The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Lottery

Perhaps this has been asked before; if so, please forgive me. I was wondering about the lottery and have a couple of questions for you all.

1) Does it violate scripture to play the lottery?

2) Does it violate scripture to use govt. money funded by the lottery, such as our Georgia's HOPE scholarship for college tuition? This is money given for tuition to college kids who maintain a B average. You do not have to play the lottery to qualify.

Please weigh in with your views.

Thanks,


Jacy

The subject of lotteries and gambling have been discussed here before, but that's fine. It was quite some time back and it's probably good to discuss it again.

I am of the opinion that gambling and lotteries, which I deem synonymous are contrary to Scripture. They are taking money which God has commanded us to use as good stewards, since all things are given us by His loving providence. Using that money with the hopes that "good luck" will befall you both denies that God is the sovereign giver of all things, resting on "chance" to provide you with more money. And, it is not in keeping with good stewardship.

I think not since the government uses mostly tax dollars to fund many things which are contrary to Scripture. Government lotteries are simply another sinful practice to raise money to fund the many immoral and frivolous programs. THEY are responsible for how they spend their money. IF they spend it wisely then this is good. That unbelievers spend their money (see above) on lotteries is not our concern, IMHO, although there might be exceptions which I at the moment haven't given time to think through.

In His grace,

Jacy,
Playing the lottery does violate scriptual principals.It can be highly addictive.I've seen this personally in the last year with a young man that works for me.He nearly lost his wife and family by hiding his losses and draining their bank account over a period of months.

Just visit a "convenience store on any Friday afternoon and see who it is that purchases the tickets.The ones least able to afford the losses are the ones who are spending the most.Pick up one of the many stubs that are thrown on the ground and look at the odds.They are astronomical!

1Cor.4:2 "Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful."

Thank you both for your replies. I do think that playing the lottery goes against everything the scripture teaches us about being good stewards and the warnings about looking for gain without working and honestly labouring for it - the "get rich quick" mentality. What I find more complex, however, is the issue of using the proceeds from the lottery for ourselves. I was taught that it was wrong to accept this govt. money for HOPE scholarships, but I don't see where scripture cooberates that view. I think if someone is foolish enough to throw away their money on something wrong and with such astronomical odds, there's no reason I can't receive the profits offered from it. Like you said, Pilgrim, their foolish choices are not our concern. These misguided, greedy people funding my child's college education is no different from the govt. funding anything else I need, like good roads, law enforcement, fire protection, etc.

Yes, Sojourner, it is so sad to see that the people who spend money on the lottery are those who can least afford it.

I see no Scriptural basis for refusing money from even the most corrupt of civil magistrates unless there are "strings attached" which require you to commit some sin in exchange for the money.

-R

There are no strings attached; the only requirements are for the student to be enrolled in a Ga. public college/university and maintain a 3.0.

Actually, I now look upon this as a blessing and provision from God in supplying a need for our family.