Can a professional hold em player be christian?

[lastsamurai]

I was reading how doyle and chip reese use to be in a bible studies class together...

[tek]

Asked and answered. As long as churches and synagogues have bingo and raffles, I don't see why playing poker would be a sin...

[BZ_Zorro]

Not sure what you're asking here...

If you're questioning the morality, there a plenty of Christians in prison, so yes.

If you're questioning the intelligence required, there are plenty of intelligent christians. Though I suspect that atheists and agnostics comprise a disproportionate number of winning players.

[BluffTHIS!]

See this earlier thread link (http://forumserver.twoplustwo.com/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=2716105&page=&view=&sb=5& o=&fpart=1&vc=1)

[lastsamurai]

I am not questioning if gambling is a sin...thats another topic all together. I have been going to church on and off for the past 5 years. I haven't been there that much because sometimes i feel like a hyprocrite because i am not 100% /images/graemlins/wink.gif But i look at it this way...for every $1,000,000 doyle brunson makes playing NL hold em how many people did he have to crack to get to that point... broken families.. selling their business...to the point where it makes them do things they dont want to do... I mean there is responsible gambling and there are those degenerates who gamble because they are sick Fk's. Maybe i am over analyzing this too much but can anybody who considers themselves christian answer my post? thanks.

[spaminator101]

im a christian
i play poker
i dont find anywhere in the bible that says that gambling is a sin
however not being responsable with your money is a sin

[BluffTHIS!]

Well if you are not quesioning whether playing poker is a sin, which as I said in that earlier thread I believe it is not, then the only question is whether it is as was discussed in a thread about could a buddhist be a profesional player, a "right livelihood". Some buddhists think it isn't because your livelihood should not cause harm to others, and winning poker players do by taking money from fish and degenerates. But how many retail stores profit from america's primary pastime, degenerate shopping for things uneeded? LOTS. So I view playing poker full-time as providing entertainment for non-professional players, just like a casino or any other recreational business, and as a way for the all the pro-wannabes to find out early and now they can't cut it ( /images/graemlins/smile.gif ). So that only leaves playing in a christian manner, which means not cheating, not hustling degenerate types to play, and treating others in a christian manner. So I think that with all those conditions in mind, there is no conflict. As to those who maintain that it isn't being a productive member of society, then I say that is bs if you are a tax-paying citizen and that professional poker is no more unproductive than any other recreational business.

As far as not going to church often because you feel like a hypocrite, despite what many evangelicals believe, a lot of people don't have a BAM! instant conversion, and even once the decision is made, it still takes time to get rid of bad habits and modes of thought and progress. The really important thing is after any failure to just start again. Read a couple chapters of the gospel everday and think about them for 15 minutes, make a habit of daily prayer, and keep going to church. Christians aren't perfect, just people who keep trying to be and express sorrow for their failings and keep hoping in God's grace. And you might find it easier to be a christian if you try to make some christian friends to hang out with outside of church activities.

According to the bible everyone is a sinner. It doesn't matter if you break up families or gamble away your money, you're just another sinner like anyone else. If poker players can't be Christians, nobody can.

[felson]

[ QUOTE ]
Can a professional hold em player be christian?

[/ QUOTE ]

No. Christians only play stud.

[RJT]

Being Christian and a professional poker are not mutually exclusive. The same question can be asked of most professions. Corporate executives and politicians are two good examples.

Now, when you get into your point regarding taking advantage of those with the disease of being addicted to gambling, that is another question completely; and should not necessarily be limited to Christians.

[quinn]

[ QUOTE ]
Not sure what you're asking here...

If you're questioning the morality, there a plenty of Christians in prison, so yes.

If you're questioning the intelligence required, there are plenty of intelligent christians. Though I suspect that atheists and agnostics comprise a disproportionate number of winning players.

[/ QUOTE ]

[Darryl_P]

I was raised Christian but at the age of about 30 (8 years ago) I had to realize that Christianity has been very cleverly reduced to a harmless weekend hobby by Jews and atheists.

The age of industry, science and technology is all about the here and now -- sensory stimulation, hedonism, titillation, etc. with little or no regard to the big picture and the future of the planet and humanity, despite propaganda to the contrary. It's all the stuff represented by none other than the devil himself.

Sure people make excuses for it all and adapt the religion to fit the times etc. but what really happens in western society is that people lie, cheat, steal, and screw each other over from Monday to Saturday and then feel guilty about it on Sunday, let out their steam and get forgiveness only to repeat the cycle all over again on Monday.

Part of it is the fault of Christianity itself imo. To say "Jesus died for our sins" is interpreted by the majority to mean "it's ok to sin because Jesus took the rap, so I just have to PRETEND to repent and SAY I love God and Jesus and I'll be ok". There are very minimal efforts to correct this tragic misinterpretation compared to the incredible effects it has on everyday life. On the contrary there are HUGE efforts in the media to make sure those efforts stay minimal. And for now it looks like the media is winning.

Poker is just one small part of it. The same applies in most everyday business dealings so I wouldn't just single out poker if I were you.

That's my take on it anyway.