A Christian in Nigeria inquired if ‘scriptural materials written by brethren ought to be sold.’ On one hand, one would hardly expect the apostles Paul or Peter to have sold their respective epistles that we find in the New Testament. Certainly, there was some expense incurred for materials and especially for hand delivery of some of their writings to various recipients. Obviously, those costs were borne by individual Christians and congregations of the body of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:8-9; Philippians 4:14-16).
However, mass production of Christian literature accompanied by massive distribution of that literature was unavailable in the first century. The financial investment in Christian literature today (e.g., books, tracts, DVDs, etc.) to make it widely available is substantial. Further, making Christian literature available for sale is a way to recover the expense in making it available rather than an effective way to make a profit; one is more likely to spend more money than he earns from the sale of Christian literature, making production and distribution of Christian literature more of a labor of love and a valuable service than a money-making enterprise. However, unless individuals, congregations, publisher or sellers that provide Christian literature are able to recoup their investments, they are not likely able to continue providing Christian literature in the future.
Making Christian literature available for sale is a means of spreading the cost of its production and distribution upon many Christians and congregations. This way, the financial investment that would otherwise be borne alone by an author or a publisher is defrayed so that many can benefit from the availability and use of Christian literature. When those who can afford to purchase literature do so, it provides opportunity for the distribution of Christian literature to those who cannot afford to buy it. Individual Christians and congregations of the churches of Christ, for instance, may give books and tracts away to Christians and non-Christians alike. Typically, Christians and congregations of the Lord’s church in America are responsible annually for sending tons and tons of literature without cost to recipients, Christians and non-Christians, in foreign countries.
When we do what we can do for ourselves, in this case, buying Christian literature, we make it possible for literature to be produced and distributed in the future as well. In addition, often the purchase of literature provides the opportunity for others to receive literature without charge.
Finally, though, the intellectual property, including literature, belonging to someone is worthy of financial reward for its use just the same as if someone were to part with his personal, physical property. The precept of not stealing the belongings of others enters here (Romans 2:21; 13:9; Ephesians 4:28). One may offer his possessions to others without charge if he can afford to do so, but he is not obligated to give his possessions away, and he may not be able to do that financially.
