Debate
Is Selling Licenses to Bible Translations a Sin?
Conley Owens vs. Jonathan Melin Monday, October 6
Moderated by Michael Coughlin.
#doreancon2025
The Stewardship of Scripture
Tuesday–Wednesday, October 7–8, 2025Silicon Valley Reformed Baptist Church, Sunnyvale, California
The talks and debate from the 2025 conference, along with the companion articles written to accompany them.
The Sunnyvale Statement
“Scripture is the Word of God, and he has authorized his people to use, copy, distribute, translate, and adapt it regardless of man’s consent.”
First signed at the 2025 conference — and still open for signatures.
Sign the statementMessage 1
The Pricelessness of the Word
Michael Coughlin Tuesday, October 7
Message 2
Who Owns Manuscripts & Critical Texts?
Conley Owens Tuesday, October 7
Companion article Who Owns the Manuscripts and Critical Texts? While it is appropriate to treat physical manuscripts as property, Scripture itself should not be subject to ownership.
Message 3
The Rise of the Bible Societies & the First Copyrighted Bible in America
Andrew Case Tuesday, October 7
Companion article The Rise of the Bible Societies The story of how Bible societies transformed from charitable missions into commercial enterprises.
Message 4
Adaptation and Inspiration
Conley Owens Tuesday, October 7
Companion article Adaptation & Inspiration As much as they reflect the truth of Scripture itself, adaptations of Scripture have the power and authority of Scripture.
Message 5
Does Copyright Actually Protect the Text of Scripture from Corruption?
Andrew Case Wednesday, October 8
Companion article Does Copyright Actually Protect the Text of Scripture from Corruption? Is it truly dangerous to let God’s Word out into the open, unchained? Or is the greater danger in thinking we can keep it safe?
Message 6
The Sin of Balaam
Conley Owens Wednesday, October 8
Companion article The Sin of Balaam The New Testament authors identify Balaam as a prototypical false teacher, worthy of special consideration. To understand false teaching, we ought to understand Balaam.