Christians and the state lottery

[Guest man]

Why do people gamble?

I would like an honest answer.

"Because it's fun" or "to pass the time" are not answers.

I would really like to know.

Why do people gamble?

[Ddavid from NC]

Why do people gamble?

I would like an honest answer.

"Because it's fun" or "to pass the time" are not answers.

I would really like to know.

Why do people gamble?

The dream they will get lucky and get something they don't have to earn? According, to expose on winners and where are they now, it's often tragic what happens...

[Vickilynn]

Why do people gamble?

I would like an honest answer.

"Because it's fun" or "to pass the time" are not answers.

I would really like to know.

Why do people gamble?

Shalom man,

"Because it's fun" or "to pass the time."

And yes, they are answers.

Entertainment.

The hope of winning.

Different reasons for different folks.

[irishcowboy]

if a person is not coveting the money, or the prize that is to be given away, why are they doing it?

if the church fellowship is having a "fundraiser" why not just petition the congregation to increase the amount they give, rather then buy lottery tickets..... some one buys something, and gives it to the church, then the church raffles it off.... sometimes it is actually given away for less then what the original purchase price was of the donated item.... why not just give the money instead of buying something to donate? makes more sense.....

covettness is more like the real reason.....

if a person plays bingo for fellowship, that is not true either, for there is not much talking going on.... believe me, if you talk too much during a bingo game, you get SHHHUUUSSSSHHHHED real fast.....

if a person wishes to gamble, go for it, beware though, if you HIT IT BIG on welfare money, you will loose it and have to pay welfare back.... as the lady in Baxter Springs Kansas is doing......

covettness

mike

[Guest man]

1 Corinthians 10:31

31So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Now, THAT'S funny!

Matthew 12:37

[Smalcald]

Why not open some government run cathouses and tax them to benefit the schools if we are just going to do anything to raise some money?

there are some of the gambling establishments in this area, that have rooms for rent..... yep, this is true.... a lady will rent one for the evening, and then she has it to do with as she pleases.......

this is no joke.....

mike

Yes I do believe you.

The environment of big time gambling, the casino's in Vegas and Atlantic City and the Indian reservations, the floating casinos in the gulf and on the Mississippi and elsewhere promote a society and culture of sin, it is simply about "revelries" as Paul would call it, partying in today's wording. I do think lotteries although certainly not as bad play right into this culture, it normalizes this behavior. At one time Christians would not have even been debating about lotteries, they were seen as obviously bad, but we have become desensitized.

Look at the whole Las Vegas city funded advertising campaign, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!" Usually the commercials have some sort of guy or women cheating on their spouse etc. The whole thing is rotten to the core.

[jackie d]

Exactly. What may be a temptation to sin for one, is not for another. We, as individual Christians must seek the L-rd and ask if this is an area of potential lack of self control or sin in our lives. For some it is definitely. For some it is not.

true, but I think that the topic of gambling and state lotteries just might be an area where we consider if our beliefs/personal convictions may or may not cause a stumbling block for the "weaker" Christian...

Shalom Jackie,

I'm answering this because someone might REALLY be helped by this answer and isn't just looking for a place to throw a barb.

Yes, if a Christian was playing the State Lottery and they knew that someone was offended and would stumble, the Christian's responsibility would be to lay down their freedom in deference of the one who would be offended. That is what the Scriptures say and we are to obey or we are disobeying G-d.

And if someone will NOT lay it down, they might consider that it has become an idol in their life, which G-d abhors. This applies to anything that we refuse to lay down for our brother.

OMG talk about judging!! I was totally 100% sincere!

thanks Vickilynn

[EricH]

I have never done it, but only because I understand the odds and realize it is a wast of money for most of us

Shalom Eric,

Yeah, what do they say? Your odds of winning the lottery are LESS than the chances of getting hit by lighnting - TWICE??

But still, SOMEBODY is gonna win, right?

That person just never seems to be me

Shalom Eric,

That's 'cuz you don't play!! How can you win unless you play?

hee hee

[EricH]

Exactly. What may be a temptation to sin for one, is not for another. We, as individual Christians must seek the L-rd and ask if this is an area of potential lack of self control or sin in our lives. For some it is definitely. For some it is not.

true, but I think that the topic of gambling and state lotteries just might be an area where we consider if our beliefs/personal convictions may or may not cause a stumbling block for the "weaker" Christian...

Shalom Jackie,

I'm answering this because someone might REALLY be helped by this answer and isn't just looking for a place to throw a barb.

Yes, if a Christian was playing the State Lottery and they knew that someone was offended and would stumble, the Christian's responsibility would be to lay down their freedom in deference of the one who would be offended. That is what the Scriptures say and we are to obey or we are disobeying G-d.

And if someone will NOT lay it down, they might consider that it has become an idol in their life, which G-d abhors. This applies to anything that we refuse to lay down for our brother.

OMG talk about judging!! I was totally 100% sincere!

I guess it is true that the things we accuse other people of we find we are guilty of ourselves...thanks Vickilynn.

Saints, please keep this on the topic and off of personalities. Thanks

[Guest Biblicist]

Why do people gamble?

I would like an honest answer.

"Because it's fun" or "to pass the time" are not answers.

I would really like to know.

Why do people gamble?

Why do people go to the movies, out to eat, pay for cable to watch television? I guess you could ask the same of any activity that causes us to spend money on "unnecessary" things.

Why do people go window shopping, because they wish to covet things they can not get? Is that sinful too? Maybe they just go to pass the time and because it's fun to dream. Oh, wait, is dreaming wrong too?

That sounds cynical, I'm sorry.

There are plenty of activities that we do every day that could be considered sinful/wrong/unChristian.