The bible does not ban Gambling =Disfellowship those who work extra $$$$

by Witness 007 21 Replies latest watchtower bible

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  blondie

  Here is the WTS response to investing and gambling. Of course the WTS has investments.

  *** g01 6/8 p. 30 From Our Readers ***

  I disagree with the assertion that investing in the stock market is not putting one’s trust in "the god of Good Luck." (Isaiah 65:11) Putting one’s money into a volatile system that operates entirely at random is gambling.

  P. B., United States

  Admittedly,

  investinginthestockmarketcancarryahighdegreeofrisk.And,aswithanybusinessventure,randomfactorsareinvolved.However,itwouldnotbeaccuratetosaythattradingstocksisgambling.Gamblinginvolvestheexchangeofmoneywithoutanyexchangeofrealgoods.Astock,however,representsanactualshareintheownershipofabusiness.Tradingstockscanthusbeviewedasthebuyingandsellingoflegitimategoods.—ED.

  *** g00 10/8 p. 27 Is It Wise to Invest in the Stock Market? ***

  A Corporate Lottery?

  In view of the risks associated with the stock market, is buying stock the same as gambling? A measure of risk is involved in nearly all financial investments. Some people buy real estate, not knowing if the value of a property will increase or decrease over time. Others deposit their money in a bank, trusting that their savings will be secure. While the stock market is more complicated, simply put, one who invests in stocks buys the shares of a company in the hope that the enterprise will prosper and the stocks will increase in value.

  Such an investment differs from gambling because the stockholder has purchased part of a company. These shares may be sold to another person or saved in the hope of future growth. This cannot be said of a person who bets money at a casino or on a game of chance. Against the odds, the gambler seeks to predict an uncertain outcome and win the loser or losers’ stakes.
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  undercover

  A nunber of witnesses feel this way and think its improper to invest directly in the markets but think its ok through your 401k or an IRA.

  I remember way back years ago, that most dubs in my area considered stock market investments as nothing more than gambling and wouldn't do it. I don't know if it was enforced by the elders or if it was mind control at work but it was considered taboo by the general JW population. I remember brothers giving talks basically condemning playing the stock market.

  Then I remember an article came out (I don't have any references...maybe Blondie can help) on stock market investments that while cautious in nature, did not rule out investing in the market for "christians". After that the temperment on investing in the market lightened up with the more progressive dubs, but the older ones still held it in bad light.

  edited to add: Blondie beat me to the punch already...again. Her post came in while I was working on mine. These articles are even newer than the ones I remember back when I was still active. Thanks once again Blondie.