the law is reason free from passion
disclaimer: just as my sidebar says, the thoughts and ideas expressed here are not necessarily those of Westside Family Church (my employer) so don’t hold them accountable for my actions or my humble opinion. :) enjoy.
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reproducing music. illegal. reproducing literature. illegal. reproducing movies. illegal.
why? because they all (more than likely) fall under a copyright: a set of exclusive rights that regulate the use of a particular expression of an idea or information that can range from audio recordings to literature to movies.
if it is illegal to copy/reproduce these things, why is it ok for churches to use them in promotional pieces, as sermon illustrations or in dramatic presentations?
to put it simply… it is not ok.
i’ve been seeing more and more bigger churches claiming copyright laws are too muddy and legalistic when it comes their use by churches. they hide behind “fair use” laws or the argument of “we’re non-profit”. but when a church blatantly acknowledges their use of copyrighted materials for reasons other than for parody (ie. editing movie clips or audio recordings, for illustration or promotion, etc.) they’re crossing the line of “fair use” and are blatantly admitting to breaking the law as well. particularly if a church is selling their promotional packages for profit.
the fair use laws are even pretty clear. and contain a list of the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered “fair,” such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research:
1. the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;
2. the nature of the copyrighted work;
3. amount and substantially of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and
4. the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.
i wouldn’t fight this fight against people of the world. the reason it bugs me so much when it comes to the church and bigger churches’ justification of use, is because we have a responsibility as Christians as well as church leaders to hold true the law of the land and not lead folks astray.
should the mission of the church be exempt from law? according to umm… the Bible and even Aristotle, the answer is simply, “no”.
Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
“the law is reason free from passion” –Aristotle.
in no way is any church going to “get it right” and my employer has been guilty of breaking terms of use in the past, but we are doing all we can, now that we know the fine print of the law, to follow them as written. not just as we’d like to interpret.
so my question is:
does the church have a responsibility to follow the law,
even if muddy or is the church and its mission exempt?
yes or no (and why and such)
thank you.
pinkhairedgirl.net© :)
For Westside Members:
Sorry for the “church business”. Believe me I am only doing this because of the importance of getting information out to as many of our church members as possible. Feel free to use this on your own blogs or email distributions to help spread the word.
If you are an eligible voting member of Westside Family Church (meaning you hold WFC Membership and are at least 16 years of age), please take a moment to read this document about our next Family Forum on Sunday, December 9 at 12:30pm held at the Lenexa Campus. We will be voting on changes to our church By-Laws as well as on New Member, Deacons and Pastoral Advisory Team (PAT) recommendations and the 2008 Budget.
The biggest issue on the agenda is the vote on changes to our By-Laws. The changes are first, to call a “Lead Teaching Pastor” instead of a “Senior Pastor”. Second, to empower shared pastoral leadership. Third, to increase accountability on the leadership team. Voting “yes” on these By-Law changes will ultimately enable us to begin actively pursuing the hiring of a new Lead Teaching Pastor and further empowering our purpose pastors in leadership decisions. While personally, I feel these changes are good I am so not about swaying your vote. I am, however, all about ensuring that as many members as possible know what the heck is going on and have an active voice in the process.
Please review these documents and plan to attend the Family Forum on Sunday, December 9 at 12:30pm, held at the Lenexa Campus. Lunch and childcare are provided.
It is important that as many members of WFC are present as this vote holds a vital decision to the future of our church. If you have questions, please let me know and I will be happy to answer them as objectively as possible. I know we all hold differing opinions on the subject however please only use the comment box for considerate and civil discussion.
You’re a non-Westside member and read this, please pray for Westside as we’re on the brink of some changes. Big things are on the horizon but it is important that we’re in line with Him (which I believe we are).
Blessings,
Crystal
PS. Additional information can be found on our website.
Victory Over Sexual Sin: Women’s Edition
(this isn’t breaking my blogging fast since it’s about the ministry i am fasting for… haha)
Victory Over Sexual Sin: Women’s Edition
Beginning Thursday, October 4 at 6:30pm
Community Room, Lenexa Campus
Westside Family Church
This 21-week LifeLine support group for women tackles sexual sin and sexual addiction as it relates to pornagraphy and online behaviors. Material cost $22. For more info or to register contact Crystal by email or 913 890 4229.
God Shows Up in a Crisis (Personal Update)
it’s been said that, “when a person has been hurt by another, the scars left behind on the inside are far more numerous and unsightly than the ones that are seen on the outside. The scars that are the most painful reminders of the terror of past hurts, pain and traumas are the ones that attach themselves to the mind.”
lately that’s been true. with church stuff, i’ve been a great rock for those who have needed it. a prayer warrior. a good servant. i’ve known a lot. been told a lot. seen a lot. more than most, and that’s ok. i feel like that’s been the role i’ve needed to play. but inside, i’d been crumbling. but i didn’t realize the tole it was taking on my mind, my body, my spirit. while the church picked up the pieces and begins moving more and more forward, i didn’t realize how much i was still holding on to. how much i am still hurting. how much i miss him. how much i miss her. how much of a void their absence has been for me personally.
unexpectedly on friday night, all that pain caught up with me and boy, was it good. finally, the tears were allowed to flow. sure at the beginning of this whole thing, i cried many cries, but i didn’t know i could cry this hard. you know, the ugly kind of crying. does anyone know why so much snot builds up when we cry?
i know some pain is healthy and that this will continue to be something i walk through and continue grieving in stages, but at what point does pain become a distraction?
can pain be a distraction from moving forward?
(ref: God Shows Up in a Crisis)
WHO’S HERE?