Your example of "life insurance" is simply a very bad example. Why not try another one instead.
It is not a bad example, it is a perfect example. Do you deny that their is a gamble inherent in life insurance?
Ultimately, this comes down to the fact that the term gambling is being used in, at least, two different ways in this discussion.
The more general definition of gambling is simply that of taking a risk. It can be effectively argued, I believe, that Christian living would not exclude all such risk.
A more narrow definition of gambling has to do with gaming (i.e. where you stake resource and obtain a return, either positive or negative, from the results of a game). It is likely that, such activity, which could be characterized as ... playing with your money ... could be considered wasteful and, therefore, would not be an example of good Christian stewardship.
A more narrow definition of gambling has to do with gaming (i.e. where you stake resource and obtain a return, either positive or negative, from the results of a game). It is likely that, such activity, which could be characterized as ... playing with your money ... could be considered wasteful and, therefore, would not be an example of good Christian stewardship.
Some forms appear more to be a "game" and have a more immediate resolution. But someone who trades stock for a hobby is just as much playign a game, as is a spoiled rich person who opens a nightclub or store just for the fun of it.
On the other hand, there are people who earn their living playing poker or blackjack. It's not a game for them.
SD