All that glitters ...

Everton Thomas, Contributor

The current furore over Sunday racing has once again sparked renewed public debate, with the Church accused of practising 'selective morality' by jumping on pet peeves but not speaking out with similar passion on other important issues.

Let me admit here and now that the Church has not spoken at all times on all matters affecting our society. However, without making excuses, the fact remains that there have been many instances when it has spoken but was not heard for several reasons.

Make no mistake. It should be understood that the Church has a right to be heard as an equal stakeholder in society. The Church plays a role that is both prophetic and pastoral. If it speaks, it is damned. If it does not, it is damned.

Now let us examine the position of the Church. There are three points to consider in this article as it relates to gambling. But before making the points, let me agree that not everyone who gambles is addicted to gaming. However, shouldn't we care about the significant number of persons who are addicts?

A warning

I want to go on record that I am not calling for a ban on Sunday racing. Nor am I calling for a ban on any other day or on any other gaming or gambling activity. People must be free to make choices but should be aware of the consequences. It is against this background that I share this message as a warning to those who wager bets.

First of all, the principle is wrong. Second, the motivation is wrong. And third, the fruit is wrong. Before you vehemently disagree, hear me out as I offer rational explanations for these statements.

The principle is wrong because it violates the work ethic. The sustainability of life is based on the principle of productivity. This is best achieved by gaining from honourable labour and investment, not get-rich-quick schemes.

The principle is wrong because it also violates the stewardship ethic. In human relationships, we are required to give an account for our stewardship. People who gamble away their earnings and have little or nothing left to meet the obligations of their dependents are careless and irresponsible.

The motivation is wrong if people gamble because of greed. Their desire to be rich often leads to foolish and harmful lusts, destruction and perdition. In other cases, people gamble because of covetousness.

The third point is not to be taken lightly. The fruit (or winnings) of gambling is wrong because it takes advantage of others' weaknesses. For somebody to win, somebody has to lose. It is exploiting others for one's own advantage. Do gamblers care what happens to those who lose?

Addictive behaviour

It leads to unsavoury companions and others who are motivated by greed and covetousness. It leads to those who are quick to take advantage of others, such as bookies, loan sharks, etc. It leads to addiction, in many cases. Gambling can become psychologically and physically addictive.

According to Hans Breiter, MD, co-director of the Motivation and Emotion Neuroscience Centre at Massachusetts General Hospital, "Monetary reward in a gambling-like experiment produces brain activation very similar to that observed in a cocaine addict receiving an infusion of cocaine." It leads to other vices.

I heard that some 10,000 persons gathered at the track on January 29. I wonder how much was spent, how much won, and how much lost? What percentage of the 10,000 won anything? Yes, I know that it's their choice as free-will agents, but what of the addicts?

One thing you can say about John the Baptist is that he knew how to 'get ahead' in the Kingdom of God. If the Church is afraid to lose its head, as John did, it might as well close its doors. The Church is a relevant and necessary agent of change for whosoever will listen and take heed.

The Church cannot impose standards of morality on society, but its influence as the salt of the earth and light of the world is non-negotiable. So he that has ears to hear, let him hear. The nation is not compelled to follow the Church's advice or to accept its teachings, but while the Church takes responsibility for and correct its own shortcomings, it must continue to warn people that all that glitters is not gold.

Bishop Everton Thomas is the presiding bishop of the Emmanuel Apostolic Church. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.