When a preface means something more

Psalms and the curious use of all-rights-reserved

Recently, my wife and I were reading a devotional and came across an interesting comment on the Psalms. The author referred to the first chapter as a preface to the book of Psalms, a view with which many agree. I hadn't thought of it that way before, and he might be right.

It also made me think about the “preface” in most books we read. A preface is usually described as an opening statement by the author that explains what’s to come. Sometimes it is used to thank others; often, it discusses the purpose and background of the work. But more simply, it is the author's introductory remarks.

Examine the opening remarks in any Bible and most religious books. There is always a preface to the preface, but it’s hidden in fine print and sets the stage for the writing that follows with language something like this:

© 2004 by Jon Q. Author, or Megabig Publisher. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, photocopy, recording) without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Granted, some try to soften the harshness of the language by including an exception for brief quotations in printed reviews (something allowed by fair use provisions anyway), often adding a paragraph gratuitously permitting the use of up to 500 words or 250 verses (or some similar amount), as long as the total quote stays within their percentage guideline. (Remember, they have the secular government-granted rights to do so.) Although this wording varies slightly, publishers all have compliance departments that seek out “copyright infringement." You are welcome to use their version or work, but share it only according to their standards.

Comically (or tragically), those comments are in very small print before the table of contents and before what the author then boldly claims is the REAL preface. You know the routine. Now, why would an author or publisher print an all-rights-reserved introduction to a book that aims to build up the church, encourage, admonish, and promote greater understanding of Scripture? Do you think that language might work against the book’s purpose, the message of the gospel, or the mission of the church?

These all-rights-reserved statements haven't been legally required for nearly 50 years. So, why do they still appear? The author or copyright owner is choosing to assert that the world has granted them a right—one that, while new in history, is now THEIR right, and they’re giving you fair warning—“Only I have the right to copy, distribute, perform publicly, or create derivatives of my work. You don't. Read my book, but don’t share it without my permission.” Weird. But the benefits of copying and widely distributing the Bible and discipleship content are immeasurable. And what are the risks? Are there any?

There might be a better way. Luther's preface to his Wittenberg Hymnal didn’t include any warnings or a restrictive licensing statement. Instead:

[Paul] “exhorted the Colossians to sing spiritual songs and Psalms heartily unto the Lord so that God’s Word and Christian teaching might be instilled and implanted in many ways. Therefore I, too, in order to make a start and to give an incentive to those who can do better, have with the help of others compiled several hymns, so that the holy gospel which now by the grace of God has arisen anew may be noised and spread abroad.”

Luther’s was a preface without restrictions, to encourage that his hymns “may be noised and spread abroad.”

Luther’s goal was similar to Paul’s: “…that the Lord’s message may spread quickly and be honored.” [2 Thes 3:1 net] Of course, in both cases, the secular world had not yet developed the concept of copyright, so the church grew rapidly through the teachings and unrestricted writings of Paul and the apostles, and the Reformation spread under Luther without the burden of all-rights-reserved. Amazing.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.” [Isa 52:7 bsb] Spreading the Word globally has always been the Church's mission—a calling given to the Church long before governments created laws that allow believers and non-believers alike to claim ownership of the Scriptures. Acts 6:7 – “The word of God kept on spreading…” Relying on worldly methods to carry out the Church's mission has led to unintended consequences. The good news is that this restrictive approach can easily change because authors have full control over their works. They can revise their approach as they see fit. Proverbs 15:7 – “The lips of the wise spread knowledge…” You can share the Word within the framework of secular law because no law anywhere requires you to restrict copyrighted works. Follow your heart. Remain committed to helping others and ensure that everyone has access to discipleship resources in their own language, free from the artificial restrictions often imposed by the Western Church.

Bruce Erickson 2025