Choosing to Preach Discussion
#20 - Plagiarism in Preaching
Posted by Kent Anderson on August 26, 2006 19:20
Plagiarism has become a significant problem in preaching, especially with our increased exposure to sermons on the Internet. Some pastors are even being fired for preaching other people’s sermons without attribution. Plagiarism in preaching is a question of integrity, but the question can be complicated. It is almost impossible for a preacher to be completely original. One could question whether we even should try?
How can we proft from the work of others without stealing their ideas? Does a preacher’s work need to be entirely original, or can we borrow from others?
(from page 175)
Replies
re: #20 - Plagiarism in Preaching
Posted by Thomas Calamunce on Oct. 08, 2007 at 19:26
This issue comes down to integrity. This integrity should not be in the area of noting every source that you might have glanced at instead it is an integrity between the preacher and the audience. The audience has to be able to believe that their preacher has spent time in the text and has brought them the message that the preacher believes the text is working to tell the audience. Ultimately that is the goal of preaching to bring God’s word. I don’t care what kind of story you tell, if you mark every page of every illustrations book you own, if you are in the scripture bringing the message, then and only then is integrity upheld.
re: #20 - Plagiarism in Preaching
Posted by dave ellis on Feb. 20, 2007 at 01:15
If you use a story or illustration from somewhere eles, then you should give credit, our listenerns are wanting someone who is authentic. But I have always found that God can give us the original things to say, and when he does, we own that message even more. I know alot of Artists, and have seen many of them using thier gifts, there are a few who are total oirginators, new ideas just flow out of them, then there are others who have the skills, but not the ideas, and some just copy the ones that are the originators. What I am saying is that when it comes to communication some just have the gift and they are oirginators, the rest of us just really have to work at it. If that is you, then look for those illustrations and examples in your own life, and if you use something from some where else, then give the source, the credit, just don’t use the whole sermon. later
re: #20 - Plagiarism in Preaching
Posted by Jon Mair on Feb. 07, 2007 at 00:43
I think this issue is becoming more and more pressing in recent days especially in light of all that is available on the internet. In academic circles you certainly cannot use someone else’s material without referencing them. I think the same needs to go for preaching. Now obviously you can’t mention every source you looked at in preparation of your sermon but if something is read from stage you need to indicate the book title at minimum. And if a sermon outline is from someone else then that needs to be acknowledged. Integrity of work includes the sermon and ultimately there needs to be original aspects because it needs to speak to the context it is delivered in. I think that borrowing from others is completely acceptable provided credit is given where credit is due.
re: #20 - Plagiarism in Preaching
Posted by Brad Olsen on Jan. 30, 2007 at 23:28
I think that it is OK for a preacher to borrow from others work. The goal of preaching is to help people hear from God, and there may well be times when others’ work will help a preach to accomplish that goal. In these cases, the preacher needs to make it clear whose work he or she is using. At the same time, it seems to me that effective preaching requires the preacher to assimilate the message. I wonder if it is harder or easier to truly assimilate someone else’s work?