Is this a question of morality or a question of fiscal responsibility? Arguments get presented that “we have enough problems, gambling is only going to add to it” and then of course “all this money is going to our neighbor states, why can’t we capitalize on it”? Both of which I heard on the radio on the way to work this morning.
Governor Ehrlich is a proponent for bringing slots to Maryland, and the democratic leaders either directly or indirectly are determined to link them to an increase in taxes. This undercuts any “moral” obligation House Speaker Michael Busch had against slots. And I’m not sure I know anybody who is excited about paying more taxes.
However, this does spark a debate in my own heart about the morality of slots and gambling in general. I myself do not gamble anymore, but is it because the friends I am closer with now don’t? Is it because my fiancé doesn’t like it and doesn’t think it’s moral? Is it because I am more financially responsible and see it as a waste? Is it because God commands us not to? If I was positive about that last question, this would be a much easier issue for me to deal with.
I know we are called not to do anything that may cause our brothers to stumble (1 Corinthians 10:31-33, Romans 14:19-21). As a testament to that, Amy & I will not be having alcohol at our wedding. We will be inviting friends that are not walking with the Lord and do not want to see them stumble, quite literally if they were to get drunk. But are we proponents to bring back prohibition? Certainly not! Yet as Homer Simpson has said so poignantly, “mmmmm…Beer, the cause and the solution to all our problems”.
I can’t stand cigarettes and think the “Smoking Stops Here” campaign is great, but I also enjoy smoking a cigar every now and then. I wouldn’t like it very much if I were not legally allowed to go to a bar, have a drink and smoke a cigar.
Christ himself is a stumbling block for those who do not believe (1 Peter 2:7-9). But would a Christian be against teaching others the Gospel message? Certainly not! So I struggle on with this inner turmoil like my Danish brother and pray that I do not meet the same end.
Posted by price at March 22, 2004 10:20 AM