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Theological Research and Writing: Plagiarism

A Guide to Cutting Edge Critical Thinking; Cutting Edge Research and Writing at BMATS

References for Plagiarism

What is Plagiarism?

Richard N. Ostling in Baker's Dictionary of Christian Ethics states, "Plagiarism is the use or imitation of the language or thoughts of another writer and presenting them as one's own work. This contravenes the Decalogue at three points: stealing, bearing of false witness, and coveting. Clearly, thoughts and words are as much a person's property as more tangible goods. Appropriately enough, the Latin plagiarius (kidnapper) came to be applied humorously to the literary thief, for the stealing of one's original ideas is akin to the stealing of the person himself." 

 

Henry, Carl F. H., and Richard N. Ostling. “Plagiarism.” Essay. In Baker's Dictionary of Christian Ethics, 512. Arlington, Va: Canon Press, 1973.