Copyright Violation: Sin?

[C Frances]

I am confused about the degree of sin (mortal/venial) involved in copyright violation.

I understand that it is technically a form of theft, and that it is sinful. However, I am wondering when it is a mortal sin.

For example, I read some of a copyrighted book on a site that I have now discovered is illegal. While reading it, I had a bad feeling about it, but continued to read anyways. I also know of people watching copyrighted movies on Youtube, etc.

Any clarification would be helpful!

[cappie]

The Bible tells us that we are to obey the laws of the government we live under (Romans 13:1-7). It is not inherently evil to download and share music, movies, etc. However, it is ethically wrong to download and/or share copyrighted music, movies, etc., without the permission of the artist / publisher, because doing so is a violation of the law, and God commands us to obey the law.

I would say it does not come under the title of Mortal sin though. These sins are considered "mortal" because they constitute a rupture in a person's link to God's saving grace: the person's soul becomes "dead", not merely weakened. I don't think this happens in this instance.