Last week, I mentioned the value of consulting The Catechism of the Catholic Church when seeking information about the Church’s teaching on a particular topic. I also mentioned that, most often, the Catechism provides summary statements about topics for which much more can be said. This week, I’d like to give additional context for both of those statements.
First of all, it is good to know that we have a “one stop shop” for information about the teachings of the Church, and The Catechism of the Catholic Church is that place to go for answers to many of our questions. I feel, though, that I need to include a qualifier or two to this statement. Let me start by saying that the Catechism can’t begin to include every facet of every topic, and that, in itself, can be problematic. The brief statements aren’t meant to include descriptions of applications of the teaching, or extenuating circumstances that could cause an exemption, or, or… These statements provide the foundation for other statements and teachings. They are pithy and concise, but not necessarily meant to be the only thing that has been, or will be, said on a topic.
Now, don’t get me wrong. The Catechism is a lovely text, filled with quotes from scripture, teachings from the early Church Fathers, and more. It is worthy of reading by all Catholics, but it isn’t meant to be a page turner! If you choose to read it, I encourage you to view it more like a booklist or anthology. Reading it in small bits, and researching for answers to the questions that come along the way can be helpful, if you have good sources for information. The first reliable source for explanation and clarification of the teachings would be “Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Catechism in a Year Podcast.” Available through the app store on your phone, or on YouTube, it is designed to provide clarification and explanation of the entire text. Another good place to go is to a reliable Catholic bookstore or publisher to see if they have any books on the particular topic. Online, you’ll need to be careful of what comes up when searching, but reliable sources are out there. (More on that topic soon) How do we know if a printed source is “reliable?” The first sign is if you find the marks of official approval in the form of a “nihil obstat” and/or an “imprimatur.”
Authors can get this seal of approval through a two-part process. The review begins when an author submits the manuscript to the censor deputatus, who is someone appointed by the bishop, or other Church authority, to make such examinations. If the censor deputatus finds no doctrinal error in the work, he grants a nihil obstat. Translated as “nothing stands in the way,” the nihil obstat indicates that the manuscript can be safely forwarded to the bishop for his review and decision. Next, if the bishop agrees that the work is free from doctrinal error, he grants an imprimatur. From the Latin imprimere, meaning to impress or to stamp an imprint, imprimatur translates as, “let it be printed.” Technically, this is the bishop’s official declaration that the book is free from doctrinal error and has been approved for publication by a censor. These markings are usually found, if present, on the “copyright page,” of a publication, along with publication dates, publisher’s information, and more. It is very worth noting however, that not every “Catholic” book has these markings, and their absence doesn’t necessarily mean that a book is “bad.” When present, though, it means that the author has gone to the time and trouble to have their text reviewed by reliable authorities, and it has passed the test.
Taking time to stroll through the Catechism, seeking out additional information along the way, is a huge game changer. These words aren’t mine. They are those of many of my “Catechism in a Year” participants. They often say that “all Catholics should be reading this stuff,” and I agree. If you haven’t ever seen this treasure, go to the Vatican’s website to read it, or better yet, get your hands on a copy. Read in small bites, it is a great way to understand more about the faith.