Category: Words of Study & Instruction: Scribes & the Arts

Excerpt From “The Sin of Spiritual Plagiarism”
Copyright 2013 Theresa Harvard Johnson

(Because this is a serious topic among the congregation, this book has been offered as a free resource. You may download it or read it online here.)

The idea here is to fully establish a foundation of what plagiarism looks like in the natural, so that we can build a strong spiritual understanding around it. Our thesis is simple: “Thou shalt not steal.” (KJV Bible)

Let’s take a look at some additional examples of what plagiarism might look like by exploring some real life, extremely public cases:

• JAYSON BLAIR: One of the most infamous cases of plagiarism over the past decade is the story of a former New York Times reporter by the name of Jayson Blair. He was proven to have plagiarized more than 30 national news stories by inventing fictional quotes and stealing quotes from other news articles or news magazines. Not only did Blair resign, but two editors within the company resigned as well. While this case was indeed an embarrassment for all parties involved, the reputation or “good name” of this man was critically tarnished regardless of the skill and writing ability that landed him the position in the first place. Just putting his name search engines brings up topic after topic on what is being coined the “plagiarism dilemma” (Dan Barry, et al. 2013).
  
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  Ministry Integrity

Excerpt from the book, The Sin of Spiritual Plagiarism
Copyright 2013 Theresa Harvard Johnson

(Because this is a serious topic among the congregation, this book has been offered as a free resource. You may download it or read it online here. Print copies are available here. In addition, this excerpt addresses the definition of “plagiarism” and does not dig into the spiritual aspect. For the full understanding download the book.)

A few years ago, I was discussing the issue of spiritual plagiarism with a group of prophetic scribes when one of them said to me: “Is there really such a thing? How can plagiarism be an issue among brothers if what each one of us receives is from and belongs to God? We are to take ownership of nothing and leave everything in God’s hands.” 

While I can see the logic and perhaps some spiritual debate in this exchange, there was a need to take thie discussion further. Father wanted this scribe to see that there are people, some with malicious intent, who carelessly and deliberately steal the words and works of others – even among the body for their own personal gain. He wanted to bring clarity and understanding in that: “It is not okay to take someone’s inspiration (meaning published words, works) under any circumstances and claim it as your own. It is stealing. Yes, that inspiration may be from the very heart of God but it was given to that specific person under God’s authority; and recognition, acknowledgement and permission will still be required if you or anyone else decides to share, distribute or otherwise publish that person’s information. If for no other reason, as believers, we should look at using someone else’s inspiration as a privilege, honor and courtesy.” That expression is one of respect, honor. We are Sons of God first, regardless of our “business in the world.”