What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What is the stance on gambling and card games for the purpose of earning money?"
Answer
Games of chance and card games are rejected as dangerous amusements because they have no positive effect on body or mind and are morally harmful. Particular warning is given against the tendency to use skills acquired in the game for personal financial advantage, which often starts with small bets and leads to ruin. Such practices foster a passion for gambling, which is associated with poverty, crime, and the loss of spiritual disposition.
The Danger of Greed in Card Playing
»The card game should be prohibited. The connections and tendencies are dangerous. ... There is nothing in such amusements that would be beneficial to soul or body. There is nothing that strengthens the intellect or fills it with valuable ideas for future use. ... Skill in handling cards often leads to the desire to use this knowledge and tact for personal advantage. A small amount is wagered, then a larger one, until a greed for gambling is acquired, which leads to certain ruin. How many have this corrupt pleasure led to every sinful practice, to poverty, to prison, to murder, and to the gallows!«
Spiritual Influences and Moral Consequences
»The Prince of the powers of darkness presides in the gaming room and everywhere cards are played. Evil angels are familiar guests at these places. ... These games are the most pointless, useless, unprofitable, and dangerous occupations that youth can engage in. Those who take part in card playing become intensely excited and soon lose any interest in useful and uplifting occupations. Skill in handling cards will soon lead to the desire to use this knowledge and skill for personal advantage. A small amount is wagered, then a larger one, until a greed for the game arises, which leads to certain ruin.«
Heaven's attitude toward such amusements
»There are amusements such as dancing, card playing, chess, checkers, etc., that we cannot approve of because Heaven condemns them. These amusements open the door to great evil. In their tendency they are not useful, but have an exciting influence and create in some minds a passion for those games that lead to gambling and excess. All such games should be condemned by Christians, and something completely harmless should be substituted in their place.«
Distinguishing Christian from Secular Amusements
»The world has many holidays, and people are seized by games, horse racing, gambling, smoking, and drunkenness. They clearly show under which banner they stand. They make clear that they are not under the banner of the Prince of Life, but that the Prince of Darkness governs and controls them.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
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