COURSE INTRODUCTION
Addressing Plagiarism & Copyright
Plagiarism and copyright violation are critical issues in the academic, literary, and creative arts arenas. It is becoming an increasing ethical issue among congregations and prophetic groups as well. This is intrinsically a scribal issue, especially since scribal ministry runs through every major vein of society (professionally, academically and spiritually) and is just now rising to the forefront in apostolic-prophetic communities. As a result, this session is included to help raise awareness about this issue.
STAND FOR TRUTH
Navigating the issue of plagiarism in the 21st-century congregation is a pioneering endeavor for all involved. As scribes, we have the opportunity to set the standard for how we respond to these issues, especially in climates where knowledge of this issue is not clear.
In every educational institution in the United States, students enter with this understanding: Plagiarism will not be tolerated. In the same way, The School of the Scribe has set a similar standard that applies to its intellectual property. It is imperative that we honor institutions of learning through citation, bibliography, attribution, etc. in our respective communities.
Our courses and curriculum is our life's bread. It's ministry, but it is also an educational epicenter for prophetic scribes. Many people don't know this, but scribes of the Bible were often employed and paid for their services in the Ancient Israel (though some were not paid well). They had other benefits as well, which could include houses, tax exemption, royal protection, and a host of other amenities associated with their invaluable contributions.
At any rate, an overview of plagiarism is provided below. I strongly encourage students to learn about plagiarism, copyright infringement and fair use. To really understand this issue, scribes should study all three areas. I also recommend my book, "The Sin of Spiritual Plagiarism: Unauthorized Vessels."
Despite the title, the book is not about stealing "revelation." We can't do that... as we don't own it. It is simply a play on words that means "spiritual people should not lie, steal or cheat." Sometimes the title, draws much debate without people taking the time to explore the message.
Finally, I've also included a free PowerPoint presentation on spiritual plagiarism and a PDF document is provided below. Students may also use these resources freely in conference presentations and as handouts "as is" (unaltered).
Scribe School resources include:
Spiritual Plagiarism (Printed book and E-book Available)
Online video presentation (The Sin of Spiritual Plagiarism)
Additional Resources:
Differences between plagiarism and copyright violation Plagiarism.org Plagiarism: Purdue University Pastoral Plagiarism Article (Christianity Today)