LDS Ethics and Lottery Scholarships

[guitarwizard]

What are the ethical implications of accepting a scholarship that is partially funded by a state lottery? This question comes from my fiance and myself. I have accepted the scholarship, as before it was funded by the lottery, i was a recipient. It went from being $2500 a year to $5000. She has the opportunity to accept it for $5000 a semester, but is adamantly opposed.

From the site:

The Academic Challenge Program provides educational assistance to Arkansas residents in pursuit of a higher education. Additional funding made possible by the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has allowed the expansion of the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship to provide higher education opportunities to previously underserved Arkansans (both traditional & nontraditional students). The goal of the scholarship is to provide significant financial aid to those who qualify.

So, what are your thoughts on the ethics of accepting a scholarship of this type. I've always heard that money received from gambling can't pay tithing, would that be the case in this situation?

[FunkyTown]

That's one of those 'personal choices'.

It comes down to the following:

1) By accepting the money, are you tacitly legitimizing gambling?

2) If this same scholarship were being awarded by a private fund set up by(Say) a coffee dealer, would you be willing to accept it? What about a drug dealer?

Basically, if you think it's going to help the lotto and feel bad about it, then don't take it. If it doesn't prick your conscience when you pray about it, then take it.

[Gwen]

i went to school on a scholarship funded by a state lottery. i had no issues with it, never had anyone bring it up as an issue. no regrets. i also know several other lds members that did the same.

[MarginOfError]

I'm strongly in favor of exploiting other people's blatant stupidity for my own personal enrichment.

[Guest xforeverxmetalx]

The Georgia HOPE scholarship is just about THE main scholarship here, for anyone with above a 3.0 GPA to put it simply. So it's fairly easy to qualify. And it's funded by the lottery. Haven't heard of anyone in my ward complaining about it, I wouldn't either.

I'd call it a personal choice... if you're uncomfortable with it, don't. If it doesn't really bother you, go for it.

[Melissa569]

Hmmm, I'm not sure. I mean I know how the church feels about SPENDING money on gambling. But how do they feel about accepting the winnings?

I myself have wondered-- if I won 50 million dolllars in the lottery tomorrow, would my local ward want 10% of it? I mean that's enough money to where I could stick it all in the bank and live quite richly off the interest alone for the rest of my life. So if that were my soul income from that point on, would that mean I would never be asked to pay tithe again?

I doubt it. I'm not saying the church is dirty-handed, I'm just saying that everybody's attitude changes when the money is pouring IN instead of out. Or if the money is going toward a good cause.

Even if they didn't ask me for tithe, I would probably do it anyway, just to (hopefully) get back into god's good graces for gambling, lol. And if the chruch refused to accept it, then I would give an anonymous donation. What they don't know won't hurt 'em :)

[Wingnut]

I myself have wondered-- if I won 50 million dolllars in the lottery tomorrow, would my local ward want 10% of it?

...

Even if they didn't ask me for tithe, I would probably do it anyway, just to (hopefully) get back into god's good graces for gambling, lol.

They wouldn't take it. The Church does not accept donations from "earnings" from gambling.

[WindRiver]

They wouldn't take it. The Church does not accept donations from "earnings" from gambling.

Wingnut is 100% Correct. Gambling money regardless of where it comes from, lottery, slots or whatever, is considered ill gotten gain according to church doctrine. Not only should you not accept it from any source, if you end up with some you cannot even donate the entire proceeds to the church, nor can you pay tithing on it. If they know where it is coming from your bishop is supposed to refuse it.

Just because a state chooses to LEGALIZE gambling for tax purposes it still isn't right. It is still tainted / ill gotten gain and we should not knowingly accept any money from anyone or any source if it came from gambling. In some cases we don't have much of a choice such as if the public schools are funded by gambling revenue, but if it is an optional thing like a scholarship or a gift from someone, and I knew it was from the lottery, I would in no way accept it.

I find it pretty sad, though in this day and age not surprising, that so many states (all but Utah and Hawaii the last time I looked) literally victimize their citizens with such a foolish and evil plan as the Lottery to garner revenue for the state coffers. Using it for education makes it that much worse in my book.

Edited September 13, 2010 by WindRiver

[MarginOfError]

Just because a state chooses to LEGALIZE gambling for tax purposes it still isn't right. It is still tainted / ill gotten gain and we should not knowingly accept any money from anyone or any source if it came from gambling. In some cases we don't have much of a choice such as if the public schools are funded by gambling revenue, but if it is an optional thing like a scholarship or a gift from someone, and I knew it was from the lottery, I would in now way accept it.

I'm going to disagree with you on this. And as grounds of my disagreement, I submit the parable of the unjust servant.

[Dravin]

I'm strongly in favor of exploiting other people's blatant stupidity for my own personal enrichment.

State Lotteries: A tax on those who are bad at math.

[goodfeeling_]

Is it something that would be an issue inside a temple recommend interview??? if not, than go for it.

[guitarwizard]

Is it something that would be an issue inside a temple recommend interview??? if not, than go for it.

i think that becomes the question, essentially. Can you pay tithing on a scholarship that is partially funded by a state lottery?

On one hand, it is a lottery. On the other, you are not participating in the lottery, only receiving a scholarship from your state.

[Gwen]

i would not pay tithing on scholarship money (nor did i). the scholarship i received paid 75% of my tuition and fees. i got the check and turned it over to the school. had there been "extra" money that was going to "spending" money then i might have considered it. as it was i saw it as a lower rate to my education not "increase".

i pay taxes to the government. does that mean i'm responsible for everything they spend "my" money on? if i accept a tax refund or other funding/benefits from the government when i don't agree with everything they invest in am i as guilty as they for that money?

i say take all assistance you can get with an education, you will need it.

Edited September 13, 2010 by Gwen

[jayanna]

This is a really tough question, I would leave it up to the home teacher, or other priesthood holder who can receive revelation for you, or take it to the temple, fast, etc.

I would also point out that casino employees, even card dealers on the floor of the casinos, can hold temple recommends.

Also the funds from the lottery in my state (which I voted against) is funding public education, the very schools that my children are attending.

That's why I think it is a tough question.

[pam]

I doubt it. I'm not saying the church is dirty-handed, I'm just saying that everybody's attitude changes when the money is pouring IN instead of out. Or if the money is going toward a good cause.

No but that is clearly what you are implying.

[Wingnut]

I've never heard of anyone paying tithing on a scholarship.

[pam]

I've never heard of anyone paying tithing on a scholarship.

Neither have I.

[guitarwizard]

Neither have I.

This semester, my scholarships paid for my full tuition plus 2500 extra for living expenses, such as apartment and food. I considered that increase and tithed on it.

[pam]

This semester, my scholarships paid for my full tuition plus 2500 extra for living expenses, such as apartment and food. I considered that increase and tithed on it.

And that is a personal decision in which you will be blessed. :)

[guitarwizard]

And that is a personal decision in which you will be blessed. :)

unless of course, the money is considered "dirty money" by the church, in which case, I have just dirtied up the Lord's Church. I definitely wasn't trying to brag I just wanted to point out that people DO pay tithing on scholarships, and some of that money DOES come from state lottery funds.

So, is that paying tithing with gambling money?

[Moksha]

One very valid question is what should the Church do with money tithed from fraud schemes? I doubt the Church would ever accept such money knowingly, but what's the policy on fraud money that was accepted in tithes unknowingly?

[pam]

The key word is unknowingly.

[beefche]

unless of course, the money is considered "dirty money" by the church, in which case, I have just dirtied up the Lord's Church. I definitely wasn't trying to brag I just wanted to point out that people DO pay tithing on scholarships, and some of that money DOES come from state lottery funds.

So, is that paying tithing with gambling money?

Clearly, this is something that really concerns you. So, I would tell you to make an appointment with your bishop and discuss this with him. He is the best person able to counsel you on this.

[Gwen]

it is not paying money on gambling money. if the state took the money that they got from the lottery and tithed on it it would be.

you are not responsible for where your money was before you.

ex.... a drug dealer sells drugs and has "dirtied" that money. they go to the corner store and buy a candy bar with it. the store owner tithes on that money. is that "dirty" money? i would say no. the drug dealer should not (and probably wouldn't lol) tithe on his/her ill gained money. each transaction is a new one. the state takes their money (no matter how they get it) and they pay for ppl's educations. you should not feel bad for improving where you are if they offer it.

my 2 cents anyway.

[MarginOfError]

This is a really tough question, I would leave it up to the home teacher, or other priesthood holder who can receive revelation for you, or take it to the temple, fast, etc.

This is nitpicking a little, but just wanted to point out that a home teacher does not have the keys that would permit him to receive revelation on behalf of his home teachee. A person may certainly consult and discuss with their home teachers, but the home teachers don't exactly hold "Thus saith the Lord" authority