One reason might be: because of the addictive possibility of gambling.
I would like to view as many {Scriptural} reasons as possible.
2007-05-18 14:40:34 · 12 answers · asked by Paulo 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There are a few reasons.
One is the possibility of addiction as you mentioned.
Another is that gambling is motivated often times by a love of money which is "a root of all evil" and a dangerous distraction for true Christians.
Still another is that often spending money and time in gambling of any sort takes that time and money away from caring for greater responsibilities - to our families, to our congregations, etc.
2007-05-18 14:44:09 · answer #1 · answered by eliz_esc 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry that this is not a direct answer, but wouldn't it be entirely more important to know what a real Christian should do with the winnings of a lottery? Also, doesn't the intent when purchasing the ticket play a larger role? (i.e. do I buy the ticket because *I* want to be rich or do I want the money for a good cause? A good cause in the eyes of god? Do I just want to donate my money to [here in Oregon] the State and Wildlife Service?)
2007-05-18 21:45:54 · answer #2 · answered by Sky 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've never bought a lottery ticket because I think it's a waste of money. Biblical reasons never entered my mind. I don't see it as a gamble, because the odds are so ridiculous that you're almost guaranteed to lose! :o)
2007-05-18 21:44:56 · answer #3 · answered by Iamnotarobot (former believer) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well since lottery money often goes to the school system such an addiction is beneficial to kids and society. And don't forget the CAtholic Bingo games!
2007-05-18 21:43:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Vegas 4:3-7 Jesus said verily, verily I say unto you. Thoust shall not play the lottery the odds are too great. Bet on the horses my bretheren.
2007-05-18 21:45:12 · answer #5 · answered by Uncle Meat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Bible doesn't explicity forbid gambling. However, like you said, gambling can be addictive.
I say when it comes to gambling, don't bet more than you can afford to lose, or more than you're willing to lose.
The Bible does say quite a few things about being good managers of our money. Somewhere in Luke, Jesus says, "If you can't be trusted with worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
2007-05-18 21:55:22 · answer #6 · answered by MNL_1221 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible does not specifically forbid gambling, but there are several biblical principles that should make Christians hesitate to participate:
God presents work as the normal way to get the money we need (Eph 4:28; II Thess. 3:12; Prov. 31). When a person cannot work, the second choice is prayer (Phil. 4:6, 19).
All my income belongs to God, not me (Psa. 24:1), and I am not free to use it as I wish. I am a steward, who should use it for God's purposes. Christians are called on to meet the needs of their family (I Tim. 5:8), and share with others, particularly Christians who have needs (2 Cor 8-9; Gal. 6:6-10; 3 John).
Ask: Does God want me to use His money to buy a lottery ticket?
God uses money to accomplish important purposes in my life:
Meet basic needs (Matt. 6:11; I Tim. 6:8).
Build character (Phil 4:10-13)
Give direction, by providing or withholding resources.
Helping others through me.
Show His power by providing miraculously.
Ask: Does gambling accomplish these results? Am I looking to God or to the lottery for my needs?
Greed and covetousness are sin (Ex. 20:18; I Tim. 6:9; Heb 13:5), and these are motives in most gambling.
Proverbs warns of disaster for people who want to get rich quickly (28:20,22).
Wealth that comes easily goes just as easily (Prov. 13:11).
Wealth gained the wrong way breaks up families (Prov. 15:27).
Gambling can be addictive, and even if you don't fall prey to it as a compulsive habit, your example may cause others to be enslaved by it (I Cor. 8:9, 13).
2007-05-18 21:45:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
The Bible tells us that they threw lots for Christ's clothing and to decide who the successor of Judas was to be. If it is OK for the Bible, it is OK for me. Lotteries, like everything else in life, like food and alcohol, are good for us as long as we do not abuse them. We need to lighten up and relax. Life is to be enjoyed so let me play my games and pay the consequences if I abuse them.
2007-05-18 21:46:23 · answer #8 · answered by Mary W 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can't give you a scriptural reference at the moment but basically gambling and lotteries are saying to God you don't trust him to provide
2007-05-18 21:45:21 · answer #9 · answered by † H20andspirit 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
i wasn't aware there are FAKE Christians
2007-05-18 21:43:29 · answer #10 · answered by Nicholas R 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋