 The Passion of the Christ is a powerful film that has roused deep emotions and provoked much controversy all over the world. In Malaysia, the film has also stirred animated public debates, mostly centred on *the government’s restriction of the film to Christians only.
However, the Christian public has been so engrossed in this hullabaloo that they have missed the voice of one criticism leveled against the Church – that on the issue of piracy. Many Christians would have watched The Passion on pirated VCDs/DVDs prior to the Government’s approval for the movie’s public screening. Some churches have even screened the movie in their halls – obviously without consent from the local film distributor. Their intentions were sincere – to reach out to non-believers, while inspiring a deeper commitment to Christ among their flocks.
But have we considered how non-believers view this act? Recently, a church in the Klang Valley screened the film in its premises. Several non-Christians who knew about the screening then commented that the church had “illegally” shown the movie. They remarked something to the effect that Christians are no different from non-Christians.
Small Matter?
Most Christians have no qualms about buying pirated discs or watching films on pirated DVDs/VCDs. For example, some who have viewed The Passion on pirated dics might have rationalised their act as “the lesser of the two evils” since the film was not accessible at the time before the censorship board’s approval. Others might have contended that it was a well-intentioned theft (if it was indeed a form of theft) and even used Bible verses to support their claim – “Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached” and “I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”
And why not? The pirated copies of The Passion has already struck a heavy blow on atheism in China and opened up a vast potential for evangelism in the Middle East. Others may also argue that it is ambiguous to put copyright laws under moral category, for it is more of a law of utility, which gives privileges to favoured groups. The more astute Christian consumer may go so far as to defend his purchase of a pirated VCD as legitimate since he had paid RM5 for it. (“I didn’t sin. The manufacturer and the traders did.”)
So, is it an ethical issue if we watch The Passion on an unauthorised DVD/VCD?
We break at least two biblical directives on Christian living. First, Romans 13:1–7 clearly states that all governments are established by God and failing to subject ourselves to them is to oppose the ordinance of God. By direct application, the Malaysian Government, and the subsequent laws it makes, is to be obeyed. The will of God is that by doing right we “may silence the ignorance of foolish men” (1 Peter 2:15).
Unauthorised reproduction of copyright property is currently against Malaysian Copyright Laws. Christians who participate through purchasing or copying or simply viewing are, in effect, endorsing lawlessness (iniquity) and thus opposing the ordinance of God.
Second, is blatant copying of copyright material for commercial sale a theft? Are those who contribute to the piracy market accomplices? From the secular legal dimension, movies are considered “intellectual products,” property of their respective creators under the Malaysia Copyright Act 1987. From the biblical perspective, both the eighth and tenth commandments of the Decalogue, “You shall not steal” and “You shall not covet…”, were given to encourage respect for others’ property for the sake of stability in a society.
That means God’s people are not to long for or lust after the legitimate properties of others. In other words, while those involved in unauthorised reproduction of original materials are committing a legal offence under the Copyright Act, Christians – who know God’s laws – who buy, possess or even publicly screen a pirated copy of a movie have broken God’s law.
Piracy is an offence. When we Christians buy or view pirated VCD or DVD copies of movies, we not only condone the offence, we encourage others to act against the copyright laws of the country, and encourage the growth of piracy business. For where there is a demand there is always a market. We also commit theft indirectly by stealing intellectual properties. When we are careless about the laws, we discredit the name of our Lord. As such, there is no ardent difference in behaviour between Christians and non-Christians.
Christians know the importance of truth, honesty and integrity and we must lead by example, to be salt and light in the world. How do we pray for the nation if we ourselves violate the laws of the land and thus break the ordinance of God? Isaiah 59 indicates clearly the responsibility of God’s people to uphold righteousness in His way so that He will hear our prayers for the nation.
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not so short that it cannot save; neither is His ear so dull that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1–2)
For those of us who have transgressed in this area, perhaps we should consider how to make restitution.
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