Discussion Board

Case study: Frederick is a student at Central Fictional State University (CFSU), and he has a great idea for a new business invention.  This invention and the business that Frederick plans to found based upon this great invention will absolutely revolutionize the market and will make Frederick very rich.  Frederick decides to share his idea with a few of his professors, and he even uses the idea in a research project for one of his classes.  Frederick is a new Christian, but his professors at CFSU are not Christians.

While Frederick is at home over summer break, he discovers, much to his dismay, that his professors have stolen his idea and have opened a business marketing his new invention.  Upon making this discovering, Frederick immediately seeks the advice of the local lawyer who has a reputation for being a “scorched-earth” litigator.  Needless to say, this Rambo, “take-no-prisoners” lawyer is not a Christian.  He advises Frederick that he should sue the  professors "for everything they’ve got.”

Assume Frederick comes to you for advice from a Christian perspective.  He knows that the Bible says something about “love your neighbor” and “turn the other check” and “do not resist an evil-doer,” but he is just not sure how to make sense of all of this.  What is your answer to Frederick?

Use the words “File Suit” or “Do not File Suit” in the subject line of your thread, depending upon your conclusion. 

Suggested Readings:

Szto, Mary C., Lawyers as Hired Doves: Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount, 31 CUMB. L. REV. 27 (2001) (This article is available in LexisNexis Academic.)

Proverbs 17:14, 20:3, 25:8-10; Matthew 5:25-26, 38-42; 1 Corinthians 6:1-8  (For these passages you should consult some trusted exegetical commentaries, many of which may be found on www.ccel.org