Answers to Gospel Questions, p. 94 “Nothing good comes out of card games or games of chance. There are numerous ways in which we may obtain wholesome amusement and recreation which is beneficial to both body and mind. In games where cards are used usually “stakes” are played for, and betting is done. Someone will obtain the “stakes,” but no one really wins, for the one who obtains the “stakes” has lost part of his manhood which is difficult to regain.” — Joseph Fielding Smith, 10th LDS Prophet
Mark 7:7 “Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
While looking for info for an upcoming article I came across our topic today. In light of what Mr. Smith said a few questions are begging to be asked…
1.What does ‘losing part of his manhood’ mean?
2.What happens to females if they play cards?
Lastly…further into the same section Smith quoted Brigham Young who advised members of the Mormon Battalion if they didn’t play cards, they wouldn’t be called upon to shed the blood of their fellow man.
“…They were to take their Bibles and copies of the Book of Mormon with them and study them but not impose their beliefs on others. They were to avoid card playing, and if they had cards with them, they were to burn them. If they would follow this instruction, he promised them that they would not be called on to shed the blood of their fellow men.”
One has to wonder…
What does this mean?
How does this glorify the Lord?
What’s the takeaway on this insight for the average Mormon like my mother?
Why would they need to shed the blood of their fellow men?
Where in the Bible are any of the directives Brigham told these guys they must obey?
The tangled web they weave for themselves is a snare they’ll never escape from if they continue to follow men and not Jesus!
While the LDS reference may seem obscure the Church’s mandates on not playing cards is still intact today. Please pray and ask the Mormon you know for their opinion!
With Love in Christ —
Michelle
[…] Card Playing Brings Loss of Manhood […]
Gin rummy- BAD!
Necromancy- GOOD!
I don’t think the average member even knows this. I’ll be willing to bet one can find a deck of cards in the hall cupboard next to the Monopoly and checker board.
I agree that you’d be able to find cards in a Mormon’s home.
However, this is a hard and fast rule for many in the Church – at least it was for both sides of my family. 😉
Mind you, that never stopped my grandmother’s sister from hosting our weekly Liverpool Rummy sessions on Fridays – as long as the curtains were pulled shut. True story!
My aunt was the RS pres. of her ward and her husband the bishop.
We often talked about what the plans were if someone from the ward unexpectedly dropped in… Oh brother…
has lost part of his manhood which is difficult to regain.”
What part of one’s “manhood” would that be? Inability to have children? Inability to protect family? Hey, Smith/LDS, be specific so I can decide if I want to play cards!
🙂 The things they come up w/ are scary!