What exactly is the Nihil Obstat and the Imprimatur? What do this words say and don't say about the text they appear in?

[Malia_Belen]

Is the person granting the nihil obstat and imprimatur only saying that the facts are correct or can it mean that they agree with an opinion… or maybe even a topic in the text that the Catholic Church hasn’t necessarily made a judgement on?

 

[bpbasilphx]

“Nihil obstat” means, “Nothing observed [that is contrary to faith.]”

“Imprimatur” means "It may be printed. Imprimi postest means basically, “Recommended for publication.”

However, it does not follow that those granting any of these mean they personally agree with conclusions or opinions of the author. I’ve seen this disclaimer used in the past.

Consider this: There are several books I would recommend people to read, though I don’t agree with everything the authors might have said or done, but I think the reader might find something in the books worthwhile.

 

[Shin]

“Nihil obstat” means, “Nothing observed [that is contrary to faith.]”

“Imprimatur” means "It may be printed. Imprimi postest means basically, “Recommended for publication.”

However, it does not follow that those granting any of these mean they personally agree with conclusions or opinions of the author. I’ve seen this disclaimer used in the past.

Consider this: There are several books I would recommend people to read, though I don’t agree with everything the authors might have said or done, but I think the reader might find something in the books worthwhile.

It should also be noted that these notices are not always accurate, they are only as good as the people appointed to review the particular book are at judging such matters.

It’s good to see them, but they are not absolute assurances.

 

[Monica4316]

Is the person granting the nihil obstat and imprimatur only saying that the facts are correct or can it mean that they agree with an opinion… or maybe even a topic in the text that the Catholic Church hasn’t necessarily made a judgement on?

Hi,

“nihil obstat” means that nothing contrary to faith or morals has been found in the text
“imprimatur” means that it’s allowed to be printed.

It means that the person who reviewed the book, didn’t find anything there that contradicts Church teaching. It doesn’t mean they themselves agree/disagree with it… they only look at the Church teaching, and compare it to the text. In my understanding, they don’t make a judgement on the things in the text that the Church hasn’t commented on.

If a book has the “nihil obstat” and “imprimatur”, that means it’s safe to read for Catholics

God bless

 

[Joe_Kelley]

. . .

If a book has the “nihil obstat” and “imprimatur”, that means it’s safe to read for Catholics

. . .

Not always. In a few cases Rome has overruled the designation and required that the permissions be removed. Christ Among Us by Wilhelm is the case that comes to mind at the moment.

 

[Shin]

Not always. In a few cases Rome has overruled the designation and required that the permissions be removed. Christ Among Us by Wilhelm is the case that comes to mind at the moment.

That said, it is still always a good sign to see them. The older the imprimatur and nihil obstat, in general, the more reliable the judgement I’d say.

 

[thistle]

“Nihil obstat” means, “Nothing observed [that is contrary to faith.]”

“Imprimatur” means "It may be printed. Imprimi postest means basically, “Recommended for publication.”

However, it does not follow that those granting any of these mean they personally agree with conclusions or opinions of the author. I’ve seen this disclaimer used in the past.

Consider this: There are several books I would recommend people to read, though I don’t agree with everything the authors might have said or done, but I think the reader might find something in the books worthwhile.

Also it sadly doesn’t even mean the Bishop who gives this has even read the books. Often they simply rely on what has been told to him by whoever read the book.

 

[MrS]

That said, it is still always a good sign to see them. The older the imprimatur and nihil obstat, in general, the more reliable the judgement I’d say.

There is a lot of truth to that.

Many fine authors produce good stuff for Catholics to read… but either can’t get a N.O. or an Imp. because a large volume (no pun) of work is already in line ahead of theirs. And, as mentioned above, some get the approvals when they have not really been closely checked.

The CCC for one has had changes/corrections made on the 2nd edition because what was written was erroneous.

 

[Monica4316]

Not always. In a few cases Rome has overruled the designation and required that the permissions be removed. Christ Among Us by Wilhelm is the case that comes to mind at the moment.

that’s true, but we shouldn’t live in fear either there are more books that have kept the ‘nihil obstat’ over time, than have not, imo.

but if anyone is concerned, a good solution to this is just sticking to writings by the Saints… that’s what I do and it works

 

[Joe_Kelley]

Also it sadly doesn’t even mean the Bishop who gives this has even read the books. Often they simply rely on what has been told to him by whoever read the book.

I don’t think the Bishop reads any of them. That is why the two phrases. It appears to me that the diocesan censor reads the work, and, if he approves, grants and signs the Nihil Obstat. He recommends that the Bishop grant permission for publication. The bishop then grants the Imprimatur that lets it be published.