The Sinner's Guide?

[sdegutis]

Hi. I recently bought The Sinner’s Guide on recommendation from a good friend. But I didn’t find out until after I bought it that it doesn’t have a Nihil Obstat (“no obstable” to faith or morals). It does, however, have a Vidimus et Approbabimus (dunno), Imprimi Potest (“it can be printed”), and Imprimatur (“let it be printed”), all from 1883. I usually rely on the Nihil Obstat (and particularly one given on an older date) to give me assurance that I can read a book without hesitation and worrying about Protestant or Modernist ideas being snuck in. But this one doesn’t have it. It’s quite difficult to read a book and fully let it sink in when you’re constantly worried it might include subtle deceptions from the devil.

Has anyone else read this book? Have you found that it’s trustworthy to read without hesitation?

Also, what does “Vidimus et Approbabimus” translate to, and what do Vidimus et Approbabimus, Imprimi Potest, and Imprimatur effectively mean for me, the reader?

 

[JamalChristophr]

I have a copy of this book, printed by TAN. It has an imprimatur from John J Williams, D.D. Archbishop of Boston By his Vicar General Nov. 22, 1883.

I need to read more of it, but it has a terrible binding! :banghead:

Imprimatur is higher than a Nihil Obstat, I think.

“The author of this book was the favorite writer of St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Vincent de Paul, etc. St. Teresa of Avila credited this book with having converted over a million people in her time. This is the most persuasive book we know to encourage people to abandon sin and embrace repentance and virtue.”

                                           - goodreads.com

God Bless!!

 

[GEddie]

If I understand correctly, the V&A means “we have seen, and we approve”. (Presumably “we” were the clerics who reviewed the book in 1883.)

It would seem that these rankings go: N.O. ----> V&A ----> Imprimatur.

If it carries an Imprimatur, it is ok.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[John_Lazarus]

Hi. I recently bought [

Also, what does “Vidimus et Approbabimus” translate to, and what do Vidimus et Approbabimus, Imprimi Potest, and Imprimatur effectively mean for me, the reader?](http://www.amazon.com/dp/089555254X)

According to Googlivs Translatvs, Vidimus et Approbabimus means “We have seen and approved”. Although it does not say so explicitly, I infer it as synonymous with Imprimi potest, “Nothing obstructs”. One of the people giving the V&P is “Fr. J. L. O’Neil, OP, Revisores Deputati” or “Deputy Reviewer”.

I did a quick Google search, and V&P only comes up one one other doc I can find, a thesis here. Here’s what the first pages say:

PONTIFICIA STUDIORUM UNIVERSITAS
A S. THOMA AQ. IN URBE
[Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas in the City]​

CARLOS WALKER, IVE​

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND THE POSITIVE
ELEMENTS OF OTHER RELIGIONS IN THE
MAGISTERIUM OF PAUL VI​

DISSERTATIO
AD LAUREAM
IN FACULTATE THEOLOGIAE
APUD PONTIFICIAM UNIVERSITATEM S. THOMAE
IN URBE
[Dissertation for degree in Faculty of Theology at the Pontifical University of St Thomas in The City]​

ROMAE 2007 [At Rome, 2007]​

Vidimus et approbabimus,
Romae, apud Pont. Universitatem S. Thomae,
Die 28, mense Martii, anno 2007
Fr. Charles Morerod, O.P.
Fr. Robert Christian, O.P.
[We have seen and approved,
in the Pontifical University of St Thomas,
28 March 2007,
Fr. Charles Morerod, O.P.
Fr. Robert Christian, O.P.]

 

[houston1]

Hi. I recently bought The Sinner’s Guide on recommendation from a good friend. But I didn’t find out until after I bought it that it doesn’t have a Nihil Obstat (“no obstable” to faith or morals). It does, however, have a Vidimus et Approbabimus (dunno), Imprimi Potest (“it can be printed”), and Imprimatur (“let it be printed”), all from 1883. I usually rely on the Nihil Obstat (and particularly one given on an older date) to give me assurance that I can read a book without hesitation and worrying about Protestant or Modernist ideas being snuck in. But this one doesn’t have it. It’s quite difficult to read a book and fully let it sink in when you’re constantly worried it might include subtle deceptions from the devil.

Has anyone else read this book? Have you found that it’s trustworthy to read without hesitation?

Also, what does “Vidimus et Approbabimus” translate to, and what do Vidimus et Approbabimus, Imprimi Potest, and Imprimatur effectively mean for me, the reader?

Yes, I have read it. It is written by Venerable Louis of Grenada. So, since he is a venerable, it is likely contains orthodox teaching. In addition, St. Francis de Sales mentions Grenada’s works in his Introduction of the Devout Life as a recommended work to read. St. Francis de Sales is a doctor of the Church. So, again, this would be evidence to legitimize The Sinner’s Guide.

I strongly recommend this book. I keep it as a reference and refer to it frequently.

houston1