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.