Nihil obstat
Nihil obstat (Latin for "nothing hinders" or "nothing stands in the way")[1] is a declaration of no objection that warrants censoring of a book, e.g., Catholic published books, to an initiative, or an appointment.
Publishing[]
The phrase nihil obstat is used by a cleric, of the Catholic Church, known as a Censor Librorum, to indicate that a book contains nothing contrary to Catholic doctrines, faith, or morals.[1] Canon law requires this approval for the publication of books by faithful Catholics if they "touch upon matters of faith and morals", and requires that pastors enforce this rule.[2] The Censor librorum (Latin for "censor of books") is delegated by a bishop of the Catholic Church. The Censor Librorum reviews the text in question, a process that in the modern era is roughly two months long.[3] If an author is a member of a religious institute (such as a monastery), and if the book concerns religion or morals, then canon law requires obtaining the imprimi potest ("it can be printed") of the major superior before publication.[4] The bishop of the author's diocese or of the place of publication (such as a publishing company) gives the final approval by the declaration known as the imprimatur ("let it be printed").[5]
Marriage[]
A nihil obstat also refers the document declaring that someone is free to marry due to lack of form in the previous marriage. It can also refer to a document of dispensation from certain impediments to marriage in the Catholic Church.
See also[]
- Imprimi permittitur
- Index Librorum Prohibitorum
References[]
- ^ a b The America Heritage Dictionary, archived from the original on 9 March 2007, retrieved 30 July 2009
- ^ Canon 823, section 1
- ^ Office of the Archbishop of Denver (1 January 2015). "Imprimatur Process". Denver: Archdiocese of Denver. Archived from the original on 11 August 2020. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
- ^ "Code of Canon Law, canon 832". Intratext.com. 4 May 2007. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
- ^ "Code of Canon Law, canon 824". Intratext.com. 4 May 2007. Archived from the original on 16 January 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2013.
External links[]
- Code of Canon Law, The Means of Social Communication and Books in Particular (canons 822-832)
- A Word A Day: nihil obstat
- Catholic theology and doctrine
- Latin religious words and phrases
- Censorship in Christianity
- Catholic Church stubs
- Latin words and phrases stubs