During a lengthy class discussion on copyright laws and practices, I mentioned John Piper’s “solution” to this issue. Piper has published many books, articles, sermons, essays, etc. However, in addition to selling all of his work he has it available for free online. The Desiring God site has multiple resources available for the masses. You only have to reach out and take it.

  He offers his sermons, books, study guides, etc to anyone who wants them. So, why are we all buying his work? When I initially found out about this, I was stoked. I downloaded several of his things and read/listened away. However, last semester I was required to read Desiring God and I went out and bought it. I felt that if I could I should support Piper’s ministry. I think that a lot of people feel that way.

On their site they explain why they do they offer everything for free. They exist to spread, they like to serve the saints, and they want to remove all obstacles to spreading the gospel.  You can find their entire missions statement here: http://www.desiringgod.org/about/support-dg/projects/online-audio-and-video

Looking at this model, I wonder, why don’t all Christian artists do this? If our goal is to further the gospel, to allow others to hear the message and to enjoy it then we should be offering all our goods for free as well.

I really like this model. What think the rest of you?

If you want all of Piper’s resources, you can find them here: http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library