Plagiarism 101

[WordWolf]

Since there are a number of opinions in play here concerning plagiarism-

and many of them are disseminating incorrect information concerning plagiarism-

it seemed like a good idea to go over what everyone in the US who've never

heard of vpw, pfal or twi say on plagiarism and the related subjects.

First,

What is plagiarism?

http://www.turnitin.com/research_site/e_wh...plagiarism.html

"What is plagiarism?

Many people think of plagiarism as copying another's work, or borrowing someone else's original ideas. But terms like "copying" and "borrowing" can disguise the seriousness of the offense:

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means

1) to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own

2) to use (another's production) without crediting the source

3) to commit literary theft

4) to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward."

Can it really be theft if it's ideas and words? How do you steal ideas and words?

(same source)

"But can words and ideas really be stolen?

According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered intellectual property, and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions. Almost all forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are recorded in some way (such as a book or a computer file)."

What are some examples of plagiarism?

(same source)

"All of the following are considered plagiarism:

-turning in someone else's work as your own

-copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit

-failing to put a quotation in quotation marks

-giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation

-changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit

-copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of your work, whether you give credit or not"

What if I change some words around and it's not an exact quote anymore?

(same source)

"Changing the words of an original source is not sufficient to prevent plagiarism. If you have retained the essential idea of an original source, and have not cited it, then no matter how drastically you may have altered its context or presentation, you have still plagiarized."

"If I change the words, do I still have to cite the source?

Changing only the words of an original source is NOT sufficient to prevent plagiarism. You must cite a source whenever you borrow ideas as well as words."

So, can I use the words of others at all without plagiarizing?

(same source)

"Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources. Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed, and providing your audience with the information necessary to find that source, is usually enough to prevent plagiarism."

What if I didn't MEAN to plagiarize?

(same source)

"It doesn't matter if you intend to plagiarize or not! In the eyes of the law, and most publishers and academic institutions, any form of plagiarism is an offense that demands punitive action. Ignorance is never an excuse."

As is commonly pointed out in some circles,

IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NOT AN EXCUSE.

Further, ACCIDENTALLY killing someone with your car is still a crime, even if you had no intention

of hitting THEM or ANYONE with your car.

What's plagiarism like in the academic world?

(same source)

"Most colleges and universities have zero tolerance for plagiarists. In fact, academic standards of intellectual honesty are often more demanding than governmental copyright laws. If you have plagiarized a paper whose copyright has run out, for example, you are less likely to be treated with any more leniency than if you had plagiarized copyrighted material.

A plagiarized paper almost always results in failure for the assignment, frequently in failure for the course, and sometimes in expulsion."

What's plagiarism like in the professional world?

(same source)

"Most corporations and institutions will not tolerate any form of plagiarism. There have been a significant number of cases around the world where people have lost their jobs or been denied positions as a result of plagiarism."

What's plagiarism like under the law?

(same source)

"Most cases of plagiarism are considered misdemeanors, punishable by fines of anywhere between $100 and $50,000 -- and up to one year in jail.

Plagiarism can also be considered a FELONY under certain state and federal laws. For example, if a plagiarist copies and earns more than $2,500 from copyrighted material, he or she may face up to $250,000 in fines and up to ten years in jail."

http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

"Oh, so copyright violation isn't a crime or anything?"

Actually, in the 90s in the USA commercial copyright violation involving more than 10 copies and value over $2500 was made a felony. So watch out. (At least you get the protections of criminal law.)"

But, isn't it ok if this works as "free advertising" for the original work?

(same source)

"It doesn't hurt anybody -- in fact it's free advertising."

It's up to the owner to decide if they want the free ads or not. If they want them, they will be sure to contact you. Don't rationalize whether it hurts the owner or not, ask them. Usually that's not too hard to do."

=======

In short,

plagiarism is bad, very bad.

It is a crime, and it is morally wrong, and it is easily avoided.

It is also not a difficult concept to grasp.

Unless one is trying hard to excuse it.

[WordWolf]

Requoting from the previous post,

"According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means

1) to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own

2) to use (another's production) without crediting the source

3) to commit literary theft

4) to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward."

==========

Greasespotters should have had little excuse on this subject,

since it was addressed back in 2002.

http://www.greasespotcafe.com/editorial/pl...m-wierwille.htm

"First, let’s define our terms and look at some examples of what is and what is not plagiarism.

To plagiarize, according to the Oxford Dictionary, is to take and use (the thoughts, writings … of another person) as one’s own. It’s a fairly straightforward definition, and it’s usually easy to detect. Sometimes, like the word “obscenity,” it’s not easy to define an actual infraction.

Quoting from a published work without identifying it as a quote or giving credit to the source of the quote is plagiarism.

Taking a previously published paragraph and changing a few words but retaining the basic structure and meaning of the original paragraph, without crediting the source, is plagiarism.

Copying the structure of a book, using the same references in the same order, but changing a few sentences to account for theological differences, without crediting the source, is plagiarism."

"Plagiarism is lying. It is lying about the amount of work you put into your written project. When the plagiarist claims to be a uniquely qualified man of God, the lie becomes magnified. Why? Because a minister is, by definition, in a position of trust in the church community. No one expects a minister to be superhuman, but it is not unreasonable to expect honesty and integrity. It is not unreasonable, when you read an article that says “by Rafael Olmeda,” to expect that Rafael Olmeda wrote it. It is not unreasonable, when you read a book that says “by Victor Paul Wierwille,” to expect that Victor Paul Wierwille wrote it.

Plagiarism is stealing. In a world where books are published and sold, publishing someone else’s work steals revenue that should have gone to the original writer (or, more accurately, the holder of the original copyright)."

"

Victor Paul Wierwille used other people’s work to prop up his own research ability, his own wisdom and understanding of God’s Word. He used other people’s work to exalt himself as The Teacher, the Man of God, our father in the Word. He did so knowing that the words “by Victor Paul Wierwille” were a lie."

"So what?

That’s an important question. So what? Does it really matter that Wierwille plagiarized? Isn’t it more important in the grand scheme of things that more people have a better understanding of God’s Word as a result of Wierwille’s work?

Yes, it is more important that people learn about God. Truth from the pen of a plagiarist is still truth.

But plagiarism matters. Plagiarism may not reflect on the accuracy of the information that’s stolen, but it does reflect on the character of the plagiarist. The plagiarist is a liar, a thief, an arrogant, lazy, self-important person who dismisses the hard work of other people and disrespects the intelligence of his readers (by presuming the readers will never learn of the infraction).

Receiving the Holy Spirit Today should not be dismissed just because it was the result of plagiarism. There may be other reasons to dismiss it, according to some. But plagiarism is not a valid reason to dismiss the contents.

Plagiarism does hurt people. It hurts people by stealing from them. It hurts people by misrepresenting the accomplishments of the plagiarist. The Bible teaches that love does not “puff itself up.” But what is plagiarism if it’s not pretending to do something you did not do?

We don’t accept it from high school students. We don’t accept it from college students. We don’t accept it from news reporters, from columnists, from authors. We don’t accept it from historians and researchers. Those are “the world’s” professions. How can we accept a lower standard of integrity from men who profess to stand for God?"

I wanted to quote that, because a number of important issues have already been addressed-

and it seems de rigeur to pretend they have NOT been addressed.

[oldiesman]

I don't think there is any confusion about the pure definition of plagiarism.

The debate exists when you apply it to VPW and add other facts in the mix.

I know I know, let's not get confused with what he said at other times. It's besides the point.

[WordWolf]

Ok,

so all of us who WISH to understand plagiarism- and not just excuse the plagiarist-

can easily understand what plagiarism is and how it works, and why it's wrong.

So,

how does one AVOID plagiarism?

Well, there is only ONE ANSWER, and ONLY ONE ANSWER.

It is also very easy, both in understanding and execution.

It is called either CITATION,

or CITING YOUR SOURCES.

Here's a little on what it is and how it works,

courtesy of http://www.turnitin.com/research_site/e_citation.html

What is citation?

A "citation" is the way you tell your readers that certain material in your work came from another source. It also gives your readers the information necessary to find that source again, including:

information about the author

the title of the work

the name and location of the company that published your copy of the source

the date your copy was published

the page numbers of the material you are borrowing

Why should I cite sources?

Giving credit to the original author by citing sources is the only way to use other people's work without plagiarizing. But there are a number of other reasons to cite sources:

Citations are extremely helpful to anyone who wants to find out more about your ideas and where they came from.

Not all sources are good or right -- your own ideas may often be more accurate or interesting than those of your sources. Proper citation will keep you from taking the rap for someone else's bad ideas.

Citing sources shows the amount of research you've done.

Citing sources strengthens your work by lending outside support to your ideas.

Doesn't citing sources make my work seem less original?

Not at all. On the contrary, citing sources actually helps your reader distinguish your ideas from those of your sources. This will actually emphasize the originality of your own work.

When do I need to cite?

Whenever you borrow words or ideas, you need to acknowledge their source. The following situations almost always require citation:

Whenever you use quotes

Whenever you paraphrase

Whenever you use an idea that someone else has already expressed

Whenever you make specific reference to the work of another

Whenever someone else's work has been critical in developing your own ideas."

That's why colleges, universities, and some high schools and businesses have their

own policies concerning what they require concerning citation in ANY written work.

If you have even ONE source, and a small usage of it,

and you do NOT cite your source,

you are guilty of plagiarism, and have committed a crime (a misdemeanor).

If you have published your work, and received over $2500 for it in publication,

you have committed a FELONY.

If you have done it with no intention of making even a penny, it is STILL

a crime (a misdemeanor.)

If you have done it with the intentions of helping a lot of people, it is STILL

a crime.

If you have done it in ignorance, it is STILL a crime.

Citation is the ONLY way to avoid the crime of plagiarism-

you supply the sources of your material.

[WordWolf]

Now then,

Some people are under the impression that there is an exemption to

plagiarism- that you can freely plagiarize works that are not protected by

copyright.

This is untrue, and either reflects an inadequate education on the subject

of plagiarism, copyright, or on PUBLIC DOMAIN, which is the term for

works not protected by copyright.

I quote again...

http://www.turnitin.com/research_site/e_faqs.html

"Works that are no longer protected by copyright, or never have been, are considered "public domain." This means that you may freely borrow material from these works without fear of plagiarism,

provided you make proper attributions."

Emphasis mine.

(same source)

"When do I need to cite?

Whenever you borrow words or ideas, you need to acknowledge their source."

Seems to be misunderstanding or what Public Domain means.

http://www.kyvl.org/html/tutorial/research/glossary.shtml

"Public Domain

Works in the public domain may be copied, distributed, or sold without restriction or prior permission."

http://www.lib.jmu.edu/gold/mod7ethics.htm

"Whether an information source is copyrighted or in the public domain, you should cite it if you quote or paraphrase it in your paper or speech."

(That's from James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.)

Something being unprotected by copyright does not mean the sources should not be cited.

Sources should ALWAYS be cited, and one should not need the force of law

(which DOES enforce this) to see that this should be so.

That's not what copyright was designed for.

http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html

"It must be remembered that copyright has two main purposes, namely

the protection of the author's right to obtain commercial benefit from valuable work, and more recently the protection of the author's general right to control how a work is used."

Neither of those means citations are required BECAUSE OF COPYRIGHT.

Copyright affects how much of the original source can be used,

and the author's ability to recover damages legally if the law is broken.

So,

how does one plagiarize something in the open domain?

Well,

it does not have protections against how much can be used.

It does not have the power for the author to recover monetary damages.

HOWEVER,

that does not mean the source is not LEGALLY REQUIRED to be cited.

That's a crime against society, and the government can sue on behalf

of the public, either as a misdemeanor or a FRAUD

(if the publication earned more than $2,500), and FRAUD IS A FELONY.

For those of you who will insist that there has to be an injured SPECIFIC

person for there to be a crime, I'd like to point out that the law does not

see it that way.

If a single man who makes lots of money hires a high-class prostitute

(call-girl) in the State of New York, he and she have committed a crime.

Society is deemed to be the victim, regardless of the consent of all parties.

(Don't like that? Write your congressman.)

[WordWolf]

So,

can you use works not under copyright?

Of course.

Musicians play classical music not under copyright all the time.

And you can buy CDs of that.

If you do, you'll notice they're a lot CHEAPER.

That's because nobody's getting profits for owning the copyrights to the songs.

If you try to use music that is protected by copyright, without obtaining copyright,

the RIAA will be VERY interested in having a little chat with you.

The Verve Pipe did that. They sampled an orchestral track the Rolling Stones did

for their song "Bittersweet Symphony".

The result?

The courts granted ONE HUNDRED PERCENT of the profits of the song to the

Rolling Stones. The band got NOTHING.

If they had obtained permission FIRST, there would have been no problem.

=========

So,

let's mention what you CAN and CAN'T do.

You can write any book you want, and use any idea you want, so long as you cite the source.

You can write any book you want, and use any idea you want, and use SMALL DIRECT QUOTES,

so long as you cite the source.

If your source is in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, you can write any book you want, and use any idea

you want, and use ANY SIZE QUOTES YOU WANT,

so long as you cite the source.

IIRC, Rev Alexander Hislop's "The Two Babylons" is no longer protected by copyright.

When Ralph Woodrow wrote "Babylon Mystery Religion", he lifted almost all his ideas

from TTB, and used direct quotes whenever he wanted.

However, he cited his source every single time.

His book was completely legal.

And, if you read it, you'll see that all the citations in no way made the book difficult to read.

(He included them, chapter by chapter, as endnotes and booknotes, but not as footnotes.)

THAT is a correct usage of material in the PUBLIC DOMAIN.

Some of Bullinger's stuff is in the Public Domain, and is perfectly legal to use in manners

congruent with that. What does this mean?

Here's some examples:

Legal: Publishing "the Companion Bible by EW Bullinger" as a book, 100% of its original content.

Illegal: Publishing "the Companion Bible by WordWolf" as a book, 100% of EWB's original content.

Legal: quoting an entire Appendix of Bullinger's Companion Bible as a chapter in your book,

SO LONG AS YOU CITE FULLY.

Illegal: changing a few words, then rewriting an entire Appendix of Bullinger's Companion Bible

as a chapter in your book, with no mention of the original book or Appendix.

Legal: publishing a book compiling Bullinger's previous published works:

"The Rich Man and Lazarus: An Intermediate State?" and

"Saul and the Witch at Endor: Did the Dead Rise at Her Bidding?"

as one book by EW Bullinger.

Illegal: taking Bullinger's previously published works I just mentioned,

rearranging the contents, and composing one "new" book by yourself,

WITH NO CITATION OF BULLINGER.

For most people, this is not difficult to understand.

[Raf]

I've actually requested the opportunity to edit some of what I wrote in that article, as i believe I was mistaken then in the same way Oldiesman is mistaken now (namely, that there's some point to "intent," when in fact there is not). Plagiarism is plagiarism whether it's intended or not. I was flat out wrong to say otherwise. Intent comes into play when you're assessing the motives of the plagiarist, not when you're assessing whether plagiarism has taken place.

[Danny]

Thanks WW.

He oldies knows or is taken over by the spirit of vp.

I personally thinks its a sickness like alcohol to him.

VP did not adhere to the proper code. But you know just

say God told me and it makes it all alright.

[WordWolf]

I don't think there is any confusion about the pure definition of plagiarism.

I disagree.

Oldiesman, 11/18/05, 12pm, "the way:Living in Wonderland", emphasis yours:

"Have anything that was lifted word for word?

That is what we have agreed plagiarism really is...

using someone else's writings and copying them word for word, without giving proper written acknowledgement."

Mind you, that's not what everybody except vpw apologists say plagiarism is

(unless they are insufficiently educated, which can be easily corrected,

thus this thread.)

Oldiesman, 11/22/05, 10:27am "Strange people vic wier went to for info"

"Actually Wordwolf, I was beginning to have some sort of fixation on your concept of plagiarism (or your understanding of it) as you purport that most, or the vast majority of VP's writings were plagiarized, because he STOLE all his ideas from others.

He didn't just believe what he heard/read and teach it;... no, he STOLE these ideas.

Because he didn't leave footnotes where he initially learned the information or where he read it from another source."

Mind you, plagiarism IS theft, as seen by most people and the US Government,

as well as FRAUD.

And not leaving footnotes, endnotes, or booknotes where he was directly quoting from-

not just "where he INITIALLY learned" or however you are keen to reinterpret his actions-

that IS how he would have avoided plagiarism.

Oldiesman, 12/12/05, 11:16am, "OK, once and for all"

"Your perception of plagiarism being committed by Dr is wrong ...

I think our definitions of plagiarism vary, but I do think he plagiarized some.

Some believe (I believe erroneously) that plagiarism is not noting or citing in writing, where someone got every single specific thought, idea or concept.

Others believe it is a word for word extraction of specific written text, without giving proper written acknowledgement where the word for word extraction came from.

I believe the latter is correct.

If you believe as I do, then VP did plagiarize some paragraphs.

WHY he didn't simply cite those few paragraphs he plagiarized, I don't know."

So, here, you admitted that vpw did SOME plagiarism, and also said you disagree

on the definition of plagiarism. Sounds like you disagreed on the "pure definition of

plagiarism."

I do note that at some times, you've admitted he plagiarized, and other times have

reversed your position.

Oldiesman, 10/10/05, 3:36pm, "Are the Dead Alive Now was plagiarized."

" quote:

You have a conscience only when it suits you and only when it facilitates your misdirection. The topic is plagiarism. Why can't you stick to it ? Oh because you know (though you won't admit it) that VPW was a plagiarist though you really,really hate to admit it.

I already admitted he was, and so what?"

Oldiesman, 10/10/05, 2:44pm, Are the Dead Alive Now was plagiarized."

" quote:

Even if you found a way to express Staffen's idea without using any of her original words, that would still constitute plagiarism. Sorry. If you're going to use someone else's words and/or ideas, you have to give them due credit.

Mr. Babbie

And so according to Mr. Babbie, VPW then plagiarized everything because he used others ideas and didn't give proper written acknowledgement.

And I still say, so what?"

Oldiesman, 5/14/04, 8:33am, "Sadistic Leadership"

"Just summarizing:

His godly side: He was a Christian with a tremendous ability to teach God's Word and convey upon the listeners, respect for the written word. His dark side: he engaged in sexual harassment and adultery, plagiarism, drinking/smoking; at various times with a mean and condescending demeanor."

WhiteDove claimed that one is free to plagiarize the contents of books in the Public Domain,

and that there is no legal difficulty doing so.

Emphasis mine.

WhiteDove, 1/2/06, 10:45pm

"Exactly Raf we have no case for any legal wrong. So what is left because we don't have a legal leg to stand on and still want to take issue is that we try to squeeze the moral issue into making the legal right. That is each to decide if it fits in their moral mode or not . Just to keep the facts straight. The judge follows the law he does not care if you personally think the law is moral or not. In this case VP had a perfect right to use the material, some may think he should have done this others maybe think he should have done that. It looks to me like he felt that it was free to use having no legal restrictions."

WhiteDove gave an incorrect definition of Public Domain.

Emphasis his.

WhiteDove, 1/2/07, 11:18pm

"public domain (PD) The total absence of copyright protection. If something is "in the public domain" then anyone can copy it or use it in any way they wish."

This is incorrect-as we saw, it can be copied but not used in ANY WAY THEY WISH,

if that way includes absence of citation.

Plagiarism of books in the Public Domain is still plagiarism, and thus is still THEFT.

Citations are still required, else it is plagiarism.

However, WhiteDove seems to disagree.

WhiteDove, 1/3/07, 12:18am

"No I said to accuse him of stealing is not correct that's the point you can't steal what is free to use. the point is for people to stick to the truth once again....... and don't make s**t up to prove the point.

It should read VP was free under public domain to use the material as he saw fit he did no legal wrong in using it. (ie was not stolen). that said however some would argue that he should have maybe mentioned that he got this info from a source. I might even agree. While that may have been a nice thing to do he is /was under no obligation to do so. Whether he did or did not has no bearing on the fact that he did have a right to use the material as he saw fit under the law. As such he committed no crime. As I said he may have assumed that since he was free to use the material as he saw fit from a legal standpoint, that he did not need to document the source."

So, vpw DID steal, he was still legally required to cite sources, was under legal obligation

to cite sources, he did not act properly under the law, committed a crime, and from a legal

standpoint he needed to document the source. We saw all that above.

WhiteDove said the opposite, therefore WhiteDove is, at best, has "confusion"

about the pure definition of plagiarism.

WhiteDove, 1/3/07, 1:29am

"Again you assume it is plagiarism , not if the material is in Public domain. I defended his right to use public domain material in the manner it by law says you can. Thats all. I take issue with calling it stealing when the law says it is not".

Again, WD misunderstood what Public Domain means and what plagiarism means.

WD repeated his error again, as if repetition would make it true.

Emphasis his.

WhiteDove, 1/3/07, 2:24am

"public domain (PD) The total absence of copyright protection. If something is "in the public domain" then anyone can copy it or use it in any way they wish."

And you, Oldiesman, responded to the quote of 1:29am I quoted above-

which as we see was INCORRECT from a LEGAL standpoint.

Oldiesman, 1/4/07, 10:05am

" I can't believe how much in agreement we are."

So, Oldiesman,

it does indeed appear that, regardless of your perception,

there is confusion as to the pure definition of plagiarism.

[WhiteDove]

You'll have to take the definition up with dictionary online Raf for public domain. It was not mine.

[Raf]

I guess my name was thrown in there for fun.

Umm, if that "dictionary definition" wasn't yours, I've got no problem with that. it's still either wrong or misinterpreted. Honesty, which you pretend to treasure unless the person in question is writing a book about God, dictates you cite your source. It's plagiarism if you don't, whether the work is in the public domain or not.

[potato]

hey and guess what, it's also a crime! I posted this on the other thread:

Copyright Act Section 506©:

Any person who, with fraudulent intent, places on any article a notice of copyright or words of the same purport that such person knows to be false, or who, with fraudulent intent, publicly distributes or imports for public distribution any article bearing such notice or words that such person knows to be false, shall be fined not more than $2,500.

so... if we assume Stiles' work was public domain when vpw... uh... copied it (just to give him the benefit of the doubt, we won't hold him to any biblical or academic standard and I'll refrain from using the words that make some people so uncomfortable... STOLE and PLAGIARIZED) the act of putting his name and copyright notice on material owned by the public is an act of fraud... if he had properly cited the portions of his work that were in the public domain, there would be no crime.

no matter how you look at it, a crime was committed.

and yes, it's still plagiarism.

[WordWolf]

So,

the Orange Book (PFAL) was a compilation of some of Leonard's class and

Bullinger's "How to Enjoy the Bible."

If he included material from EITHER and failed to cite the source

(and he included MUCH material from BOTH),

then he committed acts of plagiarism all through the book.

So, the bibliography.

THERE IS NO BIBLIOGRAPHY.

There are no booknotes.

No footnotes nor endnotes cite either author.

That was plagiarism, and was a crime.

Once his profit exceeded $2500, it became a FELONY.

Here is the ENTIRE introduction.

"===

"Introduction: the Abundant Life.

Jesus' proclamation as recorded in John 10:10 is the foundational

Scripture for this book.

...I am come that they [believers] might have life, and that

they might have it more abundantly.

This verse literally changed my life. My wife and I began in

the Christian ministry, plodding ahead with the things of God,

but somehow we lacked an abundant life.

Then one time I was especially alerted when I read from the

Word of God that Jesus said He had come to give us life more

abundant. I was startled into awareness. As I looked about me

at communities where I had served and among the ministers with

whom I had worked, the abundant life was frequently not

evident. In contrast to these Christian people, I could see that

the secular world of non-Christians were manifesting a more

abundant life than were members of the Church. Thus I

earnestly began to pursue the question:

'If Jesus Christ came that men and women might have a

MORE ABUNDANT LIFE, then why is it that the Christian

believers do not manifest even an ABUNDANT LIFE?'

I believe most people would be thankful if they ever lived

an abundant life; but The Word says Jesus Christ came that

we might have life not just abundant, but more abundant.

If His Word is not reliable here in John 10:10, how can we

trust it anywhere else? But, on the other hand, if

Jesus told the truth, if He meant what He said and said what

He meant in this declaration, then surely there must be

keys, signposts, to guide us to the understanding and the

receiving of this life which is more than abundant.

This book, POWER FOR ABUNDANT LIVING, is one way of

showing interested people the abundany life which Jesus

Christ lived and which He came to make available to

believers as it is revealed in the Word of God.

This is a book containing Biblical keys. The contents herein

do not teach the Scriptures from Genesis 1:1 to

Revelation 22:21; rather, it is designed to set before the

reader the basic keys in the Word of God so that

Genesis to Revelation will unfold and so that the

abundant life which Jesus Christ came to make available will

become evident to those who want to appropriate

God's abundance to their lives. "

===========

No other preface or whatever exists in the book.

That was a crime.

Literally.

Now,

what else did the Orange Book say about the origin of the Orange Book?

"[pg-119-120.]

=====

"For years I did nothing but read around the Word of God. I

used to read two or three theological works weekly for month

after month and year after year. I knew what Professor

so-and-so said, what Dr so-and-so and the Right Reverend

so-and-so said, but I could not quote you The Word. I had

not read it. One day I finally became so disgusted and tired

of reading around The Word that I hauled over 3000 volumes

of theological works to the city dump. I decided to quit

reading around The Word. Consequently, I have spent

years studying The Word- its integrity, its meaning,

its words.

Why do we study? Because God expects us as workmen to

know what His Word says."

[WordWolf]

The White Book was a compilation of JE Stiles' book,

some material from Leonard,

and one of Bullinger's books

(now known as 'Word Studies in the Holy Spirit',

an analysis of those 385 places in Scripture vpw sounded like he found on his own.)

Citations of all 3 would be necessary, in many places,

to avoid the crime of plagiarism.

None are mentioned.

Here's what he DOES say, the entire Preface.

"========

"When I was serving my first congregation, a Korean

missionary asked me, 'Why don't you search for the

greatest of all things in life which would teach Christian

believers the HOW of a really victorious life?'

This challenge was the beginning of a search which led

me through many, many hours of examining different

English translations, the various critical Greek texts,

and Aramaic 'originals', looking for the source of the

power which was manifested in the early Church.

Finally I realized that the experience referred to as

'receiving the holy spirit' in the Scriptures WAS and IS

actually available to every born-again believer today.

I believed to receive the gift of holy spirit and I, too,

manifested.

Ever since receiving into manifestation the holy spirit,

I have had the desire to put in written form the longings

and fears that were mine regarding the receiving thereof.

I believe that sharing my quest with the believers who are

today seeking to be endued with power from on high may

be instrumental in leading them to the answer of their

hearts' desires.

I knew from the Bible that what God sent at Pentecost was

still available. It had to be, for God does not change. I knew that

the receiving of the power from on high on the day of

Pentecost had meant increased ability for the apostles and

disciples years ago, and that I needed and wanted the same

blessing. I knew that if the Church ever needed the holy

spirit in manifestation it needed it now.

Throughout my academic training in a college, a university,

four seminaries, from the commentaries I studied,

and from my years of questing and research among the

various religious groups claiming adherence to the holy

spirit's availability, there appeared many things

contradictory to the accuracy of the recorded Word of

God. I knew their teachings were sincere, but sincerity

is no guarantee for truth.

The Word of God is truth. I prayed that I might put aside all

that I had heard and thought out myself, and I started anew

with the Bible as my handbook as well as my textbook.

I did not want to omit, deny, or change any passage for,

the Word of God being the will of God, the Scripture must

fit like a hand in a glove.

If you are a Christian believer, I sincerely encourage you to

study this book. Do not allow your past teachings or feelings

to discourage you from going on to receive God's best.

If you need power and ability to face up to the snares of

this live, you may find your answer while reading this book.

It is my prayer that you may be edified, exhorted, and

comforted.

For those searching the Scriptures, desiring to know the

reasons why, how, what or where, I suggest you do a

careful study of the introductions as well as the

appendices in this volume. For those who simply desire

to receive, read chapters 1 though 5 and enjoy God's

great presence and power.

"II Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman

that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the

word of truth."

To his helpers and colleagues every writer owes a profound

debt. This seventh edition has been read and studies carefully

by men and women of Biblical and spiritual ability.

To all of these I am most grateful."

=========

Crime.

When sales exceeded $2500, it became a FELONY.

It is interesting to compare the Preface to the White Book, 7th Edition,

which I already quoted,

with the Preface in the 2nd edition.

=====

Here's how one paragraph ORIGINALLY read in

the 2nd edition, (pg-8):

"The Word of God is truth. I prayed that I might put aside all

I had been taught and start anew with the Bible as my

handbook as well as my textbook. It took me seven years to

find a man of God schooled in the Holy Spirit, a man who knew

the Scripture on the Holy Spirit, and could fit it together so that

I dod not have to omit, deny or change any one passage.

He made the Scripture fit like a hand fits into a glove,

and when you can do that, you can be assured of having

truth."

========

Here's the corresponding paragraph in the 7th Edition,

the one most of us got to read:

======

"The Word of God is truth. I prayed that I might put aside all

that I had heard and thought out myself, and I started anew

with the Bible as my handbook as well as my textbook.

I did not want to omit, deny, or change any passage for,

the Word of God being the will of God, the Scripture must

fit like a hand in a glove."

======

Interesting how the other man just VANISHES from the picture,

no? It's as if vpw later wants to take exclusive credit

("I started anew with the Bible as my handbook as well

as my textbook") for something that was exclusively

the result of Stiles-the UNNAMED Christian-working for

God ("...He made the Scripture fit like a hand fits into a

glove...")

[WordWolf]

Now,

I've been told that it was not the crime of plagiarism.

That's because the books themselves may completely fit the definition of plagiarism-

and they do-

but buried in a separate book, owned by a number of people but nothing compared

to sales of the Orange and White Books,

is this comment:

""Lots of the stuff I teach is not original.

Putting it together so that it fit-that was the original work.

I learned wherever I could, and then I worked that with

the Scriptures. What was right on with the Scriptures, I

kept; but what wasn't, I dropped.

Vale from Florida was the one who taught us about

interpretation and prophecy. But he didn't understand the

other manifestations. It took BG Leonard and others to teach

us healing and believing.

But in the holy spirit field, our piece of research is the most

thorough and original coverage of the subject. And believe me,

I've seen about everything in that field. No one really goes into it."

Meanwhile, on the same page, he says this specifically about

the White Book....

"TW:LIL, pg-209.

"Somewhere in there I wrote the first holy spirit book. I can't

remember exactly what year.

I'd been working those 385 scriptures and they began to all

fall into place."

"We're having the sixth edition printed now of

that book: Receiving the Holy Spirit Today.

It's a great piece of research."

Supposedly,

these comments are supposed to negate the acts of plagiarism across

the Orange Book and the White Book.

[potato]

looks to me like he's saying he wrote original works, and that although he "learned" from others, the research was his.

well, looks like he was delusional or a liar. I can't swallow that he "forgot" and wrote all that material by accident from his photographic memory, not realizing he didn't come up with himself.

still plagiarism! and fraud!

[WordWolf]

"Are the Dead Alive Now?"

was a compilation of 2 of Bullinger's books:

"The Rich Man and Lazarus: an Intermediate State?"

and "King Saul and the Witch of Endor: Did the Prophet Samuel Rise at Her Bidding?"

with some editing, and vpw's name on the cover.

Both books were in the public domain.

This means he would have been able to quote them extensively, so long as he cited them,

or had them printed in their entirety and make a profit off the books.

Instead, he put his name on them-which is a plagiarism, fraud, and a crime.

Once he made more than $2500, it was a FELONY.

Here's some links which some of you will find useful.

http://www.empirenet.com/~messiah7/vp_stolenrthst.htm

STOLEN GOODS-- HOW V.P. WIERWILLE PLAGIARIZED FROM OTHERS TO MAKE RECEIVING THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY

http://www.empirenet.com/~messiah7/vp_sources.htm

WAS WIERWILLE A GREAT AUTHOR?

http://www.empirenet.com/~messiah7/vp_stiles.htm

WIERWILLE BORROWS

A Challenge to the Originality of His Teaching on "Receiving the Holy Spirit"

All from the man who wrote the book on this subject. Literally.

[Keith]

I do not have problem accusing VPW of plagiarism. Legaly and ethicly plagiarism is not justified. However, and this is not a defence of VPW, you would be amazed at the amount of plagiarism in the Christian world; most of it in the full gospel, tongue talkers groups. It was common and to a large extent accepted; less so now, than from the 1900's to about the 1960's. Many ministers wrote books and pamphlets and were just thrilled if someone used the material, even the wording, with or without credit being given to them. Even today, many teaching are simply a re-wording of others teachings. There is very little "new revelation." Many ministers simply said, I learned from so and so, once in a while a left it at that, even when they wrote it down. It was only in the Scholarly books that you found all of the required references.

Now in defence of VPW, this is the type of thing that was going on at the time he was learning. It was only just beginning to change, and those teachers who were upset often adopted a "turn the other cheek" attitude, "after all the gospel was being taught." so VPW most likely didn't give it a second thought. Does that make it right? No, but it is understandable.

Edited January 5, 2007 by Keith

[Raf]

VPW understood enough to put a copyright on his own books. Had he not, I would possibly agree with you. But he did. And he deceitfully gave the impression that he tossed all other books aside and made the Bible his guide and textbook. He LIED. I have no compassion for that act of deception.

[Sushi]

I don't think there is any confusion about the pure definition of plagiarism.

The debate exists when you apply it to VPW and add other facts in the mix.

I know I know, let's not get confused with what he said at other times. It's besides the point.

Oldies, it's not about what he said at other times.

It's about the fact that in his published books, Victor Paul Wierwille failed to cite his sources.

A man who emphasized his education at The University of Chicago (Which institution, by the way, produced the Chicago Manual of Style, THE standard for producing and presenting academic research), used the title Doctor, and wanted to bask in the prestige of one who earned such a title, should have understood the importance of citing sources.

For Victor Paul Wierwille to fail to cite his sources means either:

He failed to understand a basic principle of academic honesty he should have learned by his freshman year in HIGH SCHOOL.

This therefore casts doubt on the quality of Wierwille's own education.

Not citing his sources (plagiarism) would have DISQUALIFIED Wierwille from earning his DOCTORAL DEGREE from any reputable academic institution, due to his failure to understand and manifest a basic principle universally accepted by scholars.

OR

Victor Paul Wierwille chose to ignore this basic universal academic principle, which then in turn casts doubt on his moral character.

HEY SUSHI----

You forgot to sign off when you used my computer!!!!!

Edited January 5, 2007 by Sushi

[Catcup]

The preceeding post was brought to you by CATCUP.

See, Oldies, I cited my own source!!!!!

[Keith]

VPW understood enough to put a copyright on his own books. Had he not, I would possibly agree with you. But he did. And he deceitfully gave the impression that he tossed all other books aside and made the Bible his guide and textbook. He LIED. I have no compassion for that act of deception.

You are right he did copyright his own books. So did almost all of the others that I refered to in my previous posts. Having read a lot of "spirit-filled" books written from the 1900's up to the 1960's, I found that many of them, gave the same impression and I found many of the same examples used in books by different authors. I didn't say say VPW did not lie, nor did I say it was right. What I said is that it was a fairly commen practice in books of this type. So I understand why he did it and why he thought he could get away with it. Doesn't make it right. What this really is a sad commentary regarding the ethics of many bible teachers.

Edited January 5, 2007 by Keith

[Tom Strange]

There's a difference (at least to me) Keith, between 'borrowing some ideas' from others and copying entire pages, chapters, etc from other's published works.

(and that's not coincidence... that's stealing)

[Keith]

There's a difference (at least to me) Keith, between 'borrowing some ideas' from others and copying entire pages, chapters, etc from other's published works.

(and that's not coincidence... that's stealing)

I was trying to put it nice way when I worded my posts, but that is what I was talking about. Not just ideas, but almost word for copies.

Edited January 5, 2007 by Keith

[WordWolf]

(snip)

I didn't say say VPW did not lie, nor did I say it was right. What I said is that it was a fairly commen practice in books of this type. So I understand why he did it and why he thought he could get away with it. Doesn't make it right. What this really is a sad commentary regarding the ethics of many bible teachers.

So,

you're saying he did it,

and it was unethical, and dishonest,

and it was a crime,

and that he was one of many criminals who expected to get away with it,

which is a disgraceful commentary on many writers of the time,

correct?