Illegal donwloading and God

[rurichek]

Hallo everyone. I have a question about one thing. So, I've been downloading movies for a long time for free. Now I want to stop it because I believe it is the same as stealing, and stealing is a sin. However, I have a friend for whome I download movies too, since he doesn't know how. And, I think, he will get upset that I am going to stop downloading for him. I want to hear some oppinions if it is a right move, of stopping illigal downloading of movies, to step closer to God.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Puptart]

It's your decision whether to stop or not. If your friend doesn't know how, there are about a million and one resources out there on the 'net that could teach him how (not that I'm saying he should or should not, just pointing out the facts).. so if he can't be bothered to learn, that isn't your fault.

Do what you want, and your friend will just have to deal.

 

[tangled]

Hallo everyone. I have a question about one thing. So, I've been downloading movies for a long time for free. Now I want to stop it because I believe it is the same as stealing, and stealing is a sin. However, I have a friend for whome I download movies too, since he doesn't know how. And, I think, he will get upset that I am going to stop downloading for him. I want to hear some oppinions if it is a right move, of stopping illigal downloading of movies, to step closer to God.

Thanks in advance!

yea..you're right. it is the same as stealing, at the moment, and illegal.

just stop since thats what you want to do and if your friend gets mad, he'll get over it...the amount of money people get fined for illegal downloading is really disgusting...your friend will probably understand.

 

[Jupiter Drops]

I illegally downloaded music before, but I honestly had no idea that what I was doing was wrong until God made it clear for me in my conscience.

I was stealing and lying, and it wasn't fair for the artists.

After that incident, I deleted all my music files and never illegally downloaded again. I also repented for my actions.

 

[bsd31]

Let your friend be mad at you. Better another person to be mad than God.

 

[littleluna]

i was sent illegal files....he toldme it wasnt really that bad...so it kind of got me into it (peer pressure i guess

i then stopped cos i was so sick of watching and listening to the fleshly things anyway.

i go to a church that is pretty much against movies and they too say illegal downloading is wrong.

 

[Radagast]

Hallo everyone. I have a question about one thing. So, I've been downloading movies for a long time for free. Now I want to stop it because I believe it is the same as stealing, and stealing is a sin. However, I have a friend for whome I download movies too, since he doesn't know how. And, I think, he will get upset that I am going to stop downloading for him. I want to hear some oppinions if it is a right move, of stopping illigal downloading of movies, to step closer to God.

Let's look at an analogy:

I've been robbing banks for a long time. Now I want to stop it because I believe it is the same as stealing, and stealing is a sin. However, I have a bank-robbing friend for whom I drive the getaway car, since he doesn't know how to drive. And I think he will get upset that I am going to stop driving the getaway car for him. What should I so?

 

[Sketcher]

God convicted me about it, so I don't do it. People have the right to be paid just compensation for their work, and downloading works that are not freely released messes up that model. This doesn't mean I'm a fan of the RIAA or MPAA by any means, they screw both consumers and producers of media out of money. Ideally, people would be paid based on how popular their works are without bullocks and without anyone really having to think too much about it. Unfortunately, we don't have that yet.

Just be up front with your friend, tell him you don't do that anymore. Not for yourself, not for anyone. If things go south, then that reveals just how shallow your "friendship" really was.

 

[rurichek]

Thank you guys. I already explained everything to my friend and he said ok. It does make sense to stop "stealing" because people making movies need to be paid to support their familly, and I feel bad for taking their works for free. God gave me a job and I have enough money to buy movies. Netflix only costs $8 a month, that is almost nothing. In addition, there are so many free movies in the library too.

 

[AmbryRye]

There are several things here and a couple of opportunities to witness to your friend in the process.

First, it is stealing and it is a sin.

15 You shall not steal.
Exodus 20:15

Second, it is illegal and God said we are to obey the God appointed authority in our lives (government is a God appointed authority - the only exception is when the government's laws are contrary to God's laws).

Romans 13:1-5
1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3 For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4 for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5 Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. ~Romans 13:1-5

Third, by continuing you could be a bad example for your friend, causing him to "stumble" in his path to finding Christ.

21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.
Romans 14:21

You are doing a good thing by stopping.
You are showing that you are sensitive to God and His convictions as well as that you are obedient to Him.
Well done.

 

[Barricade24]

Downloading songs illegally is basically the same as stealing. I used to download songs illegally. But I stopped because it just didn't seem right. Besides, the sites that you get stuff like that from usually contains viruses.

If you want other ways to get music, libraries tend to have music CDs you can borrow for free. Or you can try Amazon and download songs from there. It costs money but it is legal.
As for your friend, you can influence him on you decision to stop (if you choose to stop that is.)

 

[gideon123]

stop!
don't do illegal downloads.
it is a form of stealing.

people have faced serious fines and jail time for that.
tell your friend that as a Christian you have become convicted that it is the wrong thing to do. If he/she gets angry and dumps you - then he/she wasn't a real friend.

rent or buy movies like everyone else.

and to be honest - there aren't that many good movies out there anyway.
you can afford to own the few really good movies that you love

gideon123