Cyberbrethren: A Lutheran Blog

Is it Sinful to Use Copyright Laws?

The other day I received a Google Alert on the Concordia edition of the Book of Concord. A pastor had referred to it in a blog post. I went to the blog site and read the following:

   One of my tasks is to develop and make available new ways of catechesis and discipleship. For this reason, I was thrilled when a compatriot of mine suggested the development of the entire Book of Concord (Concordia, the Lutheran Confessions,) be made available (for free) in mp3 and on CD audio, so that those who desired to grow in the mind of Christ might, say, listen to the Formula for Harmony on the way to work.

A wonderfully good idea, to be sure! There is just one problem. The project represents a violation of copyright law. I posted a comment on the blog site that the Concordia edition of the Book of Concord is copyrighted and thus can not be done without permission of the copyright holder. I also indicated that Concordia Publishing House would probably not grant permission because we have plans to do audio recordings of it ourselves. I suggested that he make use of the English translation of the Book of Concord that is in the public domain.

The pastor responded by saying that he believes it is sinful for Concordia Publishing House to use copyright laws, and that the laws are themselves sinful. He proceeded to indicate that he believes CPH is doing a disservice to the Gospel in copyrighting the Concordia edition of the Book of Concord.

Is it sinful for Christians to use copyright laws? In this post, I'd like to address a common misunderstanding that circulates around the church about copyright laws and their use. I hope I can do this in such a way as not to give the impression that I am being defensive. It is a challenge to address these issues without people receiving that impression, particularly when they have a firm opinion about the issue. But, I'll give it a go.

Golden Compass Resources

Looking for materials to help you respond and understand The Golden Compass? There are several excellent resources available now.

Concordia Publishing House has a free downloadable resource, in various formats, designed to facilitate an adult bible class conversation, youth group or other small group discussion, or for personal reflection.

The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod posted an article on The Golden Compass which provides good food for thought.

The journal, First Things, has a good review which was published when they first appeared.

My take on it? Don't bother with the movie or the books. No point in putting money in the pockets of people who are clearly intent on attacking and destroying the Christian faith. Better to read the Chronicles of Narnia or The Lord of the Rings, and watch the movies based on those books.

Is it just me? Thoughts on three lives of not-so-quiet desperation

I generally do not engage in non-theological rants, or postings, for that matter, but...I'm sitting here reading Newsweek magazine and I'm once again assaulted/insulted by the latest news on Lindsey Lohan, Brittney Spears and Paris Hilton. And don't tell me if I spelled their names correctly, or not. I don't care. And that's my point.
    Why does anyone care about these spoiled degenerate young women? I think we should care about what kind of parenting they did, or, obviously, did not have. These are women whose every move is documented and zipped across the Internet. Why is it that "news" about them makes the headline news at my Yahoo home page? Why this endless fascination in watching these poor young women literally self-destruct before our very eyes?
    I can think of few other depressing examples of the deep rot that has set into our culture than the fact that so much time is spent giving attention to these three. What we see here is the tragedy of women whose bank accounts are stuffed full, but whose souls are desperately empty. Perhaps that is the good purpose they serve. Where were their parents? How is that women barely "legal" can already have established criminal records and have spent time in and out of "rehab" for use of illegal drugs and overuse of alcohol. And anyone envies them? What helpless and pointless lives of not-so-quiet desperation they are leading. And this is news? This is worth our public attention? It's so sad and tragic that it literally makes me sick to my stomach.
    We must pray that somehow, in some way, the proclamation of Law and Gospel reaches these young women before it is too late. God have mercy on them, and on us, in a culture that "celebrates" this kind of spectacle. Your reaction? Is it just me?

With This Ringing Cash Register, I Thee Wed

Great article by Mollie Ziegler-Hemmingway on the wedding-industrial complex. A must read for every pastor, and an article that might be wise to put into the hands of every couple coming to them for pre-marital counseling.