Watching movies and downloading illegal music online a sin?

Allegory · #11 31st October 2009, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by Anihilus

The very fact that it is illegal by law makes it a sin,

Romans 13:1-7 states, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

Unless a governmental law contradicts God's law, we must follow it.

It's about as illegal as not paying your rent. Sure the copyright holder might get all stompy and lawsuity but ultimately you're not going to jail.

SteadFastAlex · #12 5th November 2009, 05:44 AM

Lets look at what is really happening. Someone will buy a cd and share that music with everyone else that wants to hear it, so all it takes is one person to buy it and upload it. Now a days there is sooo much corruption its hard for the average person to distinguish what is good and what is bad. I mean there are laws that contradict laws. I think God designed us with built in morale, if you do something and you feel bad about it, then its wrong. If you do something and are not sure about it then there could be a part of that something that you did thats wrong or your intentions are no good.

Luther073082 · #13 5th November 2009, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by HannahBanana

I don't believe in the concept of sins, but I am quite nervous about being arrested for doing something illegal, so I try my hardest to keep myself from downloading music illegally. I do have my moments of weakness (such as over the summer, when I used LimeWire to download quite a few music and video files), and I am quite worried about whether or not I'll get arrested for those moments of weakness, but what's done is done, and I can't exactly change the past. (How's that for a run-on sentence, lol? )

Downloading music can't land you in jail.

However if the copywrite holder find out about it and takes you to court then you will have to pay them. Often times the amount can be fairly steep.

Copywrite infringment is a tort and not a crime in the United States.

evan42 · #14 6th November 2009, 12:45 AM

I'm more concerned with the content of the movie or the music, guarding the good that has been deposited in us, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Unless your making copies of the music and trying to make a profit off of it, I doubt anyone is going to take you to court.

lovelyashley · #15 30th November 2009, 01:43 PM

I used to download every CD I wanted. Since I am a Christian I no longer do this. If I want to hear a CD before I buy it, I look up the videos on YouTube...then once I have the money I go out and buy the CD.

jamesinjax · #16 1st December 2009, 05:05 PM

That's probably a decent way to do it. But to those who say "what if I was living off selling music, how would I feel?" Well I know that it's impossible for 100% of the people listening to my music downloaded it for free. Someone else pointed out that it's a little like advertising. The more of your music that gets out there, the more you get recognized and then the more people end up buying your stuff. Ever heard of bands giving away demo disks or singles to get the word out? Think of music downloads the same way but on a much larger scale.
I personally don't download music because I don't really listen to music but that's my thoughts on it.

jho · #17 1st December 2009, 10:47 PM

First, I'd like to say there should be an option 3, "Not sure"

Honestly I feel that with anything you do, what's the heart motive behind it? Does it hurt you? Is it hurting someone else? I feel whatever we do we should try our best to bring glory to God. Now if there's a movie or song I really like, I try to make sure I go and buy it.

But I admit it's really hard to stay straight on this. It's so convenient to just dl something and listen to it or watch it (especially because I don't keep them and just delete them anyways). It's really hard to say, and during those times where there's a struggle, I feel you should shy away from the activity.

But this is the one case where it's hard to listen to my own advice. REALLY HARD.

rivulet · #18 2nd December 2009, 03:44 AM

Stealing is stealing no matter how you do it. If I know there's a song that I want I just go on itunes and buy it for a dollar. I want to represent Christ with integrity. I know nobody with notice or care but it really is a standard we should upkeep.

My friends ask me to burn them a CD and I tell them no. I know that they might go get what they want else where so what does it matter if I burn it for them or not? But it's really not about whether they're gonna get their music eventually through you or me or whoever but about being upright and honest.
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." -Proverbs 11:3
And its also showing self control.
The LORD is not about to Condemn you to hell because you watched a few movies on the internet or bought some CD's illegally. But it is our choice... be wise.

Isambard · #19 3rd December 2009, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by twistedsketch

Well, if you were trying to make a living off the music, how would you feel if instead of buying it from you, people are downloading it for free. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Fine then, tell me how you would feel if you bought a car and then the guy who sold you the car threatened to sue after you mentioned you'll be car pooling friends.

Avolarx · #20 4th December 2009, 08:23 AM

I download music all the time... otherwise I wouldn't have almost any [CDs are so expensive plus some of the stuff isn't even available in my country].
My methode are music blogs on blogspot where there are links to the albums on mediafire or such sites.
I don't really feel bad about it. >_> If I couldn't download the music I still would not buy the albums; instead I'd just have to put up with listening to it on grooveshark.