The Problem with Plagiarism
The central problem with plagiarism is twofold: (1) it is stealing; and (2) it bears false witness. Obviously, both of these are unacceptable for Bible-believing Christians (see Exodus 20:15). The words and ideas of another person are precisely that—their words or ideas. To fail to acknowledge their source is to give the false impression that they have originated with you. Hence, plagiarism steals from another and gives a false impression to your audience. Both of these factors should be of utmost concern to the Christian, and especially pastors and teachers who should have the utmost respect for the sanctity of truth.
Overcoming Plagiarism in Preaching and Teaching
It is not hard to avoid plagiarism. All that you have to do is acknowledge the source whenever you quote, paraphrase or use the ideas expressed by another. But, of course, life almost always throws us complex situations where it is not clear how to apply a general principle such as this. Hence, it will be helpful to spell out some specific guidelines.
1. General acknowledgements do not suffice. It is not enough, for example, for a pastor simply to say to his congregation, “Once in a while I use the ideas or words of other theologians. I don’t tell you every time I do it because I have reminded you from time to time not to think that everything I say originated with me.” Instead, each instance of quoting, paraphrasing or using another’s ideas must be accompanied by attribution to the source.
2. Detailed bibliographic data is not necessary. It is not necessary to give detailed information as to the page number, publisher of the book, date of publication and so forth when attributing a source in a sermon. It is helpful to do this in papers, but even then the absolutely necessary thing is to name the person from whom you got the idea or quote, and if possible, the specific book or lecture or article.
3. Common knowledge does not need to have its source cited. “Common knowledge” does not necessarily mean that everyone in your audience knows the information. What is it then? The Purdue University English Department suggests helpful criteria. You have “common knowledge” when (1) “you find the same information undocumented in at least five other sources”; (2) “You think it is information that your readers will already know”; “You think a person could easily find the information with general reference sources” (source). Hence, “Jonathan Edwards was born in 1703” is common knowledge. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him” is not common knowledge.
