does anyone else think this about daniel?

[Randy Reed 0]

First off, I have been playing HoldEm for about a year now and have read tons of books and love the TV shows and all. I read cardplayer and love to find out about all the successful players. I'm sure we all have our favorites we root for much like golf tourneys and other sports. I was always impressed with Daniel and his play. He seems to have an inate sense at the table for reading hands. I like his composure and fun natured attitude as well. With that said, I loved it when I happened across this site. I find it really cool that he takes the time to interact and post his daily blog and all. If anyone is aspiring to eventually be a poker player professionaly, he kinda gives you the blueprint in a sense, besides the sheer entertainment value of it. So I was floored when I read his blog today. By actually addressing the ill-natured posts that was roaming around this forum was admirable and well, just down right one of the coolest things I've read in years. So Danel, I don't know where you were back then, and your right, you can't change the past. But you sure as hell have an awesome grip on the future. Many people could learn alot from you, even when the dreaded fe arises, lol.

[Guest]

daniel is a great role model for upcoming poker players. i would be really interested to hear his view on Christianity and gambling.

[Tritz 0]

I never though about that, The pope says gambling is wrong doesn't he?I am not sure?

[Guest]

I never though about that, The pope says gambling is wrong doesn't he?I am not sure?

many christians believe gambling is a sin, but it doesnt cleary state anywhere in the Bible that it is.

[Greentvdinner 0]

many christians believe gambling is a sin, but it doesnt cleary state anywhere in the Bible that it is.

There is a verse that describes people casting lots at the foot of Jesus' cross for his clothing. Many Christians use this as proof that gambling is wrong. They overlook that the disciples also cast lots to decide who should replace Judas Iscariat after he commited suicide. Others use Jesus' quote "The love of money is a root of all sins". I find this stretching it a little. The fact of the matter is, if you have a faith and are wondering what to do, you should pray and seek guidance. Ask your clergy or read up on it.While I agree it would be interesting to see what Daniel has to say about it, it is a decision we must all make for ourselves.

[LuckyDevil 0]

many christians believe gambling is a sin, but it doesnt cleary state anywhere in the Bible that it is.

There is a verse that describes people casting lots at the foot of Jesus' cross for his clothing. Many Christians use this as proof that gambling is wrong. They overlook that the disciples also cast lots to decide who should replace Judas Iscariat after he commited suicide. Others use Jesus' quote "The love of money is a root of all sins". I find this stretching it a little. The fact of the matter is, if you have a faith and are wondering what to do, you should pray and seek guidance. Ask your clergy or read up on it.While I agree it would be interesting to see what Daniel has to say about it, it is a decision we must all make for ourselves.

Well said!

[Guest]

many christians believe gambling is a sin, but it doesnt cleary state anywhere in the Bible that it is.

There is a verse that describes people casting lots at the foot of Jesus' cross for his clothing. Many Christians use this as proof that gambling is wrong. They overlook that the disciples also cast lots to decide who should replace Judas Iscariat after he commited suicide. Others use Jesus' quote "The love of money is a root of all sins". I find this stretching it a little. The fact of the matter is, if you have a faith and are wondering what to do, you should pray and seek guidance. Ask your clergy or read up on it.While I agree it would be interesting to see what Daniel has to say about it, it is a decision we must all make for ourselves.

very well said. i personally believe that spending money to play poker is no worse than any other form of entertainment, such as going to see a movie or something. the only way i feel that its wrong is if someone is unable to support their family because they are wasting all their money on gambling. other than that, if one can win at poker and make a profit, or simply spend only what they would spend on any other form of entertainment, then there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. thats just my opinion tho. =)

[inanevoyage 0]

Being a Christian is a gamble in itself, in the right light.Besides, who here honestly thinks poker is gambling?

[DanielNegreanu 141]

I've been asked this question so many times in private e-mails that I think it's about time I address it here at the forum. I often have people ask me how I justify what I do and maintain my beliefs. Well,as another poster pointed out there is nothing in the Bible says that anything about gambling being a sin. Personally I think anything you do that becomes an obession can be sinful- eating too much, drinking too much, becoming obsessed with money, etc. As long as poker doesn't interfere with your relationship with God I don't see a problem with it. If you put gambling before God that would be a problem. If gambling is destroying your family, I see that as a problem I often get the argument that what I do isn't Godly, i.e. taking other peoples money. What endeavor or business would this not be true? You open a restaurant, that's a gamble. You get married, that's a gamble. You invest in the stock market, well we all know that's a gamble! I make my living by being better than my opponents at a game. Shaquille O'Neal does the same thing. He makes millions of dollars because he is better than hs opponents. Does he take money from people directly? Not exactly, but indirectly he does. He's the best player on his team and makes more money than they do. If other teammates improve their play they'll make more money. There are a million similar anologies you could use. Get a promotion at a company because you work harder than other employees. .. etc. It's not sinful to be rich. In fact in the Bible it states that some will have more than others. It's sinful to obssess about money and make it your God... I don't think I do that. Having said all that I do feel a moral obligation to use the gift I was given in a positive way. Whether it be to make a difference in someone's life or to aid those less fortunate.

[mavthrill 0]

Well put Daniel, you logic was very sound.

[theresa113 0]

Very well said Daniel.I was raised Catholic and we always gamble (hence the Bingo Halls) so playing poker has never been a moral issue for me. Anything in excess lies the problem. Love God, love mankind, love yourself and hopefully everything will be OK.Anyway... I did chuckle at this...

You get married, that's a gamble.

Marraige is definately the biggest gamble out there!

[Wilderness 0]

I think that's a good, logical way to look at it.

Well,as another poster pointed out there is nothing in the Bible says that anything about gambling being a sin. Personally I think anything you do that becomes an obession can be sinful- eating too much, drinking too much, becoming obsessed with money, etc.

That's well said, and something that I think most people tend to overlook. Its not usually a specific activity or game that is the cause of any problems, its when people become obsessed, addicted, and risk things that they need or can't lose. And people can become obsessed and addicted to just about anything.

[Randy Reed 0]

It's kinda funny, but my mom is very religous and is on me about gambling, (poker) all the time, she's 77, lol. Anyway the other day, I told her it can't be against God's will, since he gambled. I had to remind her of the story where Job was the most dedicated person and happy and wealthy, and an angel asked God offered up that he might not be so dedicated if he was poor and illa etc. So God "bet" the angel that he wouldn't waver in his faith if things weren't so well for him. The story gets kinda ugly from there, with the angel killing his children and ruining his life and all, and Job didn't waver in his faith either. But the fact remains, God "bet". So if it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me, lol.Daniel, you couldn't have put it any better.

[rkard 0]

I'm a god damned sinner and I love money, yeeehaaw. I'm not gonna prance around it, lots of money is great. I'm not gonna thank god for anything I accomplish. I'm not going thank god for shooowing me the way when I do good! Nah, it's all me baby. I'm self spirtual, yeaah, that's my belief.Can't blame someone who's had infinite success in life to be looking for some sort of higher being to thank. Personally, if I ever win POTY I'll probably just make my own religion up which will be tailored for my needs. I'll call it Pokerslamity,

[Randy Reed 0]

Dude, that reply, in and of itself show why you will never be a great pker player. No one that stupid could post that. OOps, forgot, this iss the friendly board. Let me profer this, think about what you say and write before you do it. Poker is not a religon, it's a gaame or to some a job or form of enjoyment or whatever, but no religon.

[BigMike 0]

After reading Daniels blog and finding out thata) He is a Christian poker player and B) Loves Scrabblehe has gone from being my one of my favorite pros to my all time favoritest pro ever.However, "fe" is not an acceptable word in Scrabble, at least not in OSPD3, so he may have gotten hustled.

[Sindri 0]

I never though about that, The pope says gambling is wrong doesn't he?I am not sure?

many christians believe gambling is a sin, but it doesnt cleary state anywhere in the Bible that it is.

I've seen Daniel play. He's NOT gambling but charging other players for the privilage of playing with him. Therefore, he is a business man and not gambling hence free of sin. :wink:

[muckrake 0]

Just thought I would throw in my 2 cents.. I find it funny that anyone would chastise rkard for his comments. He did not say anything to anyone here about not believing in what they choose. He just stated his opinion, which is that he does not believe in any higher power, but rather believes that his accomplishments are all based on his own abliities. Just because his opinion is unpopular with some (or many) of those here does not mean that you need to be critical of him.Personally I tend to agree as I do not hold any religious belief. I understand how his comments may have come across as harsh, but they where also refreshing to read that someone was not posting more of the same (always agreeing with everything).. Regardless of Daniels religious beliefs I like him as a poker player and think he appears to be a decent person. His religion is a personal choice for him and does not cause me to dislike him or write negativley about him because we disagree.So I would say please allow him to speak his mind as all of the others posting here where allowed to speak theirs.

[elkang 0]

As a former (Protestant) pastor let me add that much of the objection is due to the other unsavory elements of a gambling scene. On examination, poker is very different from playing craps or blackjack, but shares the same gambling scene. Though it is hard to make a hard rule about poker, it is not hard to extend a protective fence of sorts to protect people from its potential danger. I can provide or respond to various arguments on a more detailed level if anyone cares.Personally, I think that scene is one of the better ones for Christians to be involved with. Some of my friends laugh when they see the churches right next to the casino and strip club while I think its very appropriate. I read that Doyle helps put people in contact with a good group that helps with spiritual and other life matters. Anyway, I feel poker is a great game that is analogous to life and all religions speak to life issues.Poker is cleaning up a lot and becoming more and more public mainstream. There will always be people labeled as sinners and saints, and we are a diverse group on this forum, so let's avoid condemnation for the sake of this community. Such critique or judgement should be reserved for those within your local community and church - not to other forum members.

[Suited_Up 2]

Just thought I would throw in my 2 cents.. I find it funny that anyone would chastise rkard for his comments.  He did not say anything to anyone here about not believing in what they choose.  He just stated his opinion, which is that he does not believe in any higher power, but rather believes that his accomplishments are all based on his own abliities.  Just because his opinion is unpopular with some (or many) of those here does not mean that you need to be critical of him.Personally I tend to agree as I do not hold any religious belief.  I understand how his comments may have come across as harsh, but they where also refreshing to read that someone was not posting more of the same (always agreeing with everything)..  Regardless of Daniels religious beliefs I like him as a poker player and think he appears to be a decent person.  His religion is a personal choice for him and does not cause me to dislike him or write negativley about him because we disagree.So I would say please allow him to speak his mind as all of the others posting here where allowed to speak theirs.

I don't want to go on and on... but just wanted to say I agree.

[ddudley 0]

I never though about that, The pope says gambling is wrong doesn't he?I am not sure?

The Pope also says using a condom is wrong.

[Randy Reed 0]

Ok since those those were directed at me, I feel the need to respond. I am actually an athiest. To many that word is shocking and most have the wrong idea what an athiest is. But, without getting to involved let's just say that I believe my moral values are in synch with most religons. Don't cheat on your wife, don't steal, don't be obsessive etc. That's nothing that a Christian can believe morally that I can't as well. Because I don't believe in an ultimate creator doesn't mean I'm a bad person.So when I made a derogatory comment about rkards post it wasn't slamming the atheistic nature of the post, it was some of the other comments that I thought were somewhat childish. "i'm a god damned sinner," and i'll make my own religon, "pokerslamity". Now, I don't know about you but I find that arrogant and c-ocky, or just a poor attempt at humor, so if I took offense in the wrong way, let me apologize. I just don't think he got the whole gist of the thread or Daniel's outlook on poker and higher values. Maybe rkard aspires to be more like a Matasow disciple?

[FiveFingerz 0]

First off, I have been playing HoldEm for about a year now and have read tons of books and love the TV shows and all.  I read cardplayer and love to find out about all the successful players.  I'm sure we all have our favorites we root for much like golf tourneys and other sports.  I was always impressed with Daniel and his play.  He seems to have an inate sense at the table for reading hands.  I like his composure and fun natured attitude as well.   With that said, I loved it when I happened across this site.  I find it really cool that he takes the time to interact and post his daily blog and all.  If anyone is aspiring to eventually be a poker player professionaly, he kinda gives you the blueprint in  a sense, besides the sheer entertainment value of it.  So I was floored when I read his blog today. By actually addressing the ill-natured posts that was roaming around this forum was admirable and well, just down right one of the coolest things I've read in years.  So Danel, I don't know where you were back then, and your right, you can't change the past.  But you sure as hell have an awesome grip on the future.  Many people could learn alot from you, even when the dreaded fe arises, lol.

I couldn't have said it better myself Awesome player Awesome Person Awsome site .....Now how about some private lessons Daniel? Please.....LOL

[KenP 0]

Elkang makes some interesting points. Daniel resides in Vegas a.k.a Sin City with its current advertising stating: What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas.Recently Daniel visited Mike in jail. I think most of us are agreed that Mike was targeted. But what does the situation tell us? Well, most of the people that know him well say that "this isn't Mike" and he was taken advantage of...I don't argue their conclusion. But, it does show that the environment is one that makes one prone toward bad decisions. In such an environment ones weakness become magnified. I am sure I would make more flawed decisions in such an environment--I am a sinner and a flawed human being...as are we all. I think Daniel is making good, centered decisions. But, he operates in a dangerous environment and observes activities that challange his standards on a frequent basis. He is responsible for his responses and they are difficult decisions.I am grateful that my nickle-dime on-line play doesn't place me in that atmosphere. But, even in my world there are addictive aspects which could challange my ethos. Gambling and a host of activities are not the problem; we can be the problem. And that is a personal responsibility we address every day. Vegas/poker just tend to magnify the human condition.

[rkard 0]

Dude, that reply, in and of itself show why you will never be a great pker player.  No one that stupid could post that.  OOps, forgot, this iss the friendly board.  Let me profer this, think about what you say and write before you do it.  Poker is not a religon, it's a gaame or to some a  job or form of enjoyment or whatever, but no religon.

I play poker for a living, do you?Also, if you took all of that seriously you're obviously not a very good reader and will never become a great poker player. My guess is that you're not a professional, then again you didn't realize that I was. Ha.. haa.yawn.