I received an email from a reader insinuating that someone emailing me a copy of the notes and questions was a violation of copyright. So here’s how I understand the law and correct me if I’m wrong:
Reproduction is when you take someone else’s work and say it is your own or you take an intellectual property and claim it as your own (like the scraper does when he steals your work and posts it on his site).
Distribution is where you receive a copyrighted material (either through purchasing or giving it away). Here’s what I found on the following website that says it better than I ever could:
http://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/scope.html#distribution
Distribution:
“The distribution right grants to the copyright holder the exclusive right to make a work available to the public by sale, rental, lease, or lending. This right allows the copyright holder to prevent the distribution of unauthorized copies of a work. In addition, the right allows the copyright holder to control the first distribution of a particular authorized copy. However, the distribution right is limited by the “first sale doctrine”, which states that after the first sale or distribution of a copy, the copyright holder can no longer control what happens to that copy. Thus, after a book has been purchased at a book store (the first sale of a copy), the copyright holder has no say over how that copy is further distributed. Thus, the book could be rented or resold without the permission of the copyright holder.
Congress has enacted several limitations to the first sale doctrine, including a prohibition on the rental of software and phonorecords.”
So, according to the first sale doctrine, once BSF hands you the notes and questions, you are free to do with it as you wish with no restrictions.
Am I correct or does someone else have another take?
The reason I’m exploring this is because I don’t want to be sued by BSF for violating anything and am thoroughly debating/praying about NOT posting my answers due to this fact.
I do not reproduce anything: I never post the notes or the questions; just my answers which is my intellectual property.
It seems we are covered on distribution as well if I understand the first sale doctrine in US copyright law.
However, I’m about to throw in the towel. I’m tired of being accused of violating BSF’s copyright, their rules, their distribution, their spirit, their “you-name-it.” It’s a hassle I just don’t need right now in my life where I’m struggling in other areas.
I’m trying to do what’s right here in God’s eyes and follow this where it takes me but there comes a point where I say, “Enough is enough.” Maybe He moved me here to make me quit. I don’t want to believe that but only God knows.
I just wish BSF themselves would acknowledge me instead of ignore me or at least give their blessing to this endeavor and others I have suggested. Instead, it’s muteness and to me the fight is no longer worth it. I don’t want to invest myself (and doing this is a HUGE investment not only time-wise but emotionally, etc) into an endeavor that only meets with criticism, nay-sayers, and those looking to accuse me of something.
This is not against the nice gentleman who emailed me his concerns. He raises a valid point and for that I am grateful. I can’t afford a lawsuit. I think it would break my heart.
If BSF headquarters asked me to stop, I would. If they said continue, I would. If it’s up to me to decide, it’s probably a no.
If you ask me, BSF just doesn’t want to acknowledge the changed times and I don’t have the time to wait on them to wake up and realize we are in a flat world, a global economy, and our younger generation lives on the Internet. I simply don’t. My days are numbered on this planet as are yours and I am acutely aware of this fact as I watch my kids sprout before my eyes and my dogs get older with every day.
I don’t believe this website is my ultimate calling from God. It’s just something I do. So I would rather invest my few precious hours a day I have to do my stuff on other callings from God than BSF.
Opinions will be appreciated and I will weigh them before I decide (especially if BSF responds, hint, hint so feel free to share this if you happen to know any of them). I am looking to hear from the ones who’ve been here since the beginning, who have expressed how much this means to them, and who have supported me when I was down. Newbies are welcome to comment as well but the old-timers and those I “know” would be appreciated.
Please comment on your understanding of the law and if I am violating anything as well. I have considered removing all BSF postings.
Feel free to email me as well if you don’t want to go public: atozmom.wordpress@gmail.com
I am too upset right now to say any more…
I am so sorry for your pain. I find it ironic that Paul suffered so much at the hands of other people who believed in God. You have suffered at the hands of people who believe in God. I truly believe an on-line study would be a good thing. I don’t know how to push it forward.
I’d say — go only as far as your conscience allows. If you feel Holy Spirit conviction, obey it. I think that the study on Acts would help you define your own ministry whether that would be to continue on your blog or just within your family.
I don’t see how you discussing your answers on-line is any different than conferring with a friend face to face. I have a feeling that BSF will catch up with the younger generation eventually. Keep it all before the LORD in prayer.
I am not sure what the law is but it would be so selfish of BSF to prevent you from helpinging spread God’s word. I will not be able to join this year but would miss your site.
While there may be issues for the person sending you the questions, I can’t see any legal issues for you posting your answers. However, you seem to want to adhere to the highest ethical standards as well as “the letter of the law,” so please consider this: Certainly, the spirit of BSF’s wishes are that each participant answer the questions alone, with no outside commentary or help of any kind…just each of us, alone with God and our Bibles. Posting answers before the classes meet may encourage others to go online and read your answers before studying on their own–which is quite detrimental to the discovery process. It’s so important to learn these truths straight from the Holy Spirit, via the written, living word of God. If you were to post AFTER the classes meet, you’d probably have little opposition.
I agree completely with James. I was looking online for definitions of organic unity and organizational conformity and your website came up first. I guess I was really surprised! I feel just as James…your answers are posted before class even meets. I was just looking for a definition, not someone elses answer. I wish BSF would contact you directly. However if you feel discontentment about it, you should contact them yourself and see what they say.
I only found your blog about six months ago, and have truly benefited from being able to see someone else’s thought process in answering the BSF questions between class meetings. I would really miss it if you stopped, because I don’t believe there is anyone else out there discussing the answers online.
I think BSF is trying to acknowledge the world in which we live . Two changes I appreciate have been allowing young mom’s to bring their infants and I believe they are less strict about handing out the notes to members who have missed class or need to be gone.
The copyright restrictions indicate that “no portion of the material may be reproduced in any form or stored on any system without written permission of the publisher.” I don’t think you have violated that restriction. It is my understanding that when two “qualified” (?) people are willing to assume responsibility for a new class, they are invited to the BSF headquarters for training as a teaching leader and a substitute teaching leader. I see no reason this would not work for an online class. Would you be willing to write or call them and request permission? Perhaps you have already done so. The mailing address is Bible Study Fellowship Headquarters, 19001 Huebner Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78258-4019. The telephone number for inquiries is, (210)492-4676.
I will be praying for this whole situation. I am asking God to bring His best for everyone involved. I have learned from and appreciated your thoughts and insight.
Words cannot tell you how much your BSF posts help me, so consider this to be 5,000 words asking you to continue BSF-ing.
I don’t pretend to know the law but after reading your post it doesn’t seem that you are in violation of breaking any laws. Having said that I have to say you have been so helpful to me in this learning process that I would hate to see you stop but from the same token I want you to be comfortable in what you do and what you don’t do. Knowing you from your posts I am sure you are already doing this but pray about it and let GOD lead you down the right path. You have helped all of us in one way or another be it in BSF or seeing the struggles of other people and how you have been a patient person in the process. Keep the faith and know that you have friends that are here to support you.
Take care……Barbara
My thoughts on the subject of copyright is that you are not doing any of the copying,i.e. questions or notes but you are merely posting your answers and letting the discussion begin. I do not feel that BSF could do anything about anyone discussing answers among friends be it in a formal setting as in a Church or on the internet. I am on Facebook and I have started a group for Bible Study. You might consider doing something like that. It does not cost any money at all. You could start a Facebook account just for the purpose of having a group for discussion.
PS. I would not use the BSF name.
Hi AtoZ,
I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and its sooo helpful. There were so many times I just didn’t “get” what the questions were asking for, what the scripture was saying, I was just confused. I would look to your blog and many, many times it opened my eyes to what the word was saying. Your answers didn’t take anything away from my study, it only enhanced it. God revels himself in so many ways, and I think he used you and your study to do that for me. Those who say you are taking away from BSF or taking away from the people who read your blog just don’t know what they are talking about. And those people who use your answers and do no studying themselves have bigger problems than BSF which has nothing to do with you. This is not a test so your answers shouldn’t negatively effect anyone. Also I just read a blog by Brant Hansen, he’s an Air1 DJ so you may know who is he. He wrote an article about “Jesus-juking” I think you are a victim of it. haha Please read it I think he might make you feel better. Good LUCK!
http://www.air1.com/blog/brant/post/2011/08/15/Jesus-Juking-Some-Tips.aspx
Hi Atoz and hugs…
I’ve had mixed feelings about this as I read this post and the following one on a forum..and I didn’t want to answer till I could settle on what I really felt. I had to determine what was troubling me and causing me to hold back from an immediate reply.
Rules are tough. When we read in the Bible about the Pharisees, Jesus rebukes their rules, because following God becomes more about following the rules than following God. And the Pharisees believe they are hot stuff because they follow rules….But Jesus also tells us to follow rules too. To be a person of integrity. To honor other Christians.
So when do we break rules…and when do we obey them?
There in is my struggle.
BSF seems to be done in an odd way to us. (I remember an earlier post of yours where you got the notes ahead of time).
To us, it would make far more sense to get the notes…get the questions…and end up with the lecture. It is essentially (in most instances) the standard learning formula, no? We get textbooks, we read, we answer the questions at the end of the chapter..and then go to class to “check” our answers and listen to the prof/teacher on the subject.
So is BSF doing things wrong? Are the rules ones that should be broken because they shut out someone who wants to grow in their faith?
The true question, Atoz, is what is the heart of BSF. We have all experienced being misunderstood. Where we’ve acted or spoken in a way that was misjudged. Where that was never where our heart was when we acted or spoke.
I believe the heart of BSF is to have you go to God FIRST with questions. To see what he reveals to you in that quiet time. To develop that relationship. Not to keep anyone from learning about God or growing in their understanding of the Bible.
So what am I saying?
Being frustrated with the BSF lack of response is understandable and to be honest concerns me. Perhaps it is time for us who follow this blog to write to BSF as well about an online class need. For you, distance keeps you from attending BSF. I just learned myself that I cannot attend because there is no opening for my grandson (15 month old) at the present time. So there are varied reasons for an online class. We can watch preachers sermons online so I am sure a lecture could be available for viewing as well. You have pioneered it and I believe our God can certainly work “through” the internet.
. So maybe we all need to participate in requesting this..?
Atoz, the Amish evaluate everything deemed progress that they are presented with carefully. They reject things…not because they object to “progress”, but because when they ponder it…in the long run…it is detrimental to what they hold dear. What they know is important to God.
Amish can have telephones just not in their homes. The Amish can certainly understand a phone in an emergency is a wonderful thing to have, but don’t allow them in their homes because when they thought it through…felt that it would take away from family time or God time…which they hold dear.
If BSF’s heart is to get you to develop an intimate individual relationship with God…by having quiet time alone with him when you read and answer questions..then it would make sense that they would stand against anything that might keep that from occurring. If the questions are only a tool they use to get you to stop and spend some time with God each day, they are going to stand against anything that focuses you on getting the answers to questions and not your time with God. This is why I think they’ll never make the notes available online until AFTER the class has occurred.
Atoz, I think wanting to continue to study in BSF format isn’t something God would want to block you or anyone else from. I don’t think BSF would want to keep you from growing in your faith either…and essentially you have your own “group” here. You post, we respond. We grow through and with each other.
The question is discussing the questions ahead of time. Does that interfere with our relationship with God? (i.e. BSF’s heart but more importantly, God heart). Could the blog or forum make getting the answers easy, so that if I’m three days behind I can cheat and come here and get them without doing the work or spending the time? Yes, it could. BUT, I know that when I came here during Isaiah, I came for understanding the geography, politics and history. Did it mean that I didn’t care about your personal answers? No…but your answer didn’t change mine. My answers varied from yours about 50% of the time. That was ok with me. You grew your way with yours…I grew my way with mine.
It’s kinda like BSF is God homeschooling each of us our own way if we let him, the way he knows we learn the best.
I know your heart is to grow closer to God and to help other’s grow as well. Can we get that by sharing what we see/know? Yes. God brings wisdom to all of us through different experiences and people. I love when someone shows me something in God’s word I didn’t see before. And your blog and forum can be a great instrument for that as we all respond and share.
So my encouragement would be to still pursue an online class, despite the fact that BSF has remained silent. That we gather together to request it with you.
To have the forum where we can all share and grow…but perhaps state clearly that it is not to be used as a place to avoid time one on one with God and the questions. It’s a place to discuss AFTER that has taken place and to share what God has revealed to us. Then the responsibility is placed on the individual where it belongs to be honest with God and themselves if they want to continue onto reading forum responses. Maybe put the forum out on the telephone pole and not in the house somehow…so that it’s not distracting from God. If anyone can figure that out Atoz,you can. You cannot be responsible for what other people do with what you do with a pure heart. I have to be wise enough to know that the shortcut isn’t going to make God happy…and I have to care that what I’m doing is pleasing to God more than I care if I have answers.
As always, my two cents for what it’s worth.
Hugs,
Nancy from Cloudy Chicago.
Amen, Nancy. You said much that I wish I could have said and did it more eloquently. <3
“First Sale Doctrine” would probably not apply to BSF’s copyright considering they have not sold you or anyone else their material. They own the exclusive right to distribute their copywritten material. Once they sell that material, it can be given to someone else (such as a book, computer program, etc.)
Your desire to serve the Lord is wonderful and exciting to see. What is difficult for many people, myself included, is forgetting that participating in BSF is a privilege, not a right. BSF asks its participants to study God’s Word first in order to develop a relationship with Him through studying His Word daily. When class members come who have used outside commentaries, passages, etc., they place themselves outside of what BSF has asked them to do as a faithful participant. I have a study Bible. It has substantial commentary which I many times want to utilize to answer questions or find out if I am “right”. When I infrequently do that I circle my question so I do not share my answer since I have been asked to follow their plan. Submitting to their request costs me nothing. I still can studying . . . I just don’t answer on those questions. In my 13 years I have seen people who use outside materials sometimes share and even acknowledge that they did it. Those groups generally end up becoming groups where that person monopolizes the discussion, causing people who are less sure of their answers to feel inadequate. It can, but doesn’t always, squelch learning by others . . . they know who the “answer” person is and that they will answer it.
Keep studying God’s Word. Keep stretching your knowledge and application of His Word in your life. You seem to be regularly frustrated because things in BSF are not how you want them to be. They are not perfect and I am not perfect. As Susie Rowan would say, “I am nothing like Jesus.” Many changes have occurred since I started BSF over 13 years ago and more are coming. They are striving to keep BSF’s scriptural integrity toward God’s Word while making appropriate changes.
I have to believe that BSF is well aware of your blog and believe that while you feel they are not answering your questions, they are trying to extend compassion towards you. Passion for Christ and compassion for people. If they were to ask you to stop posting your answers, you and those who follow it would be up in arms. If they were to give you permission, then everyone would start doing it and it would cause immense problems for them in their individual classes and the integrity of BSF’s style of Bible study could collapse.
Having been in leadership for a few years, I admit to not always agreeing with the BSF way on everything. However, I do see that the leadership of BSF is committed to prayer and faithfully seeking to follow God’s will for the organization. So I submit to what they ask me to do as I serve at the call of God and He has placed me under that leadership style. When I feel God’s call somewhere else I will depart BSF leadership with thanksgiving for not just the knowledge I gained through studying His Word through BSF but the way He used it to change my life . . . knowledge without application serves not purpose other than to puff me up.
I pray that you have the chance to study The Acts of the Apostles this year and grow as hundreds of thousands will in the application of God’s Word in their lives resulting in disciples who answer the call to serve without reservation in the world for the cause of Christ.
You’ve given me a lot to think about…as a Christian and BSF participant and leader…some things I had not thought of before…I know I need to think and pray more about all of this…as I am one to leap onto the new forms of social media without thinking about the “whys” of caution on the part of BSF. I still remain, however, so grateful for AtoZ and her blog.
Then I followed the Holy Spirit . . . I struggled with commenting because I don’t want to discourage in any way the study of God’s Word through BSF or any other method or question anyone else’s integrity. God know’s peoples hearts while I definitely don’t. I will continue to watch this blog because I find AtoZ’s blog interesting and insightful.
I just wanted to tell you how immensely helpful and inspiring I find your posts on BSF. Sometimes when I am working through the questions I become discouraged because of my lack of understanding. Often, when reading your thoughts on a question help me to refocus and keep going. I appreciate the way God is using you to impact others.
Thank You.
Here are some of the US governments laws on copyright infringement:
http://www.copyright.gov/title17/92chap1.html
§ 501. Infringement of copyright3
(a) Anyone who violates any of the exclusive rights of the copyright owner as provided by sections 106 through 122 or of the author as provided in section 106A(a), or who imports copies or phonorecords into the United States in violation of section 602, is an infringer of the copyright or right of the author, as the case may be. For purposes of this chapter (other than section 506), any reference to copyright shall be deemed to include the rights conferred by section 106A(a). As used in this subsection, the term “anyone” includes any State, any instrumentality of a State, and any officer or employee of a State or instrumentality of a State acting in his or her official capacity. Any State, and any such instrumentality, officer, or employee, shall be subject to the provisions of this title in the same manner and to the same extent as any nongovernmental entity.
§ 106. Exclusive rights in copyrighted works38
Subject to sections 107 through 122, the owner of copyright under this title has the exclusive rights to do and to authorize any of the following:
(1) to reproduce the copyrighted work in copies or phonorecords;
(2) to prepare derivative works based upon the copyrighted work;
(3) to distribute copies or phonorecords of the copyrighted work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending;
(4) in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual works, to perform the copyrighted work publicly;
(5) in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including the individual images of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, to display the copyrighted work publicly; and
(6) in the case of sound recordings, to perform the copyrighted work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission.
§ 106A. Rights of certain authors to attribution and integrity39
(a) Rights of Attribution and Integrity. — Subject to section 107 and independent of the exclusive rights provided in section 106, the author of a work of visual art —
(1) shall have the right —
(A) to claim authorship of that work, and
(B) to prevent the use of his or her name as the author of any work of visual art which he or she did not create;
(2) shall have the right to prevent the use of his or her name as the author of the work of visual art in the event of a distortion, mutilation, or other modification of the work which would be prejudicial to his or her honor or reputation; and
(3) subject to the limitations set forth in section 113(d), shall have the right —
(A) to prevent any intentional distortion, mutilation, or other modification of that work which would be prejudicial to his or her honor or reputation, and any intentional distortion, mutilation, or modification of that work is a violation of that right, and
(B) to prevent any destruction of a work of recognized stature, and any intentional or grossly negligent destruction of that work is a violation of that right.
(b) Scope and Exercise of Rights. — Only the author of a work of visual art has the rights conferred by subsection (a) in that work, whether or not the author is the copyright owner. The authors of a joint work of visual art are coowners of the rights conferred by subsection (a) in that work.
(c) Exceptions. — (1) The modification of a work of visual art which is the result of the passage of time or the inherent nature of the materials is not a distortion, mutilation, or other modification described in subsection (a)(3)(A).
(2) The modification of a work of visual art which is the result of conservation, or of the public presentation, including lighting and placement, of the work is not a destruction, distortion, mutilation, or other modification described in subsection (a)(3) unless the modification is caused by gross negligence.
(3) The rights described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) shall not apply to any reproduction, depiction, portrayal, or other use of a work in, upon, or in any connection with any item described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of the definition of “work of visual art” in section 101, and any such reproduction, depiction, portrayal, or other use of a work is not a destruction, distortion, mutilation, or other modification described in paragraph (3) of subsection (a).
(d) Duration of Rights. — (1) With respect to works of visual art created on or after the effective date set forth in section 610(a) of the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990, the rights conferred by subsection (a) shall endure for a term consisting of the life of the author.
(2) With respect to works of visual art created before the effective date set forth in section 610(a) of the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990, but title to which has not, as of such effective date, been transferred from the author, the rights conferred by subsection (a) shall be coextensive with, and shall expire at the same time as, the rights conferred by section 106.
(3) In the case of a joint work prepared by two or more authors, the rights conferred by subsection (a) shall endure for a term consisting of the life of the last surviving author.
(4) All terms of the rights conferred by subsection (a) run to the end of the calendar year in which they would otherwise expire.
(e) Transfer and Waiver. — (1) The rights conferred by subsection (a) may not be transferred, but those rights may be waived if the author expressly agrees to such waiver in a written instrument signed by the author. Such instrument shall specifically identify the work, and uses of that work, to which the waiver applies, and the waiver shall apply only to the work and uses so identified. In the case of a joint work prepared by two or more authors, a waiver of rights under this paragraph made by one such author waives such rights for all such authors.
(2) Ownership of the rights conferred by subsection (a) with respect to a work of visual art is distinct from ownership of any copy of that work, or of a copyright or any exclusive right under a copyright in that work. Transfer of ownership of any copy of a work of visual art, or of a copyright or any exclusive right under a copyright, shall not constitute a waiver of the rights conferred by subsection (a). Except as may otherwise be agreed by the author in a written instrument signed by the author, a waiver of the rights conferred by subsection (a) with respect to a work of visual art shall not constitute a transfer of ownership of any copy of that work, or of ownership of a copyright or of any exclusive right under a copyright in that work.
This is from the bitlaw site:
http://www.bitlaw.com/copyright/index.html
Executive summary:
Copyright law in the U.S. is governed by federal statute, namely the Copyright Act of 1976. The Copyright Act prevents the unauthorized copying of a work of authorship. However, only the copying of the work is prohibited–anyone may copy the ideas contained within a work. For example, a copyright could cover a written description of a machine, but the actual machine itself is not covered. Thus, no one could copy the written description, while anyone could use the description to build the described machine.
Copyrights can be registered in the Copyright Office in the Library of Congress, but newly created works do not need to be registered. In fact, it is no longer necessary to even place a copyright notice on a work for it to be protected by copyright law. However, the Copyright Act does provide additional benefits to those who register with the Copyright Office. Consequently, copyright registration and the use of a copyright notice is recommended.
The reason BSF doesn’t want us to discuss answers prior to class or even the questions themselves is because we are supposed to be allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us through it. If we are doing our lesson daily or at least regularly throughout the week and get stuck, we can pray and ask for guidance. We may not get the answer right away, but as we spend time with God day to day, he will help us with the answer. Perhaps we won’t ever “get” the whole answer or the “right” answer. I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer. It’s where we are in our walk with God at this time. If we give our time to God to read and understand His Word, he will meet us where we are and give us what we need. What we *think* we need may not be where He wants us to be or what He wants us to learn at this time. We are to rely on the Holy Spirit.
That said, I think a forum would be great, but I agree with what another commenter said about posting it AFTER the lesson.
There’s a simple solution to your qualm: don’t read until after the lesson. Simple as that. I post my answers. What everyone else does with them (and when) is their business.
As Gamaliel states, “Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, let it fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against the Lord.” Acts 5:38-9
I agree but I am just saying that’s where I think BSF is coming up with the rules. Our mission is to spread the Word of God so I also do not always agree with the rules.
Atoz,
I agree that your answers should be posted after the lesson has occured. True, those who should know better can just turn away but we are also charged with watching out for the weaker brother. Posting them before could be a stumbling block for another.
BSF is moving by leaps and bounds these days. I believe they are exploring all options and seeking God’s direction at every turn.
It is amazing to me how people can try to make a negative out of a positive experience. Copyright laws, distribution, etc. making you worry if you will get sued by BSF.
Your blog is the same as us having classroom discussions about the study questions. You give your response to the questions, we can give ours. Everything today is done by computer and everything is transmitted and distributed by computer.
You haven’t stolen or sold anything belonging to BSF. Bible Study is a right that belongs to us all, not just one organization. You are acting in good faith, bringing the word of God to millions around the world who need it or cannot attend a BSF class. Your blog is a huge help to me; sometimes I am stumped on a question and your answer guides me to where I need to go to seek my own answer. If I were president of BSF, I would be proud that you are willing to stand up and reach people where others won’t.
If God did not want you to write this blog, He would have sent you in another direction. He sensed a need in the world, and you are guided by Him to fulfill it. Just ignore the negative people, they will always look for a reason in everything to be negative. And if BSF wants to sue you, I will be happy to stand with you !!
Atozmom,
I was stumped on a question and asked google to help. I found you!! How did everyone else come to your site? They too must have been looking for help. Bless you and your work.
I am sorry to hear about the problems you have faced with BSF, and I agree with you on your interpretation about the copy right laws the fact that you have not posted their material just your comments to a question shows you are not in violation of the law. You would think BSF would be happy to see that there is a need to have your site on the web.
I am an older person with alot of medical problems, and when my health permits I attend the classes. But when I do come down sick, I can get the lesson on line but if I cannot make the next meeting I feel lost, not hearing what others had to say on the questions ex-specially if I have had a problem with one of the questions. and to hear your answers makes me feel better.
I have been in BSF for 17 years and seen the heart of the folks leading BSF and seen the HUGE changes that have taken place. So I speak from personal experience.
Your heart is in the right place to want to provide an online source to study the Bible for those who do not have access to a face-to-face Bible study. Great!
BSF is also listening, prayerfully considering and making changes based on many suggestions coming through including more online resouces and adapting to the next generation way of living life. Great!
As a Mom, consider this scenario:
You plan and work hard to provide a balanced meal for your family- carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, fruit, and maybe even dessert. But the Mom of a friend of your child provides a huge amount of dessert to your child as he stops in her home before coming home. So your child does not eat when he comes home. This happens week after week. You can imagine that this will lead to an unhealthy medical condition for your child.
Similarly, those partaking of your pre-digested spiritual food before they have digested it through the Holy Spirit’s leading are going to be spiritually unhealthy as well.
God has given the folks in BSF, through prayerful consideration, the method and means of how to accomplish the mission they have been given specifically. That includes the Four-fold method of study (personal study, face to face discussion, lecture, notes). BSF never believed that theirs is the only method. But that is how the materials have been prepared – to be part of the balanced meal as one is in the BSF study.
So, would your purpose to provide an online Bible study resource to help others be affected by posting after the study is finished in BSF?
1 Cor 10:23 (ESV) “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.
Re your desire that they make it an online ministry for those not living close to a BSF class:
BSF never intended to be the only Bible study available for people. BSF has always been about the face-to face personal encounter. There are other ministries that have produced materials that work better for online interaction. Just as you would not expect a toaster to grill meat, so too you cannot expect a ministry with resources for one method of ministry (face to face) to have the resources to do it completely another way.
Re your frustration that they do not communicate individually with you:
Think what would happen to your family if you spent your time connecting and responding individually with every FB post? You would have no time to do the needful for your family. Similarly, the folks at BSF, though they listen/read your concerns, they do not have time to reply individually so as to focus on the main thing of providing for the BSF family. BSF is set up to function on a local level – where you can take your questions to someone you know.
I hope this answers some of your questions and frustrations. As you studied the suffering in the life of Joseph last week, there are many lessons on how one handles God’s timing and His plans.
May God continue to use you to build a passion for Jesus.
Christy,
Please don’t compare those taking BSF classes to children. Children must eat what they are given. Adults can say “NO” to dessert.
Similarly, those can say “NO” to this site. I am not force-feeding people what I offer here as you suggest.
That is not my responsibility what people do with this site. I put it out there. Then it’s up to the individual to choose thanks to Free Will.
I have lived in places on this continent and elsewhere where NO, there is not any great Bible Study available. And have you taken any of these “on-line” courses? I know of none like BSF’s and that are Free.
And no, I don’t expect BSF to contact me as you suggest. I am answering others’ concerns who think I am violating their procedures. And if you were around here enough, you’d know I don’t do Facebook.
As I believe your intentions were noble, your analogies were fallacious especially the children part. I have written DOZENS of time about personal responsibility with regards to this site and I am about to do so AGAIN for those of you who think I force people to read.