What is the LCMS view of gambling?
A. In February 1996 our Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations adopted a report titled “Gambling,” a 14-page document that discusses the practice of gambling in light of six scriptural principles. These principles are as follows: • Gambling encourages the sins of greed and covetousness. • Gambling promotes mismanagement of possessions entrusted to us by God. • Gambling undermines absolute reliance on God for His provision. • Gambling works at cross purposes with a commitment to productive work. • Gambling is a potentially addictive behavior. • Gambling threatens the welfare of our neighbor and militates against the common good. The document stops short of saying that every form of gambling is in and of itself contrary to the Word of God and therefore sinful. Read Synod President Barry’s statement on legalized gambling.
