Games of Chance within God's Kingdom

*Taken from a post on MADB.




Recently I was watching a National Geographic show on the Bible. It discussed the Atstronomy and other divining techniques used by Old and New Testament Priests and Apostles. This got me thinking.


Here are some relevant scriptures:

22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

26And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Acts 1:22-26

I like this method. I wouldn't mind casting lots between Bishop Burton and Elder Groberg next time there is a vacancy in the Twelve and see who gets the short one. Moreover, from a more personal stand point, I really feel like I could I offer a sincere and faithful prayer between two choices and then spin a bottle. However, I must consider this in light of modern revelation. There is direction in the D&C but I find it is much more complicated and leaves too much wiggle room:

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must cask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall eburn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

Much too complicated for most situations. I do understand that the D&C account can be understood as instruction to us/Oliver; and the Acts text is one is of example by the Apostles. Both seem to offer perfectly good alternatives should one not work to our satisfaction.

My solution...both should be tried on by each individual and see how they fit. This is a good example of personal preference. So break out the straws and bottles and any other tools of chance and get to praying.


Big UP!

Lamanite