Lotto: Is the Lottery Fun or Folly?

The night my number came up!

LOTTO: IS THE LOTTERY FUN OR FOLLY?
By John Gilmore
Paternoster Press. 315 pages. £9.99
ISBN 1 84227 039 7

'The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord' (Proverbs 16.33). Scripture teaches clearly that God not chance is in control of our lives. But can he work through gambling and games of chance?

John Gilmore writes from the American scene but the book is very relevant to our lottery mad society. He is very careful in his use of biblical texts, including an interesting study of casting lots. We are also reminded of the use of investments in the parables of Jesus. The book is extremely balanced and does not resort to shibboleths and mere condemnation.

There is a clear historical survey in the book, including some rather surprising comments from the Puritans. Risk taking is an inevitable part of life but should Christians find any place for deliberate risk taking? Stocks and shares are an accepted part of life and integral to our business community. Is this a kind of gambling and one that is acceptable to Christians? The book concludes with some very interesting questions for discussion.

Dr. Gilmore gives an honest assessment of the Christian response to gambling and supplies some rather startling figures where Christians are honest on this subject. As you approach this book do not think you know all the answers. You will find it certainly very relevant and, for the most part, completely absorbing.

Philip Hacking, Sheffield

© Evangelicals Now - November 2001
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