The term “Imprimatur” might sound like a word you’ve stumbled across while reading a Latin textbook, but for Catholics, it has a very specific and important meaning. In the context of Catholic publishing, an “Imprimatur” is an official stamp of approval, indicating that a text doesn’t contain anything that conflicts with Catholic teaching. This article aims to explore the role, significance, and history of the Imprimatur in Catholic publishing, shedding light on why it continues to be relevant in the modern Catholic Church.
What Does “Imprimatur” Mean?
The word “Imprimatur” is Latin for “let it be printed.” It is an official permission granted by a bishop or his designee, stating that a written work is free from doctrinal or moral error as it relates to Catholic faith and morals. It doesn’t necessarily mean the Church endorses every idea in the book, but it does indicate that the book doesn’t stray from Catholic teaching.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights the importance of the Magisterium—the teaching office of the Church—as the proper interpreter of Scripture and Tradition. It says, “The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magisterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him” (CCC 100). The Imprimatur serves as a tool for the Magisterium to ensure that published materials align with the Church’s authentic interpretation.
The Historical Context
The practice of granting an Imprimatur dates back to the early days of the printing press. When the printing press was invented, the Church recognized its potential to spread both truth and falsehood. As a safeguard, the Imprimatur became a way for the Church to vet written works, ensuring that they didn’t contain heresy or misleading information. This helped the faithful know what reading material could be trusted.
Who Can Grant an Imprimatur?
According to the Code of Canon Law, the authority to grant an Imprimatur typically belongs to the local bishop of the diocese where the author resides or where the publishing house is located. It may also be granted by other ecclesiastical authorities as long as they have this right in accordance with Canon Law.
The Code of Canon Law states, “It is for the local ordinary to judge whether the safeguarding of morals requires that writings of any kind that regard religion or good morals are to be submitted to his judgment” (Canon 822 §1). Therefore, it is within the bishop’s authority to grant or withhold an Imprimatur based on the book’s adherence to Catholic teaching.
Does Every Catholic Book Need an Imprimatur?
Not every Catholic book needs an Imprimatur, and the absence of one doesn’t automatically imply that a book is problematic. For example, books that are intended for personal reflections, fiction, or historical analyses may not carry an Imprimatur. However, works that delve into theology, morals, and other areas directly affecting faith and morals often seek an Imprimatur to reassure readers of their fidelity to Church teaching.
What is the Nihil Obstat?
Before an Imprimatur is granted, a work is usually submitted for a “Nihil Obstat,” which is Latin for “nothing hinders.” This is a declaration by a qualified Church censor that the manuscript is free from doctrinal or moral error. Only after a Nihil Obstat is granted does the local bishop review the work and possibly grant an Imprimatur.
The Modern Relevance of the Imprimatur
In the age of the internet, the Imprimatur has not lost its relevance. Given the vast array of information available online, it’s easier than ever to encounter material that misrepresents Catholic teaching. An Imprimatur serves as a kind of quality control, providing assurance that a text is reliable from a Catholic standpoint.
Conclusion
The Imprimatur is an enduring practice in the Catholic Church, offering a stamp of approval that a written work is consistent with the Church’s teachings on faith and morals. Rooted in historical necessity and sustained by the ongoing need to guide the faithful, the Imprimatur remains a crucial tool in the Church’s mission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
As Catholics, being informed in our faith requires due diligence. Knowing that a book has received the Church’s Imprimatur can provide confidence that its content aligns with what the Church authentically teaches. Therefore, the Imprimatur remains an invaluable tool for preserving the integrity of Catholic teaching in the realm of publishing.