Why not cast losts to discern?

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Qoeleth

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In both the Old and New Testament, the practice of casting lots to discern the will of God is well established and trusted.

But today, if someone suggested praying, then casting lots to select a new Bishop, for example, it would be seen as absurd. Why? What has changed from the days of the Apostles?

I know the standard answer will be: God makes His will known through out thoughts. But if that is the case, how do we explain lots being used to make important decisions in the Acts, and the OT?

It occurs to me, if we really trust in God, the Church should trust in the process of casting lots, as given in the OT and NT.

Why give our own discernments priority of the will of God, as expressed through the result of losts? And is it not supremely arrogant to assume that ‘the Will of God speaks through OUR decision making’? Why assume our own decisions (made by frail and corrupt beings that we are) are better than the decision of sacred lots, either reflecting the Right Will of God, or, at worst, the Indifferent ‘Will’ of Chance?

Is it that I/We/the Church, at a certain level, no longer really believes in God?..

(I raise this question principally directed at myself- at my own tendency to want to ‘decide on God’s will’ for myself)
 
It’s a very valid question, and it can be answered like this. Give god your best, and he will accept it. Back then, that was the best way they knew to honor god, but now, we have better ways of honoring him, so god will accept that and nothing else. I mean if casting lots is the best way that one has to honor god, then god will accept it.
I hope this makes sense

:rose:Our lady of Guadalupe, pray for us:rose:
 
Doesn’t the College of Cardinals cast lots to elect a pope?
 
Well, I think St. Thomas Aquinas said lots were still acceptable for Yea or Nay questions. Basically anything involving yes, no, or a choice of options. But trying to find out the future through lots is a mortal sin.
 
ColdComfort said:
Doesn’t the College of Cardinals cast lots to elect a pope?
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They cast votes, not lots. 😉 Though that would be funny. Can you imagine Papa Benedict rubbing the dice between his hands and muttering, “Come on, baby! Double sixes!”
 
ColdComfort said:
Doesn’t the College of Cardinals cast lots to elect a pope?
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I think (from vague memories of stuff I studied years ago) there is a provision when the vote is equal between two candidates. I am not sure if it has ever been used. Interesting point.
 
WoundedIcon said:
Well, I think St. Thomas Aquinas said lots were still acceptable for Yea or Nay questions. Basically anything involving yes, no, or a choice of options. But trying to find out the future through lots is a mortal sin.
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That is good to know. I am not really a Thomist, but his words are encouraging.

One of the difficulties in decision making is precisely that the future is unknown, as well as the realities of the present.

Who knows whether our own judgment can be trusted? Who knows if things really are as they appear? Where is the criteria for a good or bad decision?

It seems like the wisest thing is to really on lots for most decisions…

I have often thought it would be good to select presidents by lots- leave the choice to God.
 
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