Recently, I was informed of some major debate going on about “plagiarism among preachers.” Now I am not one to get into what, I believe, are frivolous debates and arguments. In fact, scripture gives us insight which align with my opinion on this;2 Timothy 2:23-26, which states that foolish and ignorant arguments “produce quarrels”. Other verses, like Titus 3:9, label such disputes as “unprofitable and worthless,” while Romans 14:1 encourages believers to avoid “quarreling over disputable matters” that could harm the unity of the church.
Yet, I do feel that it is necessary to offer another perspective. I am all for giving credit to who credit is due for intellectual property. However, when it comes to the word of God and the interpretations of it, I believe that “There is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), therefore the question we must ask is, “Can the gospel or the preaching of it be plagiarized?”
Here is my perspective and you are free to have yours as well.
Monopolization of the gospel cheapens it. When anyone makes the claim, “What I have to say concerning the gospel are mine and no one else’s,” they elevate their voice, their words to the level of divine revelation.
When anyone rebukes another for speaking the same truth, even in the exact same phrasing, the rebuking voices elevate human words to that of divine revelation.
However, the scripture tells us that “There is nothing new under the sun.” The gospel is not some private invention nor is the interpretation of it something sacred or proprietary.
The gospel was written, all of it, by the breath of God, not the brilliance of man. Scripture tells us that the Holy Ghost inspired one unified testimony of scripture through several holy men for all people to share, proclaim, and live by.
Man’s thoughts, no matter how eloquent, are not some new revelation. They are echoes, reflections, and reminders of the same already divinely declared truth.
The gospel is not copyrighted, but it is entrusted to men who will faithfully present it.
While I use commentaries, quotes, stories, and poems; I also use other preachers’ statements in my sermons. The reason behind all of this is because the way they stated something is what I might have been thinking but couldn’t word it accurately. While I do try to credit these individuals, there are times, in the midst of preaching that time dictates that I move a little more quickly and therefore the credit might be missing. Yet, I believe this is just a matter of good habit but not a matter of any great moral/eternal consequence.
The real danger that should be discussed is the preaching of the gospel without the anointing. 1 Corinthians 2:4 is Paul explaining that his message was with the demonstration of the Spirit’s power.
So, now is the part where you must do some examination. Where do you stand?
THE LAMPLIGHTERS PROJECT 