Plagiarism and Christian Ethics

Original research comes with the need to properly synthesize and paraphrase. There is often the need to present information, but in a way, that shows the reader the researcher understood the information collected. This means putting into one’s own words what the literature stated. For example, if a research article discusses smartphone use affecting sleep in humans, and there is a long passage one would like to use, one can paraphrase that passage and put at the end, the last names of the writers of the article and date the article was created. This helps readers see that the article inspired this portion of an essay. Synthesizing the research means allowing the research collected to inspire one to take a new direction and come up with one’s own hypotheses and conclusions. Going back to the smartphone example, the research could reveal a gap in research concerning blue light emission and REM time when asleep. This can then be used to help a researcher navigate a new area that could produce further insight. This is how researchers can collect research and make it their own by be able to allow the information collected to point to a new direction or help the researcher understand further an issue. Lastly, the classic way of using research is through citation. Whether long or short, in-text citations provide clear evidence supporting the purpose of the essay and the research. Sometimes a direct quote is needed to illustrate a point. If that is the case, then it simply requires using the author’s name and depending on the citation style, the date and page number along with a reference list. “Include an in-text citation when you refer to, summarize, paraphrase, or quote from another source. For every in-text citation in your paper, there must be a corresponding entry in your reference list.” (Penn State)

There are several temptations in school regarding plagiarism. It is much easier to copy someone else’s work and turn it in as one’s own than it is to write something original. It is seen everywhere, especially in media. Creativity has been lost among those aiming to create something original. That is why there are so many remakes in Hollywood and TV shows being resurrected for sequels. It is as if the world’s creativity has run dry. But that does not mean one should copy because it is easy. Schools, colleges in particular, do not take kindly to plagiarism. If one plagiarizes, one is committing a sin, stealing. Many colleges expel the student that plagiarizes. This is because plagiarizing is taking someone else’s hard work and putting it as theirs. Some Bible verses demonstrate how plagiarism can have an ill effect on the human soul. Jeremiah 23:30 “Therefore, take note! I am against the prophets”–the LORD’s declaration– “who steal My words from each other.” (Staff 2100) and Romans 2:21 “Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal?” (Swindoll 54) These verses show that while plagiarism is believed by some to be harmless, it is in fact stealing and is a sin against God. Therefore, some good habits to have is to always cite sources. Always use a reference list. Always provide an accurate representation of the data collected through use of page numbers or authors and dates and demonstrate that the data collected can be paraphrased and synthesized. This can lead one to avoid the pitfalls of plagiarism. Originality can be influenced by other’s work. It is when one steals the work that it becomes sinful. This is why citation is key to avoiding these issues.