Environment/Gambling Passed General Election
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PEAPAC Recommends: NO

Opposes expansion of lottery (gambling is based on covetousness); bad money corrupts good parks.

Summary

Dedicates 15% of lottery proceeds to parks, beaches, and wildlife habitat.

Biblical Reasoning

First, we are strongly opposed to the Oregon lottery and its monopolistic government-encouraged gambling… Gambling appears to fly in the face of various Scriptural precepts… gamblers seek wealth quickly through games of chance (Prov. 28:19-22). Wealth obtained through labor endures, but wealth obtained by means such as gambling is transitory (Prov. 13:11).

While God may well grant us material blessings (which we should be thankful for and enjoy), we are specifically told not to seek to be rich (Prov. 23:4) and to be content with what God has provided by means of our labor (1 Tim. 6:6-11). Gambling leaves in its wake a diversion of funds from righteous financial transactions to corrupt uses, an increase of crime and corruption, a group of men who are “addicted” (dominated by their sinful actions – see Gen. 4:7 and Rom. 6:12) and a growing number of broken families.

Proverbs 13:11 — “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”

Election Results

67%
33%
YesNo

Voters approved dedication of lottery funds to parks (67% Yes).

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Explanation: This Measure would use some lottery money to fund parks and some environmental activities. We oppose the Measure and recommend a No vote.

PEAPAC Commentary and Recommendation First, we are strongly opposed to the Oregon lottery and its monopolistic government-encouraged gambling (see “The Bible and Gambling. See “The Bible and Gambling” pg 58 ”) We strongly oppose any expansion of the use of lottery dollars. The end result of such expansion is more dependency on these dollars, and a longer life for the Oregon lottery. Additionally, any expansion of the use of lottery dollars tends to more legitimize the lottery, which we are strongly opposed to. Second, this Measure would use this ill-gotten money to fund public parks used by our families. To fund such activities by means of lottery proceeds subjects them to unstable financing. Bad money corrupts good park lands.

← PreviousMeasure 65 (1998)