In our ever increasing day of technology I am often faced with the same dilema over and over and over...do I burn cd's or not? Where do I stand morally on this issue, as someone who does not have a lot of money to buy all the cd's I'd like to own, and with it being labled illegal piracy?
What do you think?
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3 comments:
I believe that a feeling of conviction is a sign not to do it. However currently as a Canadian citizen it is deemed "legal". I would recomend sending an email to which ever artist you want to download explaining your current situation and see what they have to say about it.
That might give you some new insight to forming an opinion.
Well, despite my being brainwashed at Bible College that burning cd's is inherently evil and that I may lose my future credentials over it (and salvation?) lol, I decided for myself that it wasn't inherently wrong or evil, but I think that's something you need to discern for yourself.
Please allow me to share a context. My friend Lisa is a fellow worship leader/music lover and she burned for me 2 cd's that I had never listened to before. She asked if I could burn some of my cds for her. Initially I was like, "NO! I don't want to burn in the evil place..." ok I'm exaggerating a bit. But I honestly felt a release from the Lord. Now you might say I was totally being governed by feelings... but I think that sometimes we can get hyper-spiritual, religious, and condemning about the whole thing. The purpose of religious music is to edify and bring comfort, is it not? I realize artists, even Christian music artists need to make money, but shouldn't the goal of Christian music first to be edifying the individual, even if it is done technically *illegally*? i know, I know, "Romans 13! Tell her to read Romans 13!". But don't I submit to God over the authorities? And don't people need to be encouraged even if it breaks the rules? Sometimes people follow rules to the point of being pharisaical (now only someone who uses dictionary.com could use a word like that!).
Hope you don't think I'm a heathen. By the way I really like your blog.
Sorry for the super long comment.
BTW, I'm too scared to leave my name, because I KNOW I'll get judged for it. hehehe. You can probably guess who this is anyways. whatever.
Hi Jenny,
I used to copy my sister's music when I was a kid and had no money - in those days CDs didn't exist and you had to use cassette tapes! I personally felt convicted about it and so stopped doing it and used the cassettes for storing my computer programs on - in those days you also couldn't afford a floppy disk drive unless you were a rich kid!!! Oh, and the music wasn't even Christian music! Shock horror!!!
My thoughts on it today - I was impressed when I came across a worship CD that said 'Please feel free to copy this CD and give copies to your friends that they can be blessed too.' I've only ever seen this that once, on all others is the usual copyright notice and blurb about supporting the ministry of those producing the music! I guess many Christian artists have put aside other possible careers to serve God in this arena and in buying a CD you are effectively repaying them for the blessing that they are being to you. Unfortunately, Christians can be very bad at expecting to get something for nothing from professional Christians such as mechanics, doctors, IT specialists, lawyers and plumbers. It's great if they offer you their services for free or at a discounted rate, but as Christians we shouldn't presume upon it. Maybe we all need to consider where a Christian artist selling their music fits in? I suppose the difficulty in comparison is that someone doing work for you can look at your personal situation and judge accordingly. When you listen to a preacher and an offering is taken to support them, you can decide before God what you want to give them, but it's awkward going into your Christian bookshop and saying, "I want to give $3 for this CD."
When I was a university student and couldn't afford to buy music, I would borrow my friends' but still refused to copy it. Yes, it was hard and I missed out on owning some good music, but I don't regret my decision.
Today, living on a very tight budget and with loads of good music available, I can't afford to buy much music, but I still happily stand by the choice I made and God blesses me through the music I already do have.
In working with youth, we are called to set a high standard so others have a good example to follow. If an issue is morally or legally debatable, unless the Holy Spirit gives very clear direction, I steer away from what I am unsure of and walk where my conscience is clear and where I'm least likely to be causing others to stumble.
I also consider what Paul said to the Corinthians (1 Cor 8:9) in situations that I know are debatable and I have a clear consicence but know I would cause others to stumble, I choose the path that removes offence, even though it costs me.
Jenny, you certainly know I don't always manage to meet the highest of standards, but you also know my heart's desire to live righteously as a good example, and I encourage you to do likewise.
Well, there's my thoughts - maybe a bit too deep for a blog comment and certainly advocating one side of the argument rather than being impartial! You know that I don't go out of my way to give people grief for copying CDs, but you did ask :-)
God bless,
Steve
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