Edunity: Kajian Ilmu Sosial dan Pendidikan
Vol. 5 No. 8 (2026): Edunity: Social and Educational Studies

Politely Communicating that Online Gambling is Forbidden According to The Biblical Perspective Among Employees in Poipet, Cambodia

Fetrie JL Maramis (Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Gobal Glow Indonesia)
Herry Budi Yosef (Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Gobal Glow Indonesia)
Kiki Daely (Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Gobal Glow Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Aug 2026

Abstract

Online gambling has become a global crisis affecting various levels of society, including migrant workers in Poipet, Cambodia, a city developed into a Southeast Asian hub for the online gambling industry. Many Indonesian and local Christian employees work in this sector, creating complex ethical and spiritual dilemmas. This research aims to analyze a polite yet firm communication strategy for conveying biblical messages about the prohibition of online gambling among employees in Poipet. Using qualitative methods with a case study and discourse analysis approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 Christian employees, participatory observation in local church communities, and theological document studies. The findings reveal that online gambling in Poipet is not merely viewed as employment but has become a lifestyle threatening faith integrity. Biblical principles such as the prohibition of greed (Colossians 3:5), the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10), and warnings against the bondage of lust affirm that online gambling contradicts Kingdom values. Theologians argue that gambling, in any form, undermines honest work and promotes reliance on "luck," which constitutes idolatry. Effective communication approaches include personalized pastoral care, everyday language, and safe small group discussions. Polite, empathetic, non-judgmental communication proves more effective in raising awareness than confrontational methods. This research contributes to developing contextual religious communication models in vulnerable work environments and enriches contemporary Christian ethics. The church and faith communities hold a strategic role in formulating relevant theological narratives and communicating them politely to guard congregants against the snares of online gambling.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Edunity

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Computer Science & IT Economics, Econometrics & Finance Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Social Sciences

Description

Edunity: Kajian Ilmu Sosial dan Pendidikan is a double-blind, open-access peer-reviewed academic journal in social and educational fields. This journal is published monthly by PT. Publikasiku Academic Solution. Edunity: Kajian Ilmu Sosial dan Pendidikan provide a means for ongoing discussion of ...