Is it wrong for a Christian to copy or burn CDs? I have heard conflicting views on the subject and I was hoping to get some help here.

 
 
If you're copying a CD so that another person doesn't have to buy it, then you are taking money from the artist/software writer that rightfully belongs to him or her. It's stealing. If you're burning a copy of something you bought for your own backup purposes, then you haven't hurt anyone because you paid for it.

The issue is, If I didn't have a CD burner, would I have to buy the CD to get what I want? If the answer is yes, and you're using the equipment to avoid paying for it, then it's wrong.

Dr. J. Budziszewski has a wonderful column in Boundless e-zine on this: http://www.boundless.org/2002_2003/regulars/office_hours/a0000783.html

Sue Bohlin
Probe Ministries

About the Author

Sue Bohlin is an associate speaker with Probe Ministries. She attended the University of Illinois, and has been a Bible teacher and conference speaker for over 30 years. She serves as a Mentor Mom and speaker for MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers), and on the board and as a small group leader of Living Hope Ministries, a Christ-centered outreach to those dealing with unwanted homosexuality. She is also a professional calligrapher and the webmistress for Probe Ministries; but most importantly, she is the wife of Dr. Ray Bohlin and the mother of their two grown sons.

What is Probe?

Probe Ministries is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to assist the church in renewing the minds of believers with a Christian worldview and to equip the church to engage the world for Christ. Probe fulfills this mission through our Mind Games conferences for youth and adults, our 3-minute daily radio program, and our extensive Web site at www.probe.org.

Further information about Probe's materials and ministry may be obtained by contacting us at: