Do Mormons Gamble? An Insight into LDS Beliefs and Practices
The question of whether Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often abbreviated as LDS) gamble is rooted in the church’s teachings on integrity, stewardship, and moral responsibility. Here’s a detailed explanation based on LDS doctrine and practice:
1. General Teaching Against Gambling
The Church of Jesus Christ explicitly discourages gambling as a violation of its moral principles. Key reasons include:
Lack of Integrity: Gambling often involves risk-taking based on chance rather than skill or effort, which can contradict the LDS emphasis on personal responsibility and hard work.
Financial irresponsibility: The church teaches members to avoid debt and manage resources wisely. Gambling, especially in high-stakes settings, is seen as a threat to financial stability.
Moral corruption: The D&C (Doctrine and Covenants), a foundational LDS scripture, warns against activities that "lead to the exercise of [unrighteous dominion] or the inequality" (D&C 104:12). Gambling is viewed as promoting inequality and dependency.
2. Specific Doctrinal References
The Book of Mormon: The text condemns "the love of money" (Helaman 13:22) and encourages diligence over reliance on chance.
LDS Church Handbook of Instructions: While not explicitly listing gambling, it emphasizes avoiding activities that "harm others or [one’s] own family" (Section 21.3.1). Gambling is often interpreted as harmful due to its potential to exploit or enable addiction.
Modern Prophets and Apostles: Leaders have repeatedly condemned gambling, urging members to prioritize faith-based planning over games of luck.
3. Practical Application
Avoiding Legal Gambling: In regions where gambling is legal (e.g., Las Vegas, Atlantic City), LDS members typically avoid casinos, lotteries, or sports betting. Some may occasionally engage in minor games of chance (e.g., friendly card games) if they prioritize social interaction over financial risk.
Online Gambling: The church strongly discourages internet gambling due to its anonymity and potential for addiction.
4. Exceptions and Nuances
Entertainment vs. Profit: A low-stakes game among friends (e.g., a casual poker night with no serious money involved) might be permissible if it fosters relationships and doesn’t contradict other values.
Cultural Context: In areas where gambling is deeply ingrained (e.g., Nevada, Utah’s border towns), LDS individuals may avoid such environments entirely to maintain spiritual discipline.
5. Comparisons to Other Religions
Mormonism vs. Catholicism/Protestantism: While some Christian denominations permit gambling in moderation, LDS teachings are more restrictive, aligning with their broader emphasis on self-reliance (see The Family: A Proclamation to the Family).
Mormonism vs. Islam: Islam explicitly prohibits gambling (Quran 5:90–91), making LDS teachings somewhat similar but with distinct theological reasoning.
6. Conclusion
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not encourage gambling and teaches members to avoid it as a moral hazard. While individual circumstances may vary, the overwhelming guidance from church leaders and scriptures is to prioritize integrity, stewardship, and sobriety over games of chance. For Mormons, the choice to gamble often reflects a commitment to living the "square" principle—acting with honesty, purity, and righteousness.
For further reading, refer to the LDS Church’s official resources, such as For the Strength of the Family or statements from modern church leaders like President Russell M. Nelson, who have emphasized financial and moral discipline.
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