The lottery and the church
thenassauguardian editorial
It seems that at least once a year the issue concerning a lottery in The Bahamas raises its head. Each time the subject comes up, it raises arguments among members of the public and puts up the dividing wall between the church and government. Yet, each year the subject comes up, the same arguments prevail and the same results are experienced.
Nothing happens and the subject dies down.
Of course the Christian Council continues to stand against the formation of a lottery, claiming that it would further sink this country into a mire of immorality.
With a high crime rate, an increase in sexually transmitted diseases, a high rate of high school drop outs, an ever increasing turn by many to alternative lifestyles and the constant Bahamian past time of “sweet hearting” one can only wonder if the country has not reached the bottom of the barrel of immorality.
In decades past, the church’s view was highly respected, which explains why every time the subject of a lottery came up and the church protested, it was pushed aside, without another thought.
Now, with some consideration being given to the idea, it proves that the respect which the church in The Bahamas once held is waning. With so much of its own dirty laundry being placed into the public light, the church no doubt has issues of its own.
But have we reached that point in our nation’s history where the voice of reason, justice and fair play is no longer being adhered to? If that is the case, then God help us.
Some claim that the reason many pastors are against the formation of a lottery is because they fear losing tithes and offerings to a gambling practice. But pastors, in taking their stand against the lottery, say they fear that it would destroy households, as husbands would then use their money to play the lottery in hopes of winning.
If the ratio of men to homes in this country is correct, then no doubt this argument is moot. To think that single mothers would take hard earned money to play the lottery instead of feeding and clothing their families goes beyond reason.
But it can certainly happen.
However, the truth is, those parents who are responsible without a lottery would continue to be responsible with a lottery.
After all, games of chance can be bought on just about every corner in the country.
Yet, only those who are willing to take that risk with those games of chance continue to do so.
Those who are not interested are not moved.
12/3/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
