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Q. My friends download movies from less-than-legal sources. I've never tried it, and I don't want to get sucked into it. How can I tell them I don't like how they download pirated media?

A. You're right: Unless you have the owner's permission, it's flat wrong to download copyrighted material. But how do you say that to friends? I think the first step is to refuse to participate and gently explain why you don't. I can think of three good explanations:

1) Even though hackers are famous for their slippery arguments about how nobody can own pixels, it's still old-fashioned stealing. Why? The government has made it clear: Downloading movies or music you would otherwise have to pay for is a crime. The Bible tells Christians to obey those in authority (Romans 13:1-7). Period.

2) You might get prosecuted. The record and movie industries are going after people for owning illegal copies. Students on college campuses have been fined thousands of dollars.

3) It hurts your integrity. Could you feel good about your witness if you knowingly and repeatedly broke a commandment? Is it worth your clear conscience to save $10?

One last thought: After you've made your case to your friends, drop it. Let God and their own consciences work on them. God will honor your integrity—and your willingness to love your friends even if they don't do what you believe is right.

Mark is the founder of WisdomWorks Ministries. You can learn about his conferences, read movie and music reviews, and more at planetwisdom.com.

Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Ignite Your Faith magazine.
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