Casino vs. Church
August 18th, 2012 at 3:52:54 PM
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I posit that casinos are supplanting the role and place of churches for many people in America today.
A few similarities:
A place filled with HOPE
Belief in SALVATION
Services conducted in a purpose-built structure
Tithing
Occasional shouts of "Halleluiah!"
Both are activities ideally premised on repeated, frequent visits: the more frequently you go, the stronger the fervor
A means to briefly end isolation, and be among others of a similar mind
A sense of stimulation
A few similarities:
A place filled with HOPE
Belief in SALVATION
Services conducted in a purpose-built structure
Tithing
Occasional shouts of "Halleluiah!"
Both are activities ideally premised on repeated, frequent visits: the more frequently you go, the stronger the fervor
A means to briefly end isolation, and be among others of a similar mind
A sense of stimulation
"What, me worry?"
August 18th, 2012 at 3:54:29 PM
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And the old saw about there being more quantity and quality of prayer in casinos.....
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 18th, 2012 at 4:01:14 PM
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And, according to last weeks GWAE guest, "tithes" to the casino are also now tax deductable.
I think the gym is more like church - I hate going but when I'm done I feel like I've done something positive. I rarely feel that way when I leave a casino.
I think the gym is more like church - I hate going but when I'm done I feel like I've done something positive. I rarely feel that way when I leave a casino.
100% risk of ruin
August 18th, 2012 at 4:38:44 PM
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Quote: RogerKintI think the gym is more like church - I hate going but when I'm done I feel like I've done something positive.
Not me.
I was raised Catholic and attended church weekly until my teens.
But I never really "got" anything out of it, other than stultifying boredom and a sense of all-pervading guilt.
I did get some bruised knuckles from being whacked there by a nun for mispronouncing The Confiteor at catechism.
For some reason I now fear being attacked by penguins ...
"What, me worry?"
August 18th, 2012 at 5:13:29 PM
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Those who believe in prayer undoubtedly do pray in casinos, the casino personnel prey there too so I imagine that there is indeed considerable parallels to be drawn between organized religion and casino gambling.
August 18th, 2012 at 6:04:43 PM
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Quote: FleaStiffThose who believe in prayer undoubtedly do pray in casinos, the casino personnel prey there too so I imagine that there is indeed considerable parallels to be drawn between organized religion and casino gambling.
Oh, clever boy!
I love the (correct) comparative use of "pray" and "prey."
Was it intentional?
Humor can be so subtle sometimes ...
"What, me worry?"
August 18th, 2012 at 6:18:58 PM
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Quote: AZDuffmanAnd the old saw about there being more quantity and quality of prayer in casinos.....
I know a husband and wife who sit in their car
before they go in and join hands and beg Jesus
to lead them to the winning machines. I'm not
joking. How many women have you seen clutching
a crucifix or rosary when they play. I've see plenty
over the years. Praise the lord, let me hit the progressive!
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
August 18th, 2012 at 6:24:33 PM
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Quote: EvenBobI know a husband and wife who sit in their car
before they go in and join hands and beg Jesus
to lead them to the winning machines. I'm not
joking. How many women have you seen clutching
a crucifix of rosary when they play. I've see plenty
over the years. Praise the lord, let me hit the progressive!
I crossed myself when I hit the 4k, but only after the rest of the Free Games spins were over.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
August 18th, 2012 at 7:54:27 PM
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Quote: MrVHumor can be so subtle sometimes ...
Yes. A very subtle, muted allusion to religious leaders preying on those who pray in the same manner as casino managers prey upon those who pray (and on those who don't).
August 19th, 2012 at 7:25:50 AM
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deleted
DUHHIIIIIIIII HEARD THAT!
August 19th, 2012 at 7:34:38 AM
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Quote: EvenBobI know a husband and wife who sit in their car
before they go in and join hands and beg Jesus
to lead them to the winning machines. I'm not
joking. How many women have you seen clutching
a crucifix or rosary when they play. I've see plenty
over the years. Praise the lord, let me hit the progressive!
I don't see it as a weird issue, people who pray will pray before many endevors. Gen Patton was known to pray before battle, for example.
FrGamble please correct me if I am wrong on the following. The thing about prayer is you are supposed to pray for the right thing. You do not "pray for victory" but rather you "pray for the stregnth and courage for victory." So you might pray for the wisddom to choose the right machine or play your hand correctly. If it is good for your mind why not?
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
August 19th, 2012 at 7:38:54 AM
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Quote: MrVI posit that casinos are supplanting the role and place of churches for many people in America today.
A few similarities:
A place filled with HOPE
Belief in SALVATION
Services conducted in a purpose-built structure
Tithing
Occasional shouts of "Halleluiah!"
Both are activities ideally premised on repeated, frequent visits: the more frequently you go, the stronger the fervor
A means to briefly end isolation, and be among others of a similar mind
A sense of stimulation
Post of the Year.
One other note. In particular, many table games players seem to go to the casino for Fellowship at a Price. Not unlike one's visit to Church...
August 19th, 2012 at 7:48:11 AM
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I would add that both are places where one can seek a "contact high." When a group of people are happy at the same time for the same reason, it feeds on itself, and enhances the sensation. One can seek that at either a "charismatic" church or at the craps/baccarat table.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
August 19th, 2012 at 10:16:45 AM
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Quote: AZDuffmanI don't see it as a weird issue, people who pray will pray before many endevors. Gen Patton was known to pray before battle, for example.
FrGamble please correct me if I am wrong on the following. The thing about prayer is you are supposed to pray for the right thing. You do not "pray for victory" but rather you "pray for the stregnth and courage for victory." So you might pray for the wisddom to choose the right machine or play your hand correctly. If it is good for your mind why not?
I think you are right on point, we've got to pray in a way that it doesn't become superstition. Praying that I can win or clutching a rosary in the hopes it will get you more free games is different than praying I make the best bets, have fun, and stay in control. I pray all the time at casinos mainly for three things. I pray a lot for the people I see who might have a gambling problem that if they do they find the strength and help they need. I pray that I may have the strength to not chase losses and make stupid bets. Finally, I pray grace before the wonderful buffet meals.
This all reminds me of the joke about the two Jesuits who went to their superior. The first asked, "Father, can I smoke while I pray?" The priest barked back, "Of course not!" The second Jesuit asked his superior, "Can I pray while I smoke?" "Of course you can, the Lord asks us to pray always."
August 19th, 2012 at 10:19:41 AM
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I was raised a Catholic and had to attend church 6 days per week. We went M-F before
school, and again on Sunday. I always hated it, seemed like a waste of time.
I was an altar boy, but was never raped; not even once. Was I unattractive?
Now, I just go to casinos. Never been raped there either, but they (dealers) do beg
for money, just like the church.
school, and again on Sunday. I always hated it, seemed like a waste of time.
I was an altar boy, but was never raped; not even once. Was I unattractive?
Now, I just go to casinos. Never been raped there either, but they (dealers) do beg
for money, just like the church.
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
August 19th, 2012 at 1:30:37 PM
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Quote: MakingBookI was raised a Catholic and had to attend church 6 days per week. We went M-F before school, and again on Sunday. I always hated it, seemed like a waste of time.
Lololol, I always felt sorry for Catholic (and Mormon) friends. But my happiness is partly based on the suffering of those around me, so it made me feel better. It's a horrible way to look at things, but it's how I'm built.
I'm someone who will pray once a day, not necessarily the before-bed rehearsed prayer but I'm still someone who does it regularly. I have never prayed in the casino and anyone that does can't be fucking serious.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
August 19th, 2012 at 1:35:17 PM
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And where you see raffles for "Baskets of Cheer" ... in other words churches are often encouraging gambling and alcohol consumption and are places that rent out halls for a variety of causes, including Vegas Nite parties for some such 'n such group.Quote: IbeatyouracesFunny that its usually at a church where you see Vegas nights.
One BBC producer did a series on Vegas Whales and there was one segment wherein a Memorial Service was held AT the casino without charge after Mr. Whale died and Mrs. Whale was the one who would be carrying on the family tradition at the high limit slots.
ALL casinos have the hours and numbers for the marriage license offices and can provide a deputy clerk on a moment's notice to any whale what wants to take the plunge. Most casinos also have chapels or existing deals with chapels.
August 19th, 2012 at 1:58:06 PM
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Both open on Sundays. Saturdays (latter day saints)
Both proclaim they have winners with far too little evidence.
Both proclaim they have winners with far too little evidence.
Sanitized for Your Protection
September 26th, 2012 at 8:15:48 PM
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Does God answers prayers when it comes to gambling?
September 26th, 2012 at 8:38:30 PM
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About as often as when it comes to rain or battles or winning the lottery.
September 26th, 2012 at 8:42:32 PM
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Quote: mysticgamblerDoes God answers prayers when it comes to gambling?
At the same rate when you pray to Joe Piscopo !
December 18th, 2012 at 1:51:20 AM
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in casino you have 50/50 chances to win,
but in religion you sure lose, now a days religion exist because of money
but in religion you sure lose, now a days religion exist because of money
December 18th, 2012 at 2:13:22 AM
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I have sometimes talked to god in the casino just for shits and giggles (as a joke not genuine religious talk).
After a long string of bad luck, I have said something along the lines of "thank the lord Jesus Christ that we finally got a yo on the comeout instead of another crap roll."
Then I went on to say something like "there's nothing like mixing religion and gambling, huh?"
I think most players are anti-religious at the craps table. You can't say the F-bomb, but Goddamn-it is absolutely okay. I think it ties back to our culture of separation of church and state and saying Goddamn is okay because it's a religious thing and not a legal thing. The F bomb is something that the FCC gets involved in, but blasphemy is not because it's more of a religious thing.
Blaspheming at the craps table is probably more acceptable than praying for a seven (I just posted another post to Alan about the "out of touch" nature of Michael Godard's painting.)
I do believe that praying at a Craps tables is sort of an abnormal thing to do at a craps table. A real die-hard craps player would just say Goddamn-it on the seven out and go and get more fucking money not thinking about his creator for one split second.
After a long string of bad luck, I have said something along the lines of "thank the lord Jesus Christ that we finally got a yo on the comeout instead of another crap roll."
Then I went on to say something like "there's nothing like mixing religion and gambling, huh?"
I think most players are anti-religious at the craps table. You can't say the F-bomb, but Goddamn-it is absolutely okay. I think it ties back to our culture of separation of church and state and saying Goddamn is okay because it's a religious thing and not a legal thing. The F bomb is something that the FCC gets involved in, but blasphemy is not because it's more of a religious thing.
Blaspheming at the craps table is probably more acceptable than praying for a seven (I just posted another post to Alan about the "out of touch" nature of Michael Godard's painting.)
I do believe that praying at a Craps tables is sort of an abnormal thing to do at a craps table. A real die-hard craps player would just say Goddamn-it on the seven out and go and get more fucking money not thinking about his creator for one split second.
aahigh.com
December 18th, 2012 at 7:23:59 AM
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Quote: AhighA real die-hard craps player would just say Goddamn-it on the seven out and go and get more fucking money not thinking about his creator for one split second.
Were he honest with himself, such a player would be reduced to moaning "Lord, why hast thou foresaken me?"
God doesn't damn dice; god damns players.
"What, me worry?"
December 18th, 2012 at 8:27:11 AM
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Quote: MrVWere he honest with himself, such a player would be reduced to moaning "Lord, why hast thou foresaken me?"
God doesn't damn dice; god damns players.
I grew up in a very Baptist culture of white people in North Richland Hills. To this day, I am shunned for making a career centered around gambling.
Quote:Proverbs 16:33 states a general principle: “The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.” This refers to the use of casting lots (similar to the tossing of a coin or the rolling of dice) to settle certain judicial cases. The case involving Achan in Joshua 7 is an example in which the principle of Proverbs 16:33 is used to find the guilty party. Proverbs 18:18 states something similar: “Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart.” Again, the idea is that God’s providence plays the determining role in the results of the casting of lots so that judicial conflicts can be resolved no matter how great the contention. Proverbs 16:33 would indicate that something as random as the rolling of dice or the tossing of a coin is not outside of God’s sovereign control. And, therefore, its results are not merely of chance.
From:
http://www.gotquestions.org/luck.html
aahigh.com
December 18th, 2012 at 6:42:50 PM
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Ahigh you should become Catholic.
By the way I don't understand why people think religion is about money. Is it because a collection basket is based around the Church for a free will offering? I imagine Churches are one of the few places where anyone can come for free Church services and all types of other services. You can join social groups, ministries, committees, Bible studies, Adult Faith formation activitives, register your kids for religious education, etc... and all for free. You are never made to pay anything. I look at the collection as an expression of people's faith and their realization that they want to support an entity that gives back so much to them and the local communtiy. It is in no way demanded of people if they can't or for a multitude of reasons do not want to give. It will in no way stop us from serving and caring for them (although we might not be able to pay the light bill).
By the way I don't understand why people think religion is about money. Is it because a collection basket is based around the Church for a free will offering? I imagine Churches are one of the few places where anyone can come for free Church services and all types of other services. You can join social groups, ministries, committees, Bible studies, Adult Faith formation activitives, register your kids for religious education, etc... and all for free. You are never made to pay anything. I look at the collection as an expression of people's faith and their realization that they want to support an entity that gives back so much to them and the local communtiy. It is in no way demanded of people if they can't or for a multitude of reasons do not want to give. It will in no way stop us from serving and caring for them (although we might not be able to pay the light bill).
December 18th, 2012 at 6:55:12 PM
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Quote: FrGambleBy the way I don't understand why people think religion is about money.
Well spoken.
But I'm gonna assume you were not talking about "televangelism", in
which case I think a pretty strong argument could be made about a
tie to money.
Anyhows, I agree with you, although when the building fund needed
to be funded, it seemed to be less of a "free-will feel good" campaign.
I will say, however, that the Mrs' church makes good use of their
worship space with 4 separate masses on the weekend, mostly
with decent attendance. So that seems like 2x the utilization of
some Protestant cousins.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
December 18th, 2012 at 6:56:04 PM
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ps to FrG:
Time to change your tagline ?
Time to change your tagline ?
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
December 18th, 2012 at 7:17:20 PM
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Quote: FrGambleBy the way I don't understand why people think religion is about money.
The Catholic Church is the greatest wealth accumulator planet earth has ever seen. The church's cash hoard, art collections, precious metals, securities, and real estate holdings are unrivaled.
The church wants wealth and power; and they got it. Good for them.
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
December 18th, 2012 at 7:22:13 PM
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what about having people tithe and vows of celibacy? if thats not about money idk what is.
December 18th, 2012 at 10:41:28 PM
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Quote: MakingBookThe Catholic Church is the greatest wealth accumulator planet earth has ever seen. The church's cash hoard, art collections, precious metals, securities, and real estate holdings are unrivaled.
The church wants wealth and power; and they got it. Good for them.
The Catholic Church has the greatest and largest chartiable outreach on the planet, but if you think the Vatican is some type of Duck Tales treasure vault you are incorrect.
The Church better than anyone realizes how fleeting wealth and power are in this world. It wants only to build up treasure in Heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys. The Church follows its founder poor and humble. Good for them.
December 18th, 2012 at 11:11:36 PM
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Quote: FrGambleThe Catholic Church has the greatest and largest chartiable outreach on the planet, .
They better be. They got most of their wealth by stealing
it during the Inquisition. They would breeze into a town,
and did they seek out the local chimney sweep? Oh no,
they immediately collected rumors on the richest man
in town, quite often a prosperous Jewish businessman.
Magically he was found guilty of heresy and his property
confiscated for the Holy Church. This went on for hundreds
of years and the Church still owns most of this property.
Oh Bob, you just don't the truth. Spare me, Padre..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
December 19th, 2012 at 7:53:09 AM
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Spare me, Bob, its not just that you don't know the truth it seems to be that you don't want to know the truth. We have talked about this before and here you come breezing into the forum again to spread more false rumors. Please spare us all.
December 19th, 2012 at 7:57:30 AM
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I'm no apologist for the church (having been raised Catholic), yet it seems to me that many of the underlying principles are worthy enough.
The problem is that this is a world of Men, with all the flaws, imperfections and weaknesses which that entails.
Tough to build The Kingdom of Heaven on a foundation of greed, neurosis and untrammeled ego.
The problem is that this is a world of Men, with all the flaws, imperfections and weaknesses which that entails.
Tough to build The Kingdom of Heaven on a foundation of greed, neurosis and untrammeled ego.
"What, me worry?"
December 19th, 2012 at 9:42:40 AM
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Quote: MakingBookThe Catholic Church is the greatest wealth accumulator planet earth has ever seen. The church's cash hoard, art collections, precious metals, securities, and real estate holdings are unrivaled.
The church wants wealth and power; and they got it. Good for them.
Every effort on this earth is all about the money. Lots of fronts, but when you dig deep enough, it's really just for the money. The church has some smart cookies in every corner of its operation.
December 19th, 2012 at 11:16:29 AM
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I think it is Plato who is quoted as saying, "He was a wise man who invented god."
aahigh.com
December 19th, 2012 at 11:31:15 AM
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My favorite is "To be truely rich one must possess an item which can not be bought" Don't know who said it though but it makes sense to me.
Gambling is a metaphor for life. Hang around long enough and it's all gone.
December 20th, 2012 at 6:30:49 PM
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actually the interesting part is that why we have so many religion. is this what God want or people taking advantage on it. my be you are in the right place that why everything free. i ever go almost all kind of religion and the funny thing is that they are using different bible. when pastor start talking about 10% end of story on the old testament for what i know we are on new testament.
funny when we talk about religion.
by the way who is King James he manage to make own version of bible.
funny when we talk about religion.
by the way who is King James he manage to make own version of bible.
December 20th, 2012 at 10:32:17 PM
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Quote: 47by the way who is King James he manage to make own version of bible.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_James_VI_of_Scotland_and_I_of_England
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
December 26th, 2012 at 10:48:44 PM
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i am just curious from what hell come from to have his own bible how people become stupid. i don't want know for real what i really know is God that's all.
December 27th, 2012 at 1:08:59 AM
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... heck, them Mormons don't seem to do too bad what with all their members tithing all the time.Quote: FrGambleThe Catholic Church
>The Church better than anyone realizes how fleeting wealth and power are in this world... which is why it tries to cling to both!
>It wants only to build up treasure in Heaven ...... yeah, that's where you gotta go to examine the books.
>The Church follows its founder poor and humble. You mean follows its founder with claims of being poor and humble.
December 27th, 2012 at 1:20:41 AM
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There a group that play advantage play that a church group. There's a film about it I think called holy rollers or something.
aahigh.com
December 27th, 2012 at 1:25:06 AM
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Yes, the Holly Rollers were featured somewhat recently on a certain radio show with a link available at WOO.
November 7th, 2013 at 12:22:24 PM
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Hmmm...reminds me of an old joke about two men at the gates of heaven. I'm varying it a bit for the topic. Still works.
Two men arrive at the Gates of Heaven, a pastor and a blackjack dealer. St. Peter reviewed their files and decides their fates. He gives the pastor a faded robe, a bronze staff, and a humble apartment. The pastor is thankful until he sees what the blackjack dealer got - a bright white robe, a gold staff, and a mansion.
The pastor asks St. Peter, "I don't mean to complain, but I don't understand. I dedicated my life to God. I lived according to His commandments. Why does this man, who took people's money and encouraged them to sin, get a nicer robe, staff, and home than I do?"
St. Peter looks at the pastor and tells him, "While we applaud your service, when it comes to your eternal home, we judge based on results. Simply put, when you preached, most of your congregation slept. When he dealt, most of his players prayed."
Two men arrive at the Gates of Heaven, a pastor and a blackjack dealer. St. Peter reviewed their files and decides their fates. He gives the pastor a faded robe, a bronze staff, and a humble apartment. The pastor is thankful until he sees what the blackjack dealer got - a bright white robe, a gold staff, and a mansion.
The pastor asks St. Peter, "I don't mean to complain, but I don't understand. I dedicated my life to God. I lived according to His commandments. Why does this man, who took people's money and encouraged them to sin, get a nicer robe, staff, and home than I do?"
St. Peter looks at the pastor and tells him, "While we applaud your service, when it comes to your eternal home, we judge based on results. Simply put, when you preached, most of your congregation slept. When he dealt, most of his players prayed."
November 7th, 2013 at 12:29:13 PM
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Poker player died and went to heaven. Was shown a row of brick houses on a cloud base and given a sign with his name. Saint Peter was walking him to his house when suddenly he saw this house of gold, diamond windows, ruby windowsills, and the name plate said Phil Helmuth. The poker player said why does he get that mansion ? and Saint Peter said. " Relax, that's God's house. He thinks he is
Phil Helmuth.
Phil Helmuth.
Shed not for her
the bitter tear
Nor give the heart
to vain regret
Tis but the casket
that lies here,
The gem that filled it
Sparkles yet
February 11th, 2014 at 11:54:27 AM
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Quote: mysticgamblerDoes God answers prayers when it comes to gambling?
Yeah, typically with a "no" however.
I must admit, I don't believe in prayer. I once heard someone say that they "only pray for God's will to be done". Well...that seems like a bogus way to prove that prayer is legit since anything that happens subsequent to this prayer can be called "God's will". And perhaps, said outcome would have occurred with or withouth the folding of hands and the closing of eyes.
Furthermore, with regards to praying before gambling. I feel like if there is a god, he/she would have more important things to do (i.e. world peace, world hunger, homelessness, disease etc etc) than make sure you hit a jackpot in a casino.
If one wants to believe in fairy tales, who am I to judge; however, if one wants to waste their time praying for selfish things with all the other suffering in the world, well I think its ok to say that's a pretty awful character trait to say the least.
