Since Christians do not wager money, may they accept tickets or participate in drawings in which they may win?

Question

prizes?

Answer 1

From the answers below, I believe it would be clearer if you said "TRUE CHRISTIANS do not wager money".

Christians rightly avoid any sweepstakes or drawings that involve buying chances (such as raffle tickets) or putting up money for a chance to win some prize. Simply put, we avoid gambling, which certainly is an expression of greediness.—1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:10; Ephesians 4:19; 5:3, 5.

A store or a business, though, may use drawings as a means of advertising. All a person has to do is submit his name or send in a form or a ticket, without buying anything. The drawing is part of the advertising scheme; it is designed to be an impartial method of deciding who will be given the prize or prizes. Certain Christians might feel that they could accept the prize in a drawing that did not involve gambling, just as they could accept free samples or other presents that a business or a store might use in its advertising program.

However, some Christians would shun anything of this sort, not wanting to stumble or confuse others and also seeking to keep far from any enticement to trust so-called Lady Luck. As Isaiah 65:11 shows, God’s servants do not link themselves with “the god of Good Luck” or “the god of Destiny.” They may also feel that they would not want to be part of any publicity that winners might be required to share in. Those who feel this way should certainly not be critical of a Christian or Christians whose conscience allows them to be involved in such drawings.—Compare Romans 14:1-4.

Answer 2

Your question assumes that Christians don't wager money, which would include something as trivial as bingo played for money. Even though playing bingo is, for all intents and purposes, a waste of money, the same can be said for any other form of recreation. Movies, concerts, sporting events, video games - all of these activities involve spending money and having nothing to "show for it", other than the enjoyment of the recreation.

If a hard-working Christian chooses to play bingo as a form of recreation, it is hardly up to any one person to decide that Christians shouldn't wager money, any more than any one person should decide that it's a sin to spend money on a movie or a video game. Playing bingo or buying lottery tickets is not necessarily a sign of greed or laziness, any more so than buying a "hot" stock which you hope will make you some quick money in the stock market. And few people hope to get rich playing bingo - they play it for fun.

Having a reasonable and balanced attitude toward all of life's activities would make it unnecessary for anyone to have to inquire of others if it's OK to participate in drawings - they would be able to figure out the answer themselves.

Answer 3

Christians don't wager?
Wow...the 8% of US citizens that are Atheist *sure* do put a lot of money into the Powerball, huh?

Answer 4

The major problem with gambling, besides the potential addiction, is that it is getting something you haven't earned and generally a waste your money.

Sorry I can't explain it better, my Dad was against any form of raffle for those reasons, but that was one thing that I never fully understood.

Answer 5

Catholics have bingo night, and they do give out cash...they just aren't calling it gambling. And yes, that is how they have carnivals that give them prizes like crock pots, blankets, etc. Raffle ticket stuff, cake walks, etc.

Answer 6

the first answer is idiotic, that's not what he asked!
I was raised against gambling and raffles. I was told not to accept that because its a form of gambling. But I do it anyway, because the ppl who preach that have a boat load of thier own problems.

Answer 7

They wager plenty of money. What are you talking about?

Answer 8

Who said we don't wager? I'm a Catholic, not a Quaker

Answer 9

The something-for-nothing attitude is not Christian. To give is Christian.

Answer 10

Yes, if you look at it as a donation.