A Biblical Response to Downloading

DISCLAIMER: You probably don't want to read this if you download stuff. This is just my opinion, although I think this is the best way to honour God.

I'm sure you are all aware of the technology revolution that has occurred. People today are very proficient in technology. The Internet is a staple, some even seeing it as a fundamental right. Young people spend more time in front of computers, than the television. They have to be connected all the time.

Technological/Societal issues can be a wide field, so I want to focus on a small section: Downloading. As Christians, I think we have dropped the ball in our approach to this topic.

First of all, is downloading wrong?

It depends on context. Downloading content that is not copyright is perfectly fine. This is rarely the case. Everyone downloads the blockbuster movie, chart-topping song, or hit game which are subject to copyright.

In Canada, downloading is considered legal. Uploading (providing the content) is not. So in one sense, is it okay? No, our standard is not merely restricted to worldly laws, but the law of God.

When we download something that the author has not made available, we are stealing from him.

But, Richard! If it's freely available online... should not the author do something to protect his interests and prevent people from taking his goods? Surely, he must have a responsibility! ...so I am justified in my taking of his content.

Well, no. Would we say the thief who steals a car is justified if the victim left the car door unlocked?

What about streaming videos? That isn't stealing. The content is not stored on your computer.

This one I would suggest is based on context. Is the provider authorized to broadcast the content? If yes, then by all means...stream away. If no, you are enabling evil. The provider has stolen the content and is broadcasting for your benefit.

What about ripping videos from youtube? Without getting into too much detail on the method, it is possible to take legally posted songs or shows and store them from streaming websites. Now is it legal? I would be really surprised if they have defined case law to this extent. So I doubt it is illegal...yet.

But, what of the Christian? If an artist wished to make their content downloadable, I think it is very easy for them to choose a medium that will allow his fans to download his work. So although, there is no specific law in place, and considering that you need special tools to rip youtube videos, Christians should not engage in this activity. I would consider it stealing, others might try to claim it is not. But, in any case it is poor witness.

What about copying a purchased song/movie?

Again, this would fall under distribution rights, which you don't have. It is stealing.

What about a Christian artist? As Christians, we are to do all things for the glory of God. The Christian artist shouldn't be charging the people of God! By downloading the Christian artist's song and distribute it, I spread God's message.

Now this is a tempting message, as it sounds like a good idea. However, I think this fails threefold.
1) The worker is worthy of his wages (Lk 10:7). If you are like Paul, and would forfeit your wages so as to further the gospel... all the more power to you. (2 Cor 11:7-9)
2) If you feel that Paul is a model that we should be imitating in this regard and it is sinful to do otherwise... I'll ask you two questions...
A) When a brother errs and sins... do you not approach your brother and correct him? You can't force him, if he doesn't listen...you expel him from the church. (after following Matt 18). The proper route would be to tell this brother to repent, and that he should be providing his work free of charge. It would not be to acquire it illegally and distribute it illegally, because "he's wrong".
B) The work you do... are you paid for it? If we applied the same standards to your work, would that be fair?
3) Why not just share the gospel? Or buy the song and give it to the person? Support both the artist and spread the Word. Isn't sitting down with your non-Christian friend and reading the Bible together a better form of evangelism?

So why do we download?

Downloading touches on something that is very prevalent in today's culture: A sense of entitlement. I want what I want for free, and when I want it...for free. As Christians we are to be holy and blameless, that our opponents would be ashamed that they can level no argument against us. Would it kill you to not download the newest hit by Taylor Swift? Would you not be a greater witness to Christ, if you possessed integrity in this issue? Stealing is stealing; regardless, of it being physical or electronic.

If you are reading this post, you can probably afford to pay $1 for an mp3. The issue is you don't want to. The concept of sacrifice (and this is a considerably small sacrifice) is lost on you. Our steadfastness for the LORD crumbles at the altar of Mammon. This is what it is..is it not? We worship money more than Christ. Rather than be obedient to His Law (Jn 14:15), we compromise. We steal, then we rationalize.

My Prayer
LORD, may we use our lives to give You glory. It is all about you, LORD. I pray that the life I live, I would live in integrity that my life would be a pleasing aroma to You. God, awaken us to the stench of sin, may we look to rid ourselves of it as we cling to the cross.