring this boundary because internet activity does not follow tradition commerce rules.

The government’s jurisdiction is primarily to look out for the welfare of the citizens and govern the commonwealth of all. The establishment of a government lottery has in fact betrayed the citizens.

Most have adopted a libertarian view of the lottery and find no fault, because it is legal, for those who want to participate. The libertarian view point has its merits, but is it the right view point on this issue? That is one of the questions I hope to address in the podcast.

I will also attempt to address my opinion that gambling in general is rooted in idolatry, greed and is a conscious choice to look to someone other than God for our needs and is robbing the church of both time and resources as many professing “Christians” give more of their time and money to the industry than the church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The high school campus is a typical breeding ground for most gamblers. If you don’t believe me, call your local principle and ask him/her if there are gambling issues they are having to deal with.

Fantasy sports (where money is being exchanged) is quickly becoming a “starter drug” for serious gambler addicts. It is an intoxicating lie.

Common expressions from those justifying why they participate and their normal relationship with the church.

  • “When I win, I’m going to (fill-in-the-blank).”
    • I hear this a lot and witness it as that same person will rarely tithe or commit much of their time at all in Christian fellowship or causes that call for time and money. The excuse given is always about some day while completely ignoring opportunities God has given them right now.
    • The unfaithful tither (addicted to gaming) can’t afford to give because they are owned by their addiction.
    • You may be surprised by a few unscientific discoveries I’ve made over the years.
    • Not all, but many (most) who don’t tithe excuse it that they can’t afford to give to the church while ignoring their idolatry of gaming that they never resist.
  • “The Bible doesn’t claim gambling a sin.”
    • We don’t say the same things about pornography, computer hacking, grand theft auto… These may be more simple to see how Scripture fits; but does Scripture speak to all issue in life or not?
  • “I budget my gaming recreation and never spend more than I budget. The same way others budget their recreation. I’m a responsible gambler. After all, other Christians waste money on a lot of other things.”
    • Where it’s true, some Christians waste money on other things, the fact that some do this is a poor defense of another’s waste.
    • The “responsible” defense is seen as commendable on the surface and perhaps even closes the conversation. But it must be weighed in the balance of the whole of Scripture.
      • Yes, the soldiers gamble over Jesus’ clothes – that’s not permission to do so.
      • Yes, the apostles casts lots over the election of new disciples – that’s not the same.
      • Yes, Scripture explains that God is sovereign over all things, including the roll of the dice – we are better students of Scripture than to use a description of God as defense to participate in an activity.
  • “It helps build schools.”
    • This may be what gets a believer laughed out of town. The education system is ruined at many levels. Do you want the defense of recklessness to be the support of more recklessness?

Let’s be honest in our examination. The gaming industries, casino, lottery, fantasy sports (for money) are industries that prey primarily on the weak and the poor. It is a proven fact that government legislators lie about the pros of the lottery to cover the cons. Laws are passed without full disclosure, other laws are tied to lottery laws to negotiate passage.

But we are missing some biblical observations I want to leave on our minds.

  • the Bible, from start to finish, promotes a work force economy. Meaning; we are created to be a working people, a laboring people. We have honest jobs that contribute to the over all economy of the community. We exchange in this economy with other working people in the work based economy. Yes, some jobs are field jobs, labor jobs, administration jobs, education based jobs, science, medical, etc…
  • Gaming appears to be a violation of God’s character. Consider Galatians 5, Proverbs 21:25-26. There is no better provider for man than God and God has ordained man depend on God. The primary means, again, is to work for your income.
  • Gambling is largely a wasteful activity. No casino, lottery, gaming organization remains in business unless the overwhelming, super majority, nearly all, participants fail. It is an industry that thrives on the failure of willing participants. Studies show that the majority of participants in gambling and especially the lottery are poor, financially desperate, people placing their hope in something less than God to do for them something other than what God has ordained to be the norm.

Can a Christian, in good conscience, support and engage in an activity that preys on the weak and poor? Not in good conscience if he/she knows that God has ordained one of the functions of his church, his people, is to tend to the needs of the most vulnerable.

Further Reading: NOTE – these are none binding resolutions. They do represent historic patterns that many people in the history of the nation and Baptist specifically have held clear opinions on the matter. To ignore their warning is careless.

 

The Problem is Not Only Legalized Sodomite-Marriages

There is not shortage of places or people weighing in on the legalization of same-sex marriages. Crimes against nature are no small matter, and now it is legal and celebrated.

But this is not the only matter weighing the nation in the balance of danger.

I get that unbelievers don’t want laws like believers do. They want laws, just laws that ease their conscience. But, that’s not really the problem either.

The Lord’s church has grown cold, complicit even with many other fleshly vices that are rarely addressed from the pulpit any more, and even encouraging sinful behavior by her silence or participation. No, really, many in the church have been for too long “drinking the intoxicating cup of worldly sensual pleasure.”

Watch how many who are all bothered by the legalization of sodomy (historically known as crimes against nature) will within the same moment indulge in the fleshly demands for any and/or all of the following…


The following bullet-points are excerpts and quotations from “Youth Warned” by John Angell James (1824)

  • Who is warning the Lord’s people of the danger of gambling? “There is virtually no difference in who frequents the game table, slot machine, or online gaming sites. What believer today knows that gambling is to the mind what alcohol is to the body. “
  • Who is warning the Lord’s people of the danger of the theater? “The theater is generally frequented by all; the theater, that corrupter of public morals; that school where nothing good and everything bad is learned; that resort of the wicked and school of vice; that broad and flowery avenue to the bottomless pit! Here a young man finds no hindrances to sin, no warnings against wickedness, no mementos of judgment to come! But, on the contrary, everything to inflame his passions, to excite his immoral desires, and to gratify his appetites for vice! The language, the music, and the company, are all adapted to a sensual taste—and calculated to demoralize the mind!”
    “It is by no means the author’s intention to affirm that all who frequent the theater are wicked people. Far be it from him to prefer an accusation so extensive and unfounded as this. No doubt many amiable and moral people are among the admirers of dramatic representation. That they receive no contamination from the scenes they witness, or the language they hear, is no stronger proof that the stage is not immoral in its tendency and effects, than that there is no contagion in the plague, because some constitutions resist the infection. That people fenced in by every conceivable moral defense and restraint, should escape uninjured, is saying little; but even in their case, I will contend that the mind is not altogether uninjured. Is it possible for an imperfect moral creature (and such are the best of us,) to hear the irreverent swearing, the filthy allusions, the anti-Christian sentiments, which are uttered during the representation of even our purest plays, and hear these for amusement, without some deterioration of mental purity?”
  • Who is warning the Lord’s people of the danger of gossip? The house of prayer is frequently visited with hungry gossips not ready to weep over their own sins and can’t quite wait to report to other gossips of all the worldly behaviors of all being prayed for.
  • Who is warning the Lord’s people of sensual pleasures? “Where [professing Christians] live in this way, it directs their reading, which is not pious or improving—but light, trifling, and polluting. Inflammatory novels, stimulating romances, lewd poetry, immoral songs, satires against pious characters, and arguments against Scripture and biblical morals—are in general the works consulted by corrupt and wicked youth, and by these they become still more wicked. Never did the press send forth streams of greater pollution than at this time. Authors are to be found, of no small abilities, who pander to every corruption of the youthful bosom. Almost every vice has its high-priest—to burn incense on its altar, and to lead its victims, decked with the garlands of poetry or fiction, to their ruin.”
  • Who is warning the Lord’s people of the danger of dancing? “Mirthful [dancing] where eating, drinking, and revelry, are carried on until midnight, or until morning, are another source of ruin! [Professor of Christ], such meetings unfit you not only for the serious pursuits of godliness—but even for the duties of business. Their expense impoverishes your purse, their influence impairs your health, and their guilt ruins your soul!”
  • Who is warning the Lord’s people of the danger of bad company? “[Professor of Christ], if you determine to live in the gratification of your passions and the indulgence of your sinful appetites, you will soon have associates suited to your taste, and that will never disturb your conscience with the language of warning or reproof. And will these be wicked fools, blaspheming scoffers, apostate people, hardened sinners, degraded sots, dissolute infidels, abandoned prostitutes! Look at the mirthful party. Can you approve it? Are there not moments, when you feel the last dying remains of moral feeling stirring within you in sickening revulsion at such society as this? But even these ‘dying, lingering signs of a conscience’ which are not quite dead, will soon vanish—and you will yield yourself without a struggle to all the corrupting, damning influence of bad company!”
    “The improvement and diffusion of modern education, have produced a bold and independent mode of thinking, which, though it be in itself a benefit, requires a proportionate degree of religious restraint to prevent it from degenerating into lawless licentiousness. It is probable also, that of late years parents have relaxed the salutary rigor of domestic discipline. Trade and commerce are now so widely extended, that our youth are more from beneath their parents’ inspection than formerly, and consequently more exposed to the contaminating influence of evil company.”
  • Who is warning the Lord’s people of the danger of alcohol? Where is it said that young people may innocently walk in all kinds of sensual indulgences? On what page of the book of God’s truth do you find these allowances for the excesses of youth, which you make for yourselves, and ill-judging friends make for you? “Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them! They have lyre and harp, tambourine and flute and wine at their feasts, but they do not regard the deeds of the Lord, or see the work of his hands.” (Isaiah 5:11-12)
  • Who is warning the Lord’s people of the flirtatious behavior of immodesty? “Worldly pleasure, decked in the voluptuous attire and the gaudy ornaments of a harlot, appears to their heated imagination, with all the attractive charms of a most bewitching beauty”.
  • And many more….

Religion and boredom are not synonyms. For too long the church has been trying to make religion look cool by the world’s standards, essentially flirting with the sinful vices of the flesh and now when we speak on the matters of Scripture it sounds so prudish and full of piety that we avoid even using the word religion any more. Think about it; who doesn’t want a feel-good emotional friendship with God? Just so long as that god doesn’t hate everything we love about our self governed idolatrous life. And I’m only thinking of the majority of professing believers.

“In God’s name, I serve you with notice of the trial. Prepare to meet your God! He is coming! He is coming—and you must meet him! O think of judgment to come—in the midst of all your sinful pleasures and criminal liberties—think of it! Will you drink the drunkard’s cup; will you go to the brothel, to the gambling table, to the scene of riot and wickedness—knowing that for all these things God will bring you into judgment? With the terrible solemnities of the last day before your eyes—will you, can you, dare you—proceed in the career of vice? Conscience—O faithful monitor! O dreadful avenger! I charge you to whisper in the sinner’s ear, when going to the scene of his unholy pleasures, “But know, that for all of these things, God will bring you to judgment! For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.”

Return to your ordained duty church. The city needs you on the wall warning of an approaching enemy looking to devour all who will entertain his attractive disguise covering his hideous appearance. Who is warning of a devouring devil? Who is warning of a judgment to come? Who is pointing to the same, a saving Savior? If not the church, no one will take this duty on. No one volunteers for this kind of duty. Only called-out, redeemed sinners who know there is a devouring enemy conquered by a Redeeming Savior.

Arise, church! Arise!

 


all quotations are from Youth Warned by John Angell James.

 

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