Let's say that a clergyman (rabbi, priest, pastor, minister, bishop, whatever) buys a lottery ticket. He wins $750 million. Should he keep it or donate it to his church or synagogue?

Clergy men and women are people too. I do not think they have any obligation.
I however would be wary of where their gambling money is coming from.

If they take a vow of poverty they might turn it all over to the church, but I think most clergy can do whatever their conscience tells them.

Clergy for many is a job.

There is a Jewish joke where a rabbi pleads with God to let him win the lottery. He pleads over and over but he just doesn’t win.

Finally an exasperated God says, “Shlomo! Meet me half way! Buy a ticket!

Priests take a vow of poverty, although I would guess that many or most are not poor, because congregants give them gifts of cash, invite them over, etc.

Ministers and pastors are whatever they are. Some wealthy examples are Joel Osteen and Billy Graham.

I thought this was one of those jokes where a rabbi, a priest, etc. walk into a bar. I would think any religious leader of a religion that says you should tithe, would also follow suit and tithe, along with maybe an additional offering at their discretion. That’s what I would do, but unfortunately I don’t buy tickets either.

Morally yes in my opinion, like any Christian. At least a portion is required.

$750 million is a lot of money. I think they should donate to the church or whatever, but also to other charities, local, national or international. They should also keep enough themselves to lives comfortably for their remaining days.

If he used his own salary money, then the winnings should be his. If he fished out a $20 from the offering plate, then it’s the church’s. Still, they often talk about tithing to 10%. So he should probably donate at least 10% of the after tax earnings.

Why the church deserve anything? Churches don’t pay taxes. Literally everyone knows humans turn into violent, selfish savages when large amounts of money are involved.

Whoever won should run, lay low, and protect themselves.

Many churches have adopted the ancient practice of tithing, or donating 10% of your wealth to the church. That would be acceptable in this case.

As I read the Bible, he shouldn’t be buying a ticket. Paul says in I Corinthians chapter 6 that we should not be enslaved. I have heard this passage cited by preachers as against anything habit-forming that denies us the power of choice: alcohol, drugs, physical pleasure, and, yes, gambling. Buying the lottery ticket is gambling.

What about rabbis? They don’t follow the New Testament (I.e. Corinthians).

And the Old Testament (Joshua, Chronicles, among others) does allow for ‘casting lots’ to divine god’s will.

@elbanditoroso, good point. I guess rabbis and imams and other non-Christian religious leaders are exempt from paying attention to what Paul said. Except, of course, insofar as there is nondenominational wisdom to be found there.

It’s gambling, but it’s also donating money to education. I think people could twist it into believing they aren’t gambling. People will believe anything to justify their actions.

The question says “church or synagogue,” @JLeslie, not education. And when he buys the ticket, he doesn’t know he’s going to win. He’s not donating to anything. He’s gambling.

Agree with you on the believing point, though.

@Jeruba I only meant that the state lottery is used to raise money for education. Like paying a tax for education.

Gambling at a casino is money for the casino to make a profit.

I thought maybe the two distinctions could be seen differently.

I’ve lived in states that don’t allow lottery, which I assume is for religious reasons.

@Jeruba I also believe gambling is not something Christians should do, but a lot of people disagree with me. Personally I dont enjoy it and think its wasteful.

He should do exactly whatever he wants to do with it.