Can Publishers buy "Scratch Off" tickets?

skeeter1

See title? Someone I know has gloated that he bought $15 of scratch off tickets, and won $35. I thought one could not gamble, and it would include scratch off tickets.

TeenageInsider

well, i was always told we couldnt...

but people dont listen.

believe me ive seen it all.

LIVE LIFE PEACEFULLY!

Ti-

BU2B

Yet another unscriptural rule, yet again going "beyond what is written". Surely if gambling was so bad why didnt Jesus or Paul say something about it?

St George of England

I think this changed with the 2010 release of the Elders Manual.

Trivial gambling, or whatever they call it is now OK.

It's still a mug's game though!

George

sir82

Yeah there is something in the new elder's manual about "minor" bets or something like that. No need for judicial action.

Translation: Some Bethel heavy's kid got caught running a super bowl pool, or a NCAA tournament pool. An emergency session of the GB was convened so that it could be "officially" determined he didn't have to be DF'ed, so the Bethel heavy could keep his job.

They put it in print so that other Bethelites, aware of the situation, could see in black and white that it is now "policy".

ScenicViewer

The Elder’s Manual seems to say it two different ways.

I. Gambling is to be avoided in all it’s forms.

(Shepherd the Flock of God, p69 (the 2010 Elder’s Manual))
“Christians should avoid gambling in all it's various forms, including lotteries. If a person makes a practice of gambling and after repeated counsel unrepentantly pursues a course of greediness, judicial action would be appropriate."

II. Petty gambling for entertainment is ok.

(Shepherd the Flock of God, p70 (the 2010 Elder’s Manual))“The elders do well not to involve themselves in what individuals do with regard to petty gambling solely for entertainment. They may need to give counsel if this becomes a cause of stumbling for others or affects the spirituality of the individual or the congregation.”

Once again the Organization seems to be saying it both ways.

It seems so unclear these days. I guess they can get you if they want you, but if they want to let you slide they have a basis for that too.

skeeter1

We need an elder to write the Service Department for clarification. I'm totally confused now.

skeeter1

Thanks and I look forward to hearing your thoughts

skeeter1

I found a way to make sense of it all.

A teenage boy can't play football in high school because it is competition and takes time away from service activities. The KH can have a baseball game at a picnic, especially if there is no score taken. And, brothers can get together to watch professional football and even have a Super Bowl party. So, it makes sense to allow 'petty' wagering on sports between JWs. It is just a competition of the mind, and it helps the Super Bowl party be more fun and interesting. After all, it's the rare party JW MEN can have. (Other JW parties are geared more for women - baby showers, weddings).

But, lottery monies go to the Government to finance wars. So, one should not do any lottery activity, including a scratch off ticket.

St George of England

So how does this affect employment?

Can a JW work in a Casino?
Can a JW work in a Betting Office?
Can a JW call Bingo numbers?

I ask this because I know a JW who calls and plays bingo. He is an appointed man within his congregation.

The GB's insistence on 'going beyond what is written' has caused such dilemas as above. The same is true of blood, blood transfusions, blood fractions and transplants.

George

Can Publishers buy "Scratch Off" tickets?

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