I like some secular songs by Artists I know or suspect live UnChristian lifestyles and even some who I know have expressed UnChristian views. I don't want to support them financially, so I download their songs for free.
Is this right or wrong in your opinion?
I'm genuinely conflicted.
2007-08-17 05:04:34 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Uhmm. This question was for CHRISTIANS. I'm really not interested in the predictable apelike knee-jerk responses from atheists/muslims etc.. on this one.
2007-08-17 05:19:12 · update #1
I can certainly understand your conflict. Although we should definitely be focusing on the song's message, there are instances when we have to examine the lifestyle of the messenger. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, Paul emphasizes the following: "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." " Also the guide for our entertainment should be Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." There are times when we must examine the message and the messenger together to determine their worthiness to entertain mentally, spiritually, physically, socially, financially, and etc. Last, I have one last question: Are ready you for ETERNITY? (www.NeedGod.com) I am ready... and I hope you are, too! Enjoy! [(\o/)(XP)]
2007-08-17 06:24:37 · answer #1 · answered by XPSoldierForever 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Sorry, but it sounds like you're in serious self-rationalization mode. A Christian is supposed to be a good witness for Christ through his or her actions and I don't think such behavior reflects that. If someone provides a service for which payment for the service is a condition, then either pay for the service or do without. Otherwise, why stop at just at music? If I suspect that my local grocery store owner of being an atheist and don't want to support him or her financially, shouldn't I be allowed to shoplift? Why pay Bill Gates for Microsoft products if I can download them from the internet?
2007-08-17 15:48:47 · answer #2 · answered by Deof Movestofca 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's very wrong, not to mention hypocritical as heck. Stealing is wrong even if you steal from people you label as "unChristian."
You are also wrong to judge others. Matthew 7:1. Only God can say who lives a truely righteous life and who doesn't. Your observations are fallible and you could be wrong.
So if you're really interested in being ethical, stop stealing and stop judging your fellow man.
2007-08-17 12:10:34 · answer #3 · answered by Acorn 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think you're allowed to download something like 10% of someone's work on the internet. The rest is illegal.
I'm not sure if that's correct.
At any rate it's illegal and that should answer your question, whether you're Christian or not.
Sending you a smile to help pick up your day.
2007-08-17 12:11:44 · answer #4 · answered by Prof Fruitcake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hahah, this apelike response has been brought to you by reason, ethics, and morality, three things that you obviously know nothing about.
You are a thief. And like always, you use your religion to try to justify your behavior. Thanks for posting this. I know you don't realize it, but you just proved once again why you and your kind are the reason religion is such a scourge on society.
2007-08-17 12:32:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is wrong. First Paul tells us that we are to be obedient to the laws of society. Our laws tell us it is a crime to download songs for free. Paul also reminds us that the "workman deserves their pay". I have never downloaded a song for free. It just isn't right.
If you don't agree with their lifestyle but enjoy their music, then they deserve the fee for that music. If you wish to protest their lifestyles, don't buy the music. But that also means don't download it or listen to it illegally.
Pastor John
2007-08-17 12:10:07 · answer #6 · answered by pastorjohn59 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Down loading songs for free is wrong anyway you put these people are out there to make money just as you are, and if everyone downloaded for free they wouldnt make any money,
2007-08-17 12:10:34 · answer #7 · answered by Cookyduster 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Theft for any reason other than survival is expressly forbidden. Thou shalt not steal.
Nor are you called upon to be the judge of others' life choices.
2007-08-17 12:11:26 · answer #8 · answered by Granny Annie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll ask you this- Is it stealing? and then I'll give you this "Thou shall not steal." (Exod.20:15)
Determine your answer based on that.
(and I'm not going to say I'm not exempt myself because I'm not)
And why are you listening to people who don't support you but you support them?
"Don't you know that friendship with the world is Hatred toward God?" (James.4:4)
2007-08-17 12:11:24 · answer #9 · answered by BLI 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL...that's great. Can I quote you as an example of "Christian" "morality"?
You judge other people, then decide that since they're "sinners," it's OK to steal from them, because you happen to like their product. That's pretty much the crack-cocaine of hypocrisy.
Don't listen to me though - I lead an un-Christian lifestyle!
2007-08-17 12:10:44 · answer #10 · answered by jonjon418 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋