By L.A. Williams
Christian Action League
May 31, 2024
Statistics on gambling addiction — 7 million people across the U.S. are problem gamblers, and an estimated 5.5 percent of North Carolina adults are at risk — should give Tar Heel lawmakers pause as they consider opening the door to video lottery terminals and perhaps even more casinos. But if numbers haven’t convinced them of the dangers, maybe a tale of woe is needed.
That’s the thinking behind “The Saga of Eli and the Greed Games,” an allegory penned by the Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League.
Creech emailed an early version of the story to lawmakers last year when he saw the Legislature making more and more egregious decisions regarding gambling, including legalizing sports betting, which began in March. This past week, the CAL hand-delivered a new and improved version of the tale to the Senate that he hopes will hit home. Copies will be sent to the House next week.
The story centers on Eli, a wise and respected policy architect in the Old North Land, who sees the harmful effects of the Greed Games on the vulnerable. Despite the allure of immense profits and the persuasive tactics of those pushing the games, Eli initially stands firm. However, he eventually succumbs to the temptations, rationalizing his support for the Greed Games as potentially beneficial to the Old North Land.
His decision brings suffering and calamity to the people. A sage named Lightbringer confronts Eli, leading him to repent and fight to rid the land of the destructive influence.
Through this tale, the Rev. Creech warns of the perils of gambling and calls for a return to integrity and true prosperity in North Carolina.
“Lawmakers already know many of the talking points when it comes to gambling,” Creech says. “But I’m hopeful that an allegory can help some of them see the issue in a new light, much like the prophet Nathan’s story helped open King David’s eyes to the truth.”
The allegory, just over 700 words, is a five-minute read. Click here to check it out.
