Poker Cards True Representation

Question

At a Chirtian class that I had taken, they stated that the Poker card deck symbols, King, Queen, etc. were originally designed to represent Satan, Maria the mother of Jesus, and so fourth. Does this true or not or has something?

Answer 1

You've been sold someone's imagination. The earliest face cards we have represent the late Medieval court, just like the cards today:

http://trionfi.com/0/p/10/

The Unter (lower Marshall) counts 11 points, the maid 12, the Ober (upper marshall) 13, the Queen 14 and the King 15.

Moreover, the cards were invented in China, so how could they represent Christian figures?

Answer 2

Some priests, or some teachers of "Christian Classes" expose faithful people to many inaccurate things. For example, I have heard almost the same as you did. "Don't play cards, there are demons in them. It is Satan's work."

Now don't take those people wrong. These people might have good intentions. People who come to churches vary when it comes to education. You might have scientists, you might also have illiterate people among them. What are the odds to be illiterate though? Statistically, the majority of people have less education that others. That is well known for ages. In order to lead people away from harm and danger, you need something that everyone would understand. So tell me, what is easier to say?

A: "Playing cards are an instrument of Satan."

B: "Playing cards and gambling is something that in the long run will make you lose money or your whole wealth. Gambling can be addictive, losing doesn't mean that there are good odds to win next time, and statistically speaking you are more likely to lose than win. Sometimes poker games are set up by many people who cooperate as a gang to take away money from a victim, acting though as rivals. Gambling is something that will give you more problems. Stay away."

A is simple, plain, humble and clear. Passes the message well, if you need to elaborate you will be asked. It is well received by many.

B on the other hand is an approach that might face "friction" against other peoples ego. "Oh! That guy again, Mr Know-it-all saying us what to do and what not to do, just because he is so well literate. I can't stand him."

For that and many other reasons, I have heard a lot, and I mean it, A LOT of nonsense being told around. On extreme cases, some people even create their own mini-cults to preach hate-speech based on inaccurate stuff. That is why you need a well literate preacher around you to help out.

@cmw also gave you a good and honest answer, imho.