Post 19
Find a SUPER - SPECIAL resource on the net!
“The Gambling Culture”
www.christianethics.ws
Last winter, I received a request to participate in a writing project for a nationally distributed publication. My assignment was to review three books that focused on problem gambling. I was to write with the eye of clergy and active congregational lay persons. Particularly, I enjoyed the work because much of the material covered topics that are included within many of my presentations: teen gambling, recovery groups such as Gamblers Anonymous ( www.gamblersanonymous.org ) and Gam-Anon ( www.gam-anon.org ), spirituality, and practical aspects of dealing with relapse.
The nationwide magazine, for which I wrote the reviews, is entitled Christian Reflection and is published by The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University. This publication comes out quarterly and each issue focuses on a central topic. All past issues are viewable online at www.christianethics.ws along with separate, downloadable Study Guides and Lesson Plans. The listing of previous focus topics is impressive with a wide range of subject matter from contemporary issues to theological discussions.
The range of topics within the current issue diversely covers the subject of gambling , providing a wide arena for thought-provoking questions and lively discussions. Take a look at the following chapter titles:
Would a Good and Faithful Disciple Gamble? **
The Hidden Social Costs of Gambling **
State Lotteries: Gambling with the Common Good **
Investment vs. Gambling **
Other Voices (a listing of resource materials about gambling)
The Gambling Culture in Art
Congregational Ministry to Problem Gamblers **
The Harm of Predatory Gambling: If Only the Bible Said …
Problem Gambling (three book reviews)
The History of Gambling
There is even a full Worship Service along with a thumbnail sketch of a sermon to be preached. Also, the hymn “Self-sufficient!” Is the Cry includes all four verses and the music.
Of particular interest is Dr. Deborah Haskins’ chapter on Congregational Ministry to Problem Gamblers. Dr. Haskins explores responses to the topic of gambling, common to faith-based communities; and then, she invites congregations to provide outreach to problem gamblers and their families. In particular, the chapter is filled with true-life (anonymously described) examples of persons struggling with compulsive gambling. This brings the basic topic of gambling addiction into focus on a it-can-happen-to-anyone level. Great discussion material!
Moreover, Dr. Haskins’ recommends and highlights Gambling Recovery Ministries as a model program for faith communities to pattern new outreach endeavors to problem gamblers and their loved ones. She writes, “This is an excellent example of a gambling recovery ministry prioritizing outreach to individuals, faith institutions, and communities.” (Christian Reflection, The Gambling Culture, “Congregational Ministry to Problem Gamblers”, p. 71, August 2011)
Then too, Dr. Haskins challenges faith communities to take the essential first step
by training clergy and persons in lay leadership positions to recognize the signs and symptoms of gambling problems, as well as to learn effective responses to those affected by compulsive gambling. Recognizing, listening, encouraging the seeking of professional help, and then journeying with problem gamblers and their families through recovery: these constitute both holistic and supportive arms to reach out to persons often misunderstood – and missed – by congregations.
Finally, I want to recommend the Study Guides and Lesson Plans found online at www.christianethics.ws Included within each Study Guide are the following: prayer, scripture, reflection, and study questions.
The Lesson Plans contain teaching goals, instructions as to format for group study, a beginning story, prayer, scripture reading, meditation, reflection, study questions, and a departing hymn. As a former teacher, I especially appreciate the carefully laid out formats and thought-provoking contents of these Guides and Plans, written by Robert B. Kruschwitz, Director of the Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, and Heather Hughes, Project Coordinator for Christian Ethics.
See the chapters designed for study, starred in the above chapter listing. Again, this is free and valuable material! And all downloadable!
For more information on problem gambling recovery issues and ministry to those affected by gambling addiction, go to www.grmumc.org
Rev. Janet Jacobs
Director, Gambling Recovery Ministries
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