Other "Thinking Drafts" and writing by Keith Drury --
http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday .1. Everybody does it.
I even know some Christians who steal candy bars.
2. You probably won't get caught.
Because the practice is so widespread, and there is so little enforcement, the chances of being caught are slim.
3. Even if caught, prosecution is doubtful.
You probably wouldn't be taken to court or tried anyway.
4. It doesn't involve much money.
Stealing a car, or a boat, or something like that -- well, that's different. But candy bars cost so little; taking them is certainly not serious.
5. The owners will never miss it.
There are millions of candy bars circulating about our world. Who's going to miss one or two?
6. It will save you money.
Stealing candy bars on a regular basis can add up to a substantial savings. After all, we are to be good stewards of our money -- and that means cutting expenses everywhere we can.
7. It will save you time.
Stealing candy bars saves time in the checkout line. Better yet, if you can steal them at work it will save a trip to the local candy store, or worse, a long wait for a mail order supplier to send your bars.
8. The law is confusing.
I'm not a lawyer and you know how confusing legal matters are. Some say it is OK, others say don't. Hey, go ahead and take a few until they straighten out this mess and make it clear to all of us?
9. The owners are Christians anyway.
If the owners are Christians, we Christians should have a right to steal a few candy bars. After all, they shouldn't be trying to make money off other Christians.
10. It's for a good cause.
Now I might be persuaded that stealing for personal benefit is questionable, but certainly stealing for the congregation, choir, or Sunday school class wouldn't be wrong, would it?
(Now, for 10 persuasive arguments for photocopying copyrighted books, songs, and sheet music, and copying tapes, see above.)
So what do you think?
To contribute to the thinking on this issue e-mail your response to
Tuesday@indwes.eduBy Keith Drury, 1974. You are free to transmit, duplicate or distribute this article for non-profit use without permission.