RE: Sunday, September 17 Anti-Gambling Day in the Southern
Baptist Convention.
I understand it is not primarily to prevent Southern Baptists
gambling that one day.
RE: Sunday, September 17 Anti-Gambling Day in the Southern
Baptist Convention.
I understand it is not primarily to prevent Southern Baptists
gambling that one day.
What can Southern Baptists and other religion groups do about
gambling? Quit, pray about yourself and others, preach about it, teach about
it, vote about it every opportunity, talk with state representatives and other
leaders, minister to people with the problem and dont get used to it.
Its a loser! In 1998 people lost $50 billion dollars
in legal gambling, and more in 1999. Add to that the accompanying costs in unemployment
benefits, welfare benefits, health problems (mental and physical), theft, embezzlement,
unpaid debts, bankruptcy, domestic violence, child abuse, suicide and loss of
self-esteem. I have seen firsthand what it does to individuals and families,
and you have, too.
Whats bad about it? The National Research Council estimates
“as many as 1.1 million adolescents between 12 and 18 exhibited pathological
gambling problems in the past year.” Did you know that Las Vegas has the
highest resident suicide rate in the nation?
Is it too late? In South Carolina the Supreme Court declared
the presence of all video poker machines in the state unconstitutional, and
then Alabama rejected a state lottery.
Our situation in Louisiana is pretty miserable, but who knows
what doors God may open for us? Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation is ever
alert and capable. I received some of the above information from Southern Baptist
Conventions Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Lets keep our
eyes, ears, hearts, and wallets open for opportunities.
Leonard Sanderson
Retired Director Evangelism
LBC