Is it right for people to copyright their words? their ideas? their inventions? In an information age where the duplication of electronic and hard-copy materials is practically free, thoughtful examination of these questions is in order.

I'll argue that all truth/knowledge/science belongs to God. When we discover some of it, we can either hold it secretly, or choose to publish it freely for the rest of the world to benefit from. We cannot rightly demand economic reward or claim a monopoly on the knowledge we possess whether it be biological, theological, philosophical, historical, or mechanical.

To place copyrights on Bible exposition is particularly perverse and absurd. It is as if one claims a right to profit from the proclamation of the Word of God. How would one justify creating an economic barrier to the spread of the Word of God? How would one justify profiting from sermon sales - the product of God's call to proclaim His Word?

The concern to protect property in our Western law-system is laudable, but in the case of copyright law, it is a misguided and immoral precedent. It's time to recognize that all knowledge is God's. As stewards, we have no right impede the spread of truth by so-called "copyrights."

Objections:

Shouldn't inventors, scholars and authors be compensated? Having broader knowledge and experience in their field, they will no doubt experience advantages in marketing their unique discovery. However, these pursuits should be viewed as altruistic activity, not bread-winning occupations. If sponsors or companies wish to fund the research so be it. But regardless of the economic needs/hopes of the researcher, it remains immoral for him to seek to impose economic/legal barriers on the spread and utilization of his discovery.