A Christian Reflection on the Dangers of Sports Betting

Gambling, ,

In recent years, sports betting has expanded across America, and it’s mostly been promoted as harmless entertainment — or even an easy source of state tax revenue. But a growing body of research shows sports betting carries serious social costs. Christians need to understand what is at stake when it comes to gambling on sports.

The National Council on Problem Gambling reports that “the rate of gambling problems among sports bettors is at least twice as high as among gamblers in general.” When sports gambling is conducted online, that rate is goes higher.

Sports betting also hurts communities. Research has shown a strong connection between gambling problems and higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Families often suffer when a loved one is ensnared by gambling problems. That’s bad for everybody.

Scripture warns that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Sports betting thrives on greed.

Christians have a responsibility to care about our neighbors enough to oppose sports betting and the harm that it causes. We also need to promote contentment, integrity, and holy living. Otherwise, problem gambling will simply hurt more and more innocent people in our communities.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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A Christian Reflection on the Dangers of Marijuana and THC

Marijuana,

Marijuana and drugs made from THC have spread across the nation, and marijuana’s supporters often say these products are completely harmless. But the evidence tells a very different story.

Marijuana can damage adolescent brains — resulting in permanent loss in IQ, difficulty thinking and problem-solving, reduced coordination, and increased risk of psychosis.

High-potency marijuana can trigger serious mental health problems.

One recent study found nearly half of drivers killed in car accidents had THC levels well above legal DUI limits. Another found car crashes increase in states where recreational marijuana is legal.

Medical marijuana has failed to live up to its promises. Researchers writing in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that “evidence is insufficient for the use of cannabis or cannabinoids for most medical indications.” Even worse, the study revealed that 29% of people using marijuana for “medical” purposes actually developed cannabis use disorder — meaning they became dependent or addicted.

Scripture reminds us to be sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8) and not allow ourselves to be dominated by anything (1 Corinthians 6:12). Marijuana and THC are not harmless. They can enslave the mind and dull discernment.

Christians have a responsibility to speak the truth about these dangers, offer support for those struggling with addiction, and teach that true peace and healing ultimately come from Christ.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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Research Reminds Us Marriage Still Matters

Marriage,

A recent study from Barna reveals that fewer Americans are getting married today, but most still believe marriage is important and they want to get married someday.

According to Barna, only 46% of U.S. adults are currently married, down from two-thirds in 1950. The decline largely seems to be due to people waiting longer to marry. The average age for first marriage has risen since 1950. Men now marry at 30, on average, and women marry at age 28 – 29.

The good news is most unmarried adults still want to get married. Among Gen Z, 81% say they value marriage, and 78% hope to marry someday. So while cultural attitudes may be changing, marriage is a deeply desired goal for most Americans.

Barna also found that divorce rates have remained steady, with about 18% of adults reporting they’ve been divorced and more than half of divorced adults reporting that they have remarried.

One concerning trend is the growing acceptance of cohabitation. Barna noted that 58% of all adults—including 42% of practicing Christians—now say it’s “wise” to live together before marriage.

That’s troubling, because cohabitation creates relationships that are less happy and less healthy, and children with a married mother and father are less likely to live in poverty.

Married couples, on the other hand, report more satisfaction across the board than cohabiting couples, and marriage is also broadly connected with better health and wellbeing. 

Family Council has written repeatedly about the rising percentage of Arkansans who have “never married.”

The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2010 American Community Survey found that 17% of men and 12.6% of women ages 35-44 had never married. By 2024, those percentages had increased to 25.6% of men and 18.7% of women.

Overall, married Arkansans dropped from 51% of the population in 2010 to 49.8% in 2024.

Cohabitation could be one explanation for the rising percentage of Arkansans who have never married, but the data isn’t clear.

Despite cultural changes, Americans—including young people—still believe marriage matters. That’s good news for Arkansas’ families and churches who understand that strong marriages are the key to building strong communities.

Articles appearing on this website are written with the aid of Family Council’s researchers and writers.

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