I will preface by saying that I acknowledge the Bible makes it very clear when it comes to all forms of theft, including piracy- that theft is of course a sin.
Thou shalt not steal. - Exodus 20:15 KJV
However recently I have wondered how Exodus 20:15 would apply to the digital age and to intellectual property. Obviously, the Bible was written well before the concept of computers and digital media, so whilst the Bible still makes it clear that theft is not permissible for Christians, how would the Bible have handled the idea of intellectual property?
1. Digital Files are Infinitely Renewable - Unlike physical assets that are finite, computer files are able to be replicated (almost) infinitely. This aspect alone makes it much more difficult to track than, let's say, a physical TV that was stolen. In fact, with copying files, the original file remains in tact! How should Christians respond to this fact about digital property?
2. Intellectual Property Laws are Much More Vague - Again, the digital and conceptual aspect of intellectual property inherently makes it difficult to monitor and police. Many people unknowingly violate intellectual property laws when doing things such as posting on social media due to this. How would we be able to discern what counts as intellectual property theft? Would someone unknowingly recording a song they heard for their own personal use be considered theft, even if he or she didn't know about the copyright laws?
3. The Current Copyright Laws are Made to Protect Large Businesses in Expense of Ordinary Citizens - This point is a bit of a rant, and the Bible does say to Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar's, and unto God the things which be God's. - Luke 20:25 KJV However, my point still stands, that many of the copyright laws only protect large business. In fact, most modern music produced are legally owned by music labels instead of the artists that actually created the songs, to give an example. Again, we are called to obey the law so long as it isn't causing us to sin, hence why I mentionoed Luke 20:25, but this fact is still bothersome.
4. Should Bible Translations be Copyrighted? - While most Bible translations allow people and churches to quote Bible verses, the vast majority of translations are copyrighted by various organizations. Obviously, the Bible was ultimately written, and therefore owned, by Jesus Christ. So knowing this, should we as humans be permitted to copyright translations of the Bible we translate?
I am writing this NOT to advocate for against a certain stance on the intellectual property debate, I am merely asking questions about it, and trying to get to know how we as Christians should respond and react to the copyright laws.
Thou shalt not steal. - Exodus 20:15 KJV
However recently I have wondered how Exodus 20:15 would apply to the digital age and to intellectual property. Obviously, the Bible was written well before the concept of computers and digital media, so whilst the Bible still makes it clear that theft is not permissible for Christians, how would the Bible have handled the idea of intellectual property?
1. Digital Files are Infinitely Renewable - Unlike physical assets that are finite, computer files are able to be replicated (almost) infinitely. This aspect alone makes it much more difficult to track than, let's say, a physical TV that was stolen. In fact, with copying files, the original file remains in tact! How should Christians respond to this fact about digital property?
2. Intellectual Property Laws are Much More Vague - Again, the digital and conceptual aspect of intellectual property inherently makes it difficult to monitor and police. Many people unknowingly violate intellectual property laws when doing things such as posting on social media due to this. How would we be able to discern what counts as intellectual property theft? Would someone unknowingly recording a song they heard for their own personal use be considered theft, even if he or she didn't know about the copyright laws?
3. The Current Copyright Laws are Made to Protect Large Businesses in Expense of Ordinary Citizens - This point is a bit of a rant, and the Bible does say to Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar's, and unto God the things which be God's. - Luke 20:25 KJV However, my point still stands, that many of the copyright laws only protect large business. In fact, most modern music produced are legally owned by music labels instead of the artists that actually created the songs, to give an example. Again, we are called to obey the law so long as it isn't causing us to sin, hence why I mentionoed Luke 20:25, but this fact is still bothersome.
4. Should Bible Translations be Copyrighted? - While most Bible translations allow people and churches to quote Bible verses, the vast majority of translations are copyrighted by various organizations. Obviously, the Bible was ultimately written, and therefore owned, by Jesus Christ. So knowing this, should we as humans be permitted to copyright translations of the Bible we translate?
I am writing this NOT to advocate for against a certain stance on the intellectual property debate, I am merely asking questions about it, and trying to get to know how we as Christians should respond and react to the copyright laws.
