The Other Side of the Coin

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN

There is always controversy when moral and monetary issues surface.  Shawnee is no exception.  The Shawnee Area Ministers Association which is made up of a variety of denominations has met and discussed the issue of gaming in the city limits.  Reports were heard of the effects such places have had elsewhere and the impact potentially on the city of Shawnee.  Understanding the traditional arguments of economy, how other cities are benefitting, fear of religious control, verses, “it’s my own business what I do!” and it will probably happen anyway; still the coin should be viewed from both sides.  Hence, the unpopular, unpleasant and sometimes critical work of clergy to speak out on such concerns.

There is perhaps no greater desire than to hear cash registers ringing with more money for education, roads, prisons and public projects.  But will it happen?  Has it been proven elsewhere?  New Mexico reports that for every dollar earned on gaming, ten dollars is spent on police, poverty assistance, addiction recovery and other social concerns tied to gambling.  In fact, a local news station (channel 9) ran a probe of such things and found that 5% of the state of New Mexico was now addicted to some form of gambling.

Webster’s defines gambling or “gamble” as to take a risk, bet something of value on an outcome or event, a game of chance etc.  To take a risk to obtain a desired result; or any risky, uncertain venture.”  Notice how many times the word risk is used.  It’s not like a stock market investment at all.  But I realize most are offended by the moral and Biblical position as we ministers have become travel agents for guilt trips.  Yet, it is our duty to speak out on such issues, since churches are a part of Shawnee and our parishners are in the same community.  I’m fully aware that there are strong and differing opinions on such matters with emotions running high.  Pens stand ready to respond to the spiritual and civic consensus of our collective position.

We may never return to the old days of Downtown Shawnee but it can be beautiful, better and family friendly in the future.  Do we want to risk all of that future?  Some cities have rebounded with great results that strike pride in the community.  What, then is Shawnee’s identity to the state, America, the world, as our sister city in Japan looks on?  Is it possible to gamble on residents of Shawnee for safety and future character for perhaps a short-lived financial gain?  We do have a voice - don’t we?

The Apostle James wrote, “anyone then, who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it, sins...”  (James 4:17).  Historically the clergy has been the unpopular voice of reason and call to return to God.  Please clergy, concerned citizens, politicians and city leaders, turn the coin over, hear the other side.  It spends just as well.  Our young people wear a bracelet entitled, “WWJD”, which stands for “What Would Jesus Do?”, certainly worth thinking about in times like these.  Our collective voice is NO GAMING in the city limits of Shawnee.

Pastor Larry D. Sparks

New Beginning Church, Shawnee

5/11/04