Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to my music. My work is offered for those who are not able to afford to purchase the album or worship leaders who desire to use the music in their churches.
I wanted to put a few notes on the principles behind this action. The bible declares that the gifts of the spirit are for the profit of all (1 Cor 12:7). Thus it is unacceptable to horde away manifestations of the spirit for private profit. In this respect we see the apostle Paul teaching and sharing his gifts, even though many times he lamented over the immaturity of many in the churches to give as they have been given.
Yet Paul did not hold back his contempt for those who would treat God’s work as though there was no cost, pleading with them to show spiritual maturity in giving. The Spirit provides these wonderful manifestations as a free gift, but the work of the Spirit should not be treated with irreverence, as though it is without value. Just because something is free, does not mean it is worthless.
In addition to these reasons, I also join with folks such as John Piper to provide Christian resources with as few barriers as possible. This also means working around the existing copyright and intellectual property infrastructure, rather than within it. Intellectual property is a false right that has no basis in scripture or natural law. I believe in walking the walk on intellectual property and I will never ever prosecute anyone for using my music and non-scarce goods to spread the truth of God or his gospel. You have not stolen anything from me by copying my music – I still have my music! Rather, I have no right to stop you from using your own property and tools to make copies of my music on the grounds of “stealing” – again, I still have everything I originally made.
I have written more on this subject here: (part 1) (part 2). And more recently here: The Myth of Copyright.
