Should religion speak on gambling for the whole country?

[peter0425]

If you do not know, Philippines is heavily Catholic. 85 million individuals are Catholics in The Philippines and that makes up 78.8% of the country. A lot of the laws and beliefs in the country are influenced by the Catholic church. Even matters like divorce and LGBT rights are decided with the influence of the religion.

Now that gambling is booming in the country, it is expected that the Catholic church will intervene. The Philippine Church has described this as "a deepening crisis in the country" and is sounding the alarm about a social and cultural scourge that is destroying the lives of young people and entire families.

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

[stadus]

Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

They can speak up, but they can’t interfere with how laws are implemented. There’s a clear separation between church and state, and only the state has the power to change or amend laws. I believe the government has already tried to address this issue. The problem is, a lot of us are still disappointed because their actions don’t really get to the root of the problem.

[Fivestar4everMVP]

If you do not know, Philippines is heavily Catholic. 85 million individuals are Catholics in The Philippines and that makes up 78.8% of the country. A lot of the laws and beliefs in the country are influenced by the Catholic church. Even matters like divorce and LGBT rights are decided with the influence of the religion.

Now that gambling is booming in the country, it is expected that the Catholic church will intervene. The Philippine Church has described this as "a deepening crisis in the country" and is sounding the alarm about a social and cultural scourge that is destroying the lives of young people and entire families.

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

One thing I know is that religion will never determine what I do and what I do not do, most especially if it concerns my personal happiness and all, gambling is not a bad thing per say, but how we approach it is what matters alot.
Personally, no matter how dominant or dominating a particular religion is in a country, I don't think on their own that have the constitutional right to ban gambling in such a country since this could simply mean imposing their own law upon members of other religions forcefully.

The only agency which such right is the government, if the government decides to ban gambling, then that's it, in a country where there are multiple religions, each religion can impose laws only on those who are members of that religion, and on this adhering is based on personal choices and so on. But when the government of a country creates a law, every body from every religion is expected to adhere and obey that law.

[Botnake]

The only agency which such right is the government, if the government decides to ban gambling, then that's it, in a country where there are multiple religions, each religion can impose laws only on those who are members of that religion, and on this adhering is based on personal choices and so on. But when the government of a country creates a law, every body from every religion is expected to adhere and obey that law.

Even though Christianity has the largest following in the Philippines, the government can't make decisions based solely on one religion’s teachings. But in reality, most religions discourage gambling anyway. The thing is, gambling has already been deeply rooted in our culture, even during the Spanish colonization, they introduced cockfighting, which is still hugely popular today. And while online sabong was eventually banned, if they see online gambling as just as addictive, then they should be consistent and crack down on that too.

I think the government doesn’t really see it as a major issue yet, maybe because they're still providing financial aid to the poor. That’s why many of the people who are most affected by gambling addiction just continue, thinking they’ll always get some support from the government anyway.

[Patikno]

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

After looking into the news related to this, I found that news like this had already been around last year, and I found that the reason the Philippines did this was because of the aim of improving relations between the Philippines and China, and it turns out that China has long been urging the Philippines to ban online gambling there in order to support its crackdown on cross-border gambling.

Source: Cnnindonesia (We need to translate it to english manually)

Regarding your question, I think the Philippines automatically involves religion regarding gambling in their country, and I say this on the basis that they are a democratic country, where we know that usually the government involves the people in decision-making, so it will automatically involve the majority religion in the country, and I see that the majority of their population is Catholic. Cmiiw for these.

[Sandra_hakeem]

Even matters like divorce and LGBT rights are decided with the influence of the religion.

I don't seem to see that as the case in this scenario. The government knows too well the risk of allowing more than 2 genders; do you know about the level of crimes that'll go unnoticed due to that? "Yeah, it was a man that shot Celine, but the FBI is suspecting a female that leaves down the neighborhood" what???! So, let's put the same focus on all other dictating problems.
The church will obviously root for what they feel is right (which you don't as a protestant). Mind you, they can only subject you to their doctrines when you align with them. But in reality, this is a different story -- we all know to what extent gambling has damaged the system, relationships, homes, and also the crimes it has caused in the Philippines over the years. Why shouldn't the government look for a way to stop the chaos if they have to?

Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

So who passes judgment and it stands with the people? The churches??

[Pi-network314159]

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble?

They can gamble since they are not Religious people. Religious rule can only have effect on religious people, that is if the Catholic impose a rule that prohibits gambling, it can only affect those in christian denomination and not to those who are not christians.

Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

Religion have the right to be included in conversation regarding gambling if their members are included, but can't allow their beliefs cloud their judgement non religious people.

[BitGoba]

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

I get why the church wants to speak up, but not everyone follows the same faith. People should have the freedom to gamble if they want, as long as it’s well regulated. Religion shouldn’t decide for everyone, especially if it clouds fair judgment.

[danherbias07]

They do tell this during their homily, but it won't go as far as being strict on that rule. They have a say on this, but the church has been too loose when it comes to gambling problems. It's very different than how it is with other religions in the Philippines.

They could address the problem to all the Catholics, but I don't think that will be enough to stop an individual from gambling. With the very cheap way to gamble, it's easy to do it. I think everything will still depend on the government on what rule they will implement to keep everything under control and avoid gambling addiction problems in the future.

[fruktik]

They can speak up, but they can’t interfere with how laws are implemented. There’s a clear separation between church and state, and only the state has the power to change or amend laws. I believe the government has already tried to address this issue. The problem is, a lot of us are still disappointed because their actions don’t really get to the root of the problem.

Everything is correct. Religious movements must clearly understand the boundaries of what is permitted. And what, for example, should atheists do who do not recognize any kind of religion? How can we consider the issue in this light? Let the state regulate this sphere. It has this right, since it is responsible for the people who chose it. Therefore, this is the opinion of the people. And who chose the religion? It can only be imposed. This phenomenon occurs much more often than a voluntary expression. Do you understand what I am getting at?

[davis196]

If you do not know, Philippines is heavily Catholic. 85 million individuals are Catholics in The Philippines and that makes up 78.8% of the country. A lot of the laws and beliefs in the country are influenced by the Catholic church. Even matters like divorce and LGBT rights are decided with the influence of the religion.

Now that gambling is booming in the country, it is expected that the Catholic church will intervene. The Philippine Church has described this as "a deepening crisis in the country" and is sounding the alarm about a social and cultural scourge that is destroying the lives of young people and entire families.

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

I wonder how deeply devoted to Christianity are the people, since gambling is booming in the Philippines? Truly religious people wouldn't gamble, since the Church tells them not to gamble. Maybe most people in the Philippines are cultural Christians, which means that they are following rituals, without being true believers. Yes, the Catholic church in the Philippines can have a position against gambling, but would that change anything? Maybe the Church could influence the government in imposing stricter laws and regulations, but I'm a little bit skeptical about this. 

[Ishicryptic]

Religion is not supposed to speak for everybody in a country, what binds everybody in a country is the constitution, if majority of people in a country are from a perticular religion then the constitution might be skewed to favor them. If a religion outrightly prohibits gambling then their constitution can be amended to favor them but in Christianity where catholic is a denomination does not outrightly prohibits gambling. If the Catholic church in the Philippines is against gambling then it must be on moral ground not that christian religion says that gambling is a sin. I think that the best solution would be to teach gamblers about responsible gambling.

[sotelorene]

If you do not know, Philippines is heavily Catholic. 85 million individuals are Catholics in The Philippines and that makes up 78.8% of the country. A lot of the laws and beliefs in the country are influenced by the Catholic church. Even matters like divorce and LGBT rights are decided with the influence of the religion.

Now that gambling is booming in the country, it is expected that the Catholic church will intervene. The Philippine Church has described this as "a deepening crisis in the country" and is sounding the alarm about a social and cultural scourge that is destroying the lives of young people and entire families.

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

I haven't come across any verse of the Bible that said gambling is a sin neither have I also come across the portion of the Bible that said gambling is not a sin. People are abusing gambling this days, gambling is something that should be done moderately, one should only gamble when they have money they feel that even if they lose it, it won't affect them or make them to be depress and start thinking off. Gambling is a game of win or loss so whether one win or not that is the game and I believe everyone knows about this before starting. In my opinion i don't think church has the right to put an end to gambling simply because there believe system doesn't accept it.

[viljy]

The Church can speak on any issues that affect religion. Another thing is that believers will follow religious beliefs only because of their religiosity. Such appeals are not obligatory for all people. However, if the Church lobbies for the adoption of laws restricting gambling, then the prohibitions will acquire legislative force binding on citizens. It is pointless to resent this, but to accept it as inevitable.

[Die_empty]

If you do not know, Philippines is heavily Catholic. 85 million individuals are Catholics in The Philippines and that makes up 78.8% of the country. A lot of the laws and beliefs in the country are influenced by the Catholic church. Even matters like divorce and LGBT rights are decided with the influence of the religion.

I thought the Philippines had more Muslims. It's really interesting to know that they have more Christian faithful.

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

Except that a nation is truly secular, religion plays a significant role in almost every social issue. The reason why gambling is restricted in some Middle Eastern and North African countries is because of the Islamic religion.

The government should be inclusive and the right to worship of every citizen should be upheld.  People should have the choice of deciding to gamble or not since the constitution doesn't restrict it. Sadly in politics and government,  the views or beliefs of the majority always influence policies and programmes.

[bubilas]

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

I have seen many interviews with addicted gamblers and these are always sad stories. But as a rule, these are lonely people. When someone would be truly addicted and at the same time have a family - this is a rare case, more like an exception. Nevertheless, this also happens and it is terrible when there are children who do not receive enough attention from their parents and money issues are not resolved either. And although such cases are few, this is always bad and unacceptable. Therefore, I always recommend that those who have the status of both a parent and a spouse do not get carried away with gambling, devoting only a limited amount of time and attention to this activity.

[Fortify]

If you do not know, Philippines is heavily Catholic. 85 million individuals are Catholics in The Philippines and that makes up 78.8% of the country. A lot of the laws and beliefs in the country are influenced by the Catholic church. Even matters like divorce and LGBT rights are decided with the influence of the religion.

Now that gambling is booming in the country, it is expected that the Catholic church will intervene. The Philippine Church has described this as "a deepening crisis in the country" and is sounding the alarm about a social and cultural scourge that is destroying the lives of young people and entire families.

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

In my experience religion is full of hypocrites and liars, this applies to all countries where the leaders use it heavily to control the people. Islam is possibly the worst for this, because most of the other wise reaching ones have mellowed a bit over time. These sort of activities just become targets for distraction when a leader has screwed up and needs to divert attention on to something else, they can gain favor with powerful and (ironically) rich religious institutions who will tell their followers to support any candidate who works with them. It's all one big con trick and it would be better if religious influence was removed from any laws governing a country, because it is often regressive instead of progressive.

[Z-tight]

Religious leaders can address issues they think is important in the society, and if they think a change is necessary, they will speak in support of that change. However, it is the role of the government to effect change and if they see no reason to, they wouldn't, in countries or states were gambling is banned, such law was imposed by the government. I have nothing against gambling because i gamble myself, but i always recommend responsible gambling.

[mak013]

If you do not know, Philippines is heavily Catholic. 85 million individuals are Catholics in The Philippines and that makes up 78.8% of the country. A lot of the laws and beliefs in the country are influenced by the Catholic church. Even matters like divorce and LGBT rights are decided with the influence of the religion.

Now that gambling is booming in the country, it is expected that the Catholic church will intervene. The Philippine Church has described this as "a deepening crisis in the country" and is sounding the alarm about a social and cultural scourge that is destroying the lives of young people and entire families.

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

Obviously, we should respect everybody, not only the religion.
In my country, church talks too much and even there are laws, that protect feelings of the believers. But there are no any laws that protect atheist from believers for example.
My opinion that church can tell what they want, but the laws mustn`t follow churchs` words. If government would decide to ban the gambling - it would be ok. If the gambling would be ban because churchman said to do it - it would be awful.

[rachael9385]

If you do not know, Philippines is heavily Catholic. 85 million individuals are Catholics in The Philippines and that makes up 78.8% of the country. A lot of the laws and beliefs in the country are influenced by the Catholic church. Even matters like divorce and LGBT rights are decided with the influence of the religion.

Now that gambling is booming in the country, it is expected that the Catholic church will intervene. The Philippine Church has described this as "a deepening crisis in the country" and is sounding the alarm about a social and cultural scourge that is destroying the lives of young people and entire families.

Obviously, we should respect the religion and the beliefs upheld but what about those who are not Catholic and would wish to continue to gamble? Does religion have the right to be included in conversations regarding gambling if their beliefs cloud their judgement?

Who makes the laws of a country? Is it the government or religious leaders? The church shouldn't have anything to do with what should be accepted in a country. First of all religion is a choice, everyone has their own perspective to life and what why believe in. This seems like they are imposing their own ideas and believes on others which isn't really making any sense to me. religion doesn't have a say in this