the imprimatur

[the_Gaudess]

I figured the traditional Catholics would know the answer to this:

What’s the difference between the imprimatur, the imprimi potest, and the nihil obstat? What’s it mean if a book only has one or two of these declarations, but not all three? Or is there a difference? Thanks.

 

[IrishBrigade]

…not sure, but I think ‘imprimatur’ , literally, ‘be it printed’ or ;let it be printed’ follows the issuance of ‘nihil obstat’, or an official declaration that 'nothing stands in contradiction ’ to faith and moral matters…as I say, I’m merely guessing…

 

[tee_eff_em]

The *nihil obstat *indicates that “nothing [eg doctrinal or moral error] obstructs” the publication.

The *imprimi potest *is a statement from the author’s religious superior that “it can be printed”.

The *imprimatur *is a statement from the ordinary that “it may be printed”.

…I think.

tee

 

[Chatter163]

…not sure, but I think ‘imprimatur’ , literally, ‘be it printed’ or ;let it be printed’ follows the issuance of ‘nihil obstat’, or an official declaration that 'nothing stands in contradiction ’ to faith and moral matters…as I say, I’m merely guessing…

No offense intended, but if one does not know, then why bother to answer with a guess?

 

[thistle]

No offense intended, but if one does not know, then why bother to answer with a guess?

These are not very charitable comments towards the poster. Are you implying that unless we all have a certificate from the Pope declaring our answers are 100% correct then we should keep quiet. These are public discussion forums and not exams. Please stop making offensive comments. You should apologise to IrishBrigade.

 

[richardwy]

No offense intended, but if one does not know, then why bother to answer with a guess?

Because humans like to, uh, er, “chatter.” I think it very good when we do so about important things. Getting the facts straight is a plus too. Admitting one may not have them straight is a wonderful admission in our day.

Keep chattering way all!

 

[Conservative]

These are not very charitable comments towards the poster. Are you implying that unless we all have a certificate from the Pope declaring our answers are 100% correct then we should keep quiet. These are public discussion forums and not exams. Please stop making offensive comments. You should apologise to IrishBrigade.

Well said. I know I sometimes venture answers without checking a book or online - (sometimes I timidly leave it to those who DO check) - so, I guess this poster was just trying to help. But next time, I’m sure they’ll include an Imprimi Post, Imprimatur or (what was the other one?) before posting a reply…BTW - You don’t need to get a certificate from Rome’s Bishop before posting - I think any Bishop will suffice for Imprimaturs. If I’m wrong, please don’t scold - I’ve had a rough day!

 

[the_Gaudess]

Thank you all for the answers so far, but does a book have more “authority” if it has all three stamps, verses just two or one?

 

[rwoehmke]

The Nihil Obstat is the most important as it refers to correctness of Faith and Morals, whereas one or both of the other two is merely permission to publish.

A Nihil Obstat by the way is only a statement about there being nothing in the book which offends against doctrine or morality. The book can still be a real clunker.