"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." -- 1 Timothy 6:10The Bible supposedly covers all moral issues. However, it does not specifically have commandment that condemn gambling. This is perhaps the main reason why the some Christian churches, particularly the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church, condones and even encourages gambling for a cause. Community Bingos, raffle draws, lottery, and online casinos are some of the main sources of revenues of established churches. In the Philippines, for instance, the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church has regular cut on the proceeds of the government-owned casino, the Casino Filipino, and other big online casinos. It also gladly accepts money from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes and Lotto Office.
It seems that the Philippine Catholic hierarchy has a double standard when it comes to gambling. In one hand, the bishops and priests condemn lesser forms of gambling, particularly the illegal number game of the masses, jueteng. On the other hand, the same hierarchy seems to tolerate and even encourage big-time gambling, including casinos. The hypocrisy does not end here. There are some reported incidences that local parish churches also receive proceeds from local jueteng lords as regular contribution for so-called charity works, such as funding the building of churches and supporting the personal vices of corrupt priests.
There was once a time that the late Jaime Cardinal Sin (what a coincidental pun!) was quoted in the media saying: "Even if it would take talking to the devil, if it would mean peace, I will talk to the devil. And I was even willing to use the money of evil in order to help the poor." I never thought that Robin Hood philosophy is incorporated in Catholic theology.
we should legalize gambling. in states where it is legalize it helps pay for many things. another hyprocrisy by the churc, it should not have access to these funds.
ReplyDeletei have come to the conclusion that once the state is able to govern properly meaning provide for the needs of the people as say medical care, food stamps, etc. socialism at its best. then people would have noi more need of churches/religion.