The Bible and Copyright Infringement: A Comparative Analysis

While the specific term 'copyright' is a recent legal concept, The Bible offers timeless wisdom that can guide us in understanding the moral underpinnings of contemporary issues such as copyright infringement. This article explores the relevant biblical texts, contextualizes them in the modern world, and discusses the broader implications for ethical behavior.

Understanding Copyright Infringement

Copyright infringement involves the unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of protected works, such as books, music, and digital content. As with many ethical dilemmas in the modern era, the Bible does not provide a direct or specific answer. However, it does offer broader principles that can be applied to contemporary issues.

Thou Shalt Not Steal

The Bible commands us not to steal in several places. Perhaps the most well-known is:

“Thou shalt not steal.”

Ex. 20:15, Deu. 5:19

Copyright infringement, in its essence, is a form of theft. Digital piracy, for instance, involves taking a creator's work without permission, just as stealing a physical object would. This commandment clearly speaks against such actions.

Scriptural References

While there are no direct references to "copyright," the Bible does offer insights through the concept of "stolen goods." For example:

“You shall not steal, and you shall not deal falsely or lie to one another.”

Leviticus 19:11

“But keep my statutes and my judgments and do them: for they are the distinguishing marks between me and the peoples. Keep my commandments and do them: I am the Lord.”

Ezekiel 20:12,37

These verses caution against appropriating what belongs to others, which aligns with the principles of copyright protection.

Additional Revelation

Further guidance comes from the Book of Revelation, which speaks against altering sacred texts:

“For I testify to every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if any man shall add to these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

Revelation 22:18-19

This passage warns against altering divinely inspired texts. Similarly, copyright infringement involves altering and distributing works without permission, which can be seen as a form of tampering.

Modern Interpretation and Application

While these biblical principles do not directly address copyright laws, they still offer strong guidance. Just as altering a sacred text is a violation, so too is stealing a protected work. In today's digital age, copyright infringement often goes unnoticed, but it undermines the rights of creators and can have significant societal impacts:

Economic Impact: Copyright infringement can lead to a loss of revenue for creators and publishers, impacting the creation and dissemination of new works. Cultural Context: It can also diminish the cultural and artistic value of a society, as the works of talented creators are not fairly recognized and appreciated. Ethical Consideration: Stealing any form of intellectual property is an ethical issue, whether it's a physical or digital item.

Conclusion

The Bible, while not providing a direct commandment about copyright infringement, does offer timeless principles that align with the ethical obligations of respecting intellectual property. The commandment “Thou shalt not steal” is a central theme that applies to all forms of theft, including copyright infringement. By honoring these principles, we not only adhere to biblical standards but also promote a fair and just society.