Question

[irene]

The question of whether it is wrong to play the lottery is a matter of personal belief and interpretation of religious teachings. Different religious perspectives may offer varying views on gambling and reliance on chance for financial gain.

1. **Religious Teachings**: Many religious traditions emphasize trust in God's provision and caution against relying on gambling as a means of financial support. For example, some Christian teachings suggest that placing trust in God's provision is more important than seeking wealth through uncertain means like the lottery.

2. **Financial Responsibility**: From a practical standpoint, playing the lottery should be done responsibly. It's important to ensure that it does not become a financial burden or lead to irresponsible spending.

3. **Faith and Provision**: Some people believe that God can work in unexpected ways, and winning the lottery could be seen as a form of divine blessing. However, others might argue that relying on the lottery is not a demonstration of faith in God's provision.

Ultimately, whether playing the lottery is considered wrong or acceptable may depend on individual beliefs, the teachings of one's faith community, and personal values regarding money and trust in divine provision. It's often recommended to seek guidance from religious leaders or texts for a perspective aligned with one's faith.

 

[K-J]

In most studies I've read about this, the Bible does not specifically condemn gambling or betting. The Bible does warn us, however, to stay away from the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). Scripture also encourages us to stay away from attempts to "get rich quick" (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5; Ecclesiastes 5:10). In biblical times, casting lots was a parallel for gambling with express purpose, but nowhere in the Bible is gambling or "chance" used for entertainment or presented as an acceptable practice for followers of God. It is a very deep subject with many more questions than answers.

 

[pradmin]

Almost everything we invest in is gambling in a certain extent. Whether it is the stock market or going to a casino.

I don't like flat out gambling or lotteries since it seems like one is tempting God in a way to cheat and rig the results in your favor. And like ### said, this is trying to get rich quick which is frowned on in the Bible.

Whereas if you invest in a business with sound principles, it makes more sense that God could prosper your work or sound investments. This approach seems more in line with what is outlined in the Bible.

Also consider almost all lotteries take 50% off the top and only payout the other 50%. If nothing else, those are terrible odds. Rather than do that, I would think it is better to take the money and donate it to a worthy cause and let God prosper you how he sees fit.

 

[llewis34x]

I think the lottery is a form of gambling and I believe that it is wrong.

 

[lizowens]

Honestly the only thing I have ever really heard about playing the lottery is the addiction it will bring into your life, and once that has happened it takes a domino effect from there. Please pray about it, ask the Lord to clarify to YOU, if you seek Him for your answer, then you could avoid any hinderances in your walk with HIM! Be Blessed.

 

[Christine]

I agree with K-J and Pradmin. If one is looking to get rich quick by playing the lotto, better to invest it in the Kingdom by supporting a worthy ministry. You might think what difference could my $2 make, but God could multiply it to the ministry and back in blessings to You to boot. If more Christians invested in the Kingdom instead of the lotto, many ministries would be greatly helped. And look how Jesus praised the widow's meager gift. Luke 21:1-4 If all you had left was $2, I'd say give it to the Lord instead of to the Lotto.

That said, if someone gives you a ticket and you scratch and win, I wouldn't feel badly! It's about your motivations and where your heart is. Are you putting your faith in God or the lottery. I don't think it can be both at the same time considering the verse K-J quoted.

 

[Tee]

I agree with all posts, I do go to church every Sunday myself, I grew up in a church starting from when I was born and then somehow got lost again in the past 7 years to the world, I ignored the Lord and preferred to live free from Him, and what did it do to me???? Nothing, I ended up with nothing, my marriage failed, all the men whom I thought would make me happier turned their backs around and left me stranded, lonely and helpless with a baby boy and another pregnancy. From that moment I sought God again, there was no one to turn to but the Lord, I was down on my knees and it took me over an hour and a half to say what I needed to say, and asking Him for forgiveness wasn't really so easy to admit all the bads and sins I have committed... I was fired from a job when I was 6 months pregnant with my son 3 years ago, anger took over my head and yet I call anger the devil. I was helpless and the one who fathered me a baby took off with another woman.... from that moment, I believed that no matter how long you get to ignore the Lord, He will never let go of your hands and always try to advise you to make better choices, a week after I asked God for another job, He responded and offered me another one not even taking too long to wait, I was down on my knees and thanking God even the moment after I held my baby boy in the hospital, I asked the nurses to wait outside so I could say a little prayer.. everything seemed to be going smoothly with my life at the time, until the father of my child re-entered my life once again, another mistake. What I have been through with the first child had been repeated and that moment, I asked the Lord to take me back to where I belong which is where I am now living with my two children. I still call my babies' father just to say hello but as far as going back to him, only the Lord knows everything else. I devoted myself to the Lord since I got back here, by attending church's ceremonies every Sunday, donating whatever I can to support our congregation and I still pray, just recently when I thought everything is going pretty well that my parents are not happy, and I didn't take it well but somehow lost in confusion. And yes I don't believe in winning a lotto makes a person any happier, Yes I admit I am just trying to respond fast to my parents who think I don't care about them and their needs anymore.