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Playing Poker With LDS Friends? - Page 5

Card games using face cards have always been discouraged by past church leaders. I don't recall anything new or recent mentioning this but it is better to stay away from the ledge and be safe rather than be on the edge wondering if you're safe. I personally will not participate in any poker or face card game.

Friends LDS Poker Playing

Whoa! Who are you to judge this man? All I hear from you is self-righteousness. How dare you say he is lost! And another thing, whoever it was that said the face cards were designed to mock Jesus, Mary and Joseph and all that, that is just mindless dribble. The cards' exact origins aren't certain, but when, in the 14th century, the use of playing cards spread from the Marmelukes in Egypt into Europe, they had no face cards. In the 15th century, Europeans altered the "court" cards to represent royalty, a King, a Queen and a Knight. As simple as that; no evil involve. And as far as I know, it is the act of gambling that is forbidden, not socializing with family and friends through the utilization of playing cards. There is absolutely nothing wrong with playing cards. And "appearance of evil" is a pretty vague statement that can be construed to fit anyone's agenda.

Playing Poker With LDS Friends? Studies Doctrine Mormon

Dear paratrooper, I said he "may" be lost. Aren't we all at some point or another? I was not judging him my brother. As a matter of fact if you read my post carefully you would see that I tried to show my genuine concern and love for him. No need to get upset.

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Did you read the statement by an Apostle of the Lord that lds_forever posted in page 1 of this thread? I think the quote speak by itself. We're commanded to follow the counsel of our leaders and in this case it is an Apostle of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is speaking. It is enough for me. I hope it is enough for you as well.

God bless.

Page 5 Friends LDS Poker Playing

I most certainly did. And it, in no uncertain terms, states directly that Elder Widtsoe feels that playing cards is a waste of time when played too much. Indulging in many activities to excess would essentially turn into a waste of time. Anything not directly prohibited by the General Authorities falls under the "Moderation in all Things" clause. And remember that everything has it's rightful, legitimate purpose and can be misused for evil purposes; just like how a knife can be use to slice a tomato or someone's throat or how cocaine can be used as a local anesthetic during rhinoplasty or can be snorted in large quantities to obtain a high. It's all in how these normally innocuous tools are wielded and manipulated to accomplish the evil whims inside man. Which brings me to my next point, evil is in man, not in playing cards. The playing cards are not inherently evil; they are simply paper with drawings on them used for entertainment. The evil of card playing comes not from the cards, but from man and how he utilizes them. There is nothing evil about a game of "Go Fish!" or even a game of poker when not gambling. Card playing has it's time and place.I don't normally play cards, because I, too, believe it to be a waste of time, but on several occasions, while I was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, I found it very comforting to pass the time bonding with my buddies over a game of cards to while we "hurry up and wait". A small deck of cards is a very convenient tool to help keep your sanity when you can't bring much with you other than your weapon and equipment. In my eyes, this is a perfect example, among countless others, where playing cards is totally acceptable and being used in it's time and place.

You most certainly did infer that he was lost. And yes we all are at some point or another, as you just "may" be right now. I see your facade of love, yes I do, and it is annoying, to say the least. Your judgements of others have no place here. Please refrain from bringing others down and belittling them. Your comment on the state of his soul has nothing to do with whether LDS members playing poker is good or bad. Be careful of that, please. It's offensive and you have no right to do it.

Friends LDS Poker Playing

I was referring to Elder Oaks's statement:

I suppose we can rationalize or make our own interpretation on his words, that's the wonderful gift of free agency.

Rather off topic, but...
It is sad to see your assumptions about my feelings and concern towards another brother in Christ simply because you don't know me. However, I hold no malice against you. May God bless you always.

Playing Poker With LDS Friends?

I understand that Elder Oak's statement is a strong one, but is DOES leave room for interpretation. No General Authority has said that the church prohibits card playing in a clear and concise manner. Example: "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints hereby declares the use of playing cards in any way, shape or form by anyone is a pastime that absolutely should not be practiced and is deemed a transgression in the eyes of the Lord". No, instead, it's "has come under condemnation"(Elder Oaks), "We hope LDS will not use"(Elder Kimball) or "another opportunity to waste precious hours"(Elder Widtsoe). In fact, if you read Elder widtsoe's entire statement, you'll find he seems to actually condone some card playing.

Granted, if you desire to go above and beyond, don't play card games, although, it is not a sin and will not keep you out of the Temple. So, how bad is card playing really? Obviously, it's not that big of an issue. I wouldn't fret over seeing LDS members playing cards, but I would have an issue with them gambling, while on the same token, it probably wouldn't be any business of mine to preach to them and tell them to stop. We know better.

Playing Poker LDS Friends - Page 5

Well I suppose that's where we choose to whether or not we want to hearken to the counsel of our Prophets, Seers and Revelators. For me, just the fact Elder Oaks said card playing has "come unto condemnation" (condemnation is a pretty strong word) and is obviously frown upon, we shouldn't have to wonder what kind of interpretation should be given to his words, they're clear. May those who have eyes, see; and those who have ears, hear.

According to you. It is not the same view held by Apostles and Prophets of the Lord as quoted above, they clearly said it has come under condemnation and I think that's what really matters in the end. If we follow their counsel, we will find peace and happiness. They're the mouthpieces of the Lord on Earth and if they say playing cards is under condemnation we should humble ourselves and follow their inspired counsel.

Playing Poker LDS Friends Mormon Doctrine Studies - Page 5

OK, first of all, Elder Oaks said "has come under condemnation", not unto. Secondly, if you read the statement carefully, you will notice that Elder Oaks is illustrating the fact that since playing cards are so closely related to gambling, people in general have created a sense of condemnation of card playing altogether. He did not say that the church forbids it. And, paraphrasing Elder Widtsoe, the notion that card playing is evil is an antiquated concept. Therefore, in our modern age, the use of playing cards needed to be revised and has been found to be a beneficial recreational tool for mankind to use for the purpose of unwinding at the end of the day, for example. And that they are seldom used to excess and seldom used for gambling, in the grand scheme of things. As I understand the General Authorities, it is OK to use playing cards, but like drinking Coca-Cola, is something for the individual to decide whether or not they want to indulge in.