Something that I have wondered about over the years is how one should establish a fair and just method of compensation for those who labor to produce audio and written materials that pertain to spiritual things.
I am aware of some reformed producers that charge so much for their books and audio that many cannot simply afford to acquire them. One looks at the yearly audits of some of these Christian authors and publishers and wonders if they are pushing the envelope a bit in regard to a fair compensation.
I personally would have a difficult time charging or expecting a fee for work that involves the Christian ministry. I did not write the SCriptures nor was I responsible for the measure of understanding that the Spirit of God has been pleased to pour upon me. My desire in teaching and preaching is to see the saints grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.
The laborer is worthy of his hire we are reminded, yet we also know that Paul was not about to be numbered as one who peddled the holy things of God. When the Left Behind series was selling like gangbusters, I noticed that nearly every major well known author quickly got a book on eschatology out on the market. Was this the result of a genuine concern to counter the confusion that was extant or was this the result of a marketing team suggesting that this was a good time to enter the eschatological market?
It costs a certain amount to publish a book and a lot of time is required to write one. I am not trying to suggest that this labor must be only a labor of love, but I do have to confess that I get a little irritated when I see how lucrative writing christian books and music has become.
When the Puritan pastors were writing their volumes, were they receiving compensation for their efforts?
Any thoughts?
[Edited on 10-2-2006 by bob]
I am aware of some reformed producers that charge so much for their books and audio that many cannot simply afford to acquire them. One looks at the yearly audits of some of these Christian authors and publishers and wonders if they are pushing the envelope a bit in regard to a fair compensation.
I personally would have a difficult time charging or expecting a fee for work that involves the Christian ministry. I did not write the SCriptures nor was I responsible for the measure of understanding that the Spirit of God has been pleased to pour upon me. My desire in teaching and preaching is to see the saints grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ.
The laborer is worthy of his hire we are reminded, yet we also know that Paul was not about to be numbered as one who peddled the holy things of God. When the Left Behind series was selling like gangbusters, I noticed that nearly every major well known author quickly got a book on eschatology out on the market. Was this the result of a genuine concern to counter the confusion that was extant or was this the result of a marketing team suggesting that this was a good time to enter the eschatological market?
It costs a certain amount to publish a book and a lot of time is required to write one. I am not trying to suggest that this labor must be only a labor of love, but I do have to confess that I get a little irritated when I see how lucrative writing christian books and music has become.
When the Puritan pastors were writing their volumes, were they receiving compensation for their efforts?
Any thoughts?
[Edited on 10-2-2006 by bob]
Probably not there either!
