Books about Catholicism

[VOW]

Anyone, please feel free to jump in!

It's my understanding, that if someone wishes to write and publish a book about any teachings of Christianity, he or she may do so. The subject matter would be up to the discretion of the writer, and whatever sources used, and rise or fall on the authority and credentials of the writer.

However, if a person wishes to write and publish a book about the Catholic Church, and its position, its teachings, its validity, the book must be reviewed by recognized authorities who can then attest to the book's absence of error and accurate information.

Or something like that, LOL.

The inside flyleaf, where the copyright and publishing information is contained, will also show two individual names, one next to "Nihil Obstat" and the other next to "Imprimatur."

Can somebody with more brain cells than I possess untangle what I said for the benefit of others?

Basically, though, with those two certifications, you can be sure the information contained therein is true to the Catholic Church. This is to prevent someone from collecting a bucket of urban legends and presenting it as "the true faith."


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[Dave Ulchers]

Well, a "nihil obstat" means there is nothing objectionable in the book, and can usually be granted by a censor working under the bishop. An "imprimatur" means it is permissible to publish the book (or film, etc.) in the eyes of the Church and is granted by the bishop.

But, in life there are no guarantees. What do you think is easier to get: a nihil obstat or an anullment?

 

[VOW]

To Dave:

Ummmmmmm....

Can I get a banana daquiri instead?





Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[Kotton]

The inside flyleaf, where the copyright and publishing information is contained, will also show two individual names, one next to "Nihil Obstat" and the other next to "Imprimatur."

Well you could write a book about the Catholic Church without those things, but anyone checking would have reason to doubt it's authentisity. Some books have been given Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur and still express the author's ideas and interpetation, just that they don't disagree with the Deposit of Faith and Church Dogma.

Kotton

 

[PrinceJeff]

I'll have the daiquiri! Is the pub still open?

 

[VOW]

To Jeff:

Come on back to the freezer at the pub. What flavor daquiri? I think there's some frozen raspberries, and there MIGHT be some pineapple.


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[patriarch]

My understanding is that any Catholic writing about Catholicism before Vatican II needed to have a Nihil Obstat and an Imprimatur before his book could be published.

Since Vatican II, this requirement has been narrowed considerably to include only catechisms, theology manuals (texts) and the like.

The natural result of this is that books written about the faith before Vatican II are much more reliable than those after.

Beyond that, however, you need to keep in mind that even if a book does have a nihil obstat and an imprimatur is no guarantee that the theology presented is correct, esp after Vatican II. First, because these are only guarantees that there is nothing in them contrary to the Catholic faith. So, for example, before the dogma of the Immaculate Conception was formally defined in 1854, it would have been perfectly correct for a theologian to question this notion, and he could have received the requisite permissions to publish.

Secondly, occasionally heretical bishops do come along.

Thirdly, much more likely is for the work after Vatican II to be reviewed by a poorly trained or prejudiced theologian. And so it was that some materials I was given as part of a structured program of evangelism in the Archdiocese of Chicago two years ago had the requisite permissions, and a few heretical statements. This seemed to be a case of sloppiness more than anything else.

The upshot is that I largely limit my theological reading to works before the Council or to those works by persons who are noteworthy for their loyalty to the Church and fidelity to to Rome.


Lee

 

[HisLamb]

Wow, talk about "anybody" wanting to write a book about Catholicism. I bought a book on-line awhile back, thinking it would be a good one. It's called The Catholic Church, A Short History by Hans Kung. On the flyleaf, it states the author was named a theological consultant for the Second Vatican Council in 1962.

Ok...I start reading this, and it's dates and such. Ok. Then it started getting "strange". Red lights began to flash in my poor little brain. I checked the index, and under the subject of abortion, it comes out this guy is all for abortion, birth control, etc., etc. He refers to John Paul II as "Pope Wojtyla". Well...you get the picture.
Needless to say, this is not a book that would be approved by the Church. Teach me to check with a Catholic book source before I order a book about Catholicism...

 

[Religious Crisis]

"theological consultant" you would think that the people at the vadican would know more then anyone about what they were talking about.

 

[VOW]

To Crisis:

Obviously this "theological consultant" knew just enough to form his own opinion for things. That is why I opened this discussion. If you look for "Imprimitur" and "Nihil Obstat" you SHOULD be able to find a halfway decent book.

Sometimes, LOL.



Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[colleen]

Hey Everyone,
What do you think of Scott Hahn? I read Hail Holy Queen not to long ago and loved it. Are there any others you would suggest?
Christ's peace be with you,
Colleen

 

[ZooMom]

My mom just bought "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism". I know it was written by Catholics, but I don't know if it has the N.O. or Imp.

Hey! It could happen.

 

[ZooMom]

Rome Sweet Home

Very good.

 

[VOW]

To Colleen:

Scott Hahn is phenomenal. The Catholic Church indeed is fortunate that both he and Kimberly have become such incredible witnesses for the faith. I agree with ZooMom, "Rome Sweet Home" is excellent. If you enjoy biographies, you'll love it.

David Currie's story of conversion in "Born Fundamentalist, Born Again Catholic" is also extremely good.

And for pleasure reading as well as faith building, you simply cannot go wrong with Catholic Digest magazine. I even give it as Christmas gifts.


To ZooMom:

LOL on the "Idiot's Guide to Understanding Catholicism." I bought the "Idiot's Guide to the Holy Bible," and wouldn't you know it, NO Deuterocanonical books.

<sigh>

The way the fur is flying around here, I need to dig through everything and find Karl Keating's "Catholicism and Fundamentalism." <more sigh>


Peace and laughter,
~VOW

 

[Avila]

Colleen - anything by Dr. Hahn is excellent! I love HHQ & RSH.

 

[Wolseley]

For anyone who might be interested, here is a link to a listing of the better part of my reference library:

http://thebruces.stormbirds.org/forum/showthread.php?threadid=4895

Bear in mind that this list was posted quite some time ago, so it does not contain the upwards of 40 or so books that I have acquired since then; such as the entire 16-volume 1912 edition Catholic Encyclopedia that was being discarded from a Catholic college library. (In hardback, no less---a friend of my sister's nabbed them for me, bless her heart). It also does not include any of the Papal encyclicals that I have.

Keep reading, friends. Information is power.

 

[HisLamb]

Ah, Wols, you have no idea what you've done. Now I have to go back to that link you gave and copy down all the books that I want... I'll never acquire them all in this lifetime... Oh well...pick and choose. By the way, I ordered (and received) one of the books you recommended to me on another thread where I asked a question regarding the history of Catholicism in America. The one I got is The American Catholic Experience by Jay P. Dolan Haven't gotten into it yet, but it looks exactly like what I wanted...so thank you!

And now I'll address everyone else. I received Rome Sweet Home by the Hahn's and Catholicism and Fundamentalism by Keating today. Naturally I have got to delve into the Hahn's books next.

So many books, so much knowledge out there...so little time...

 

[VOW]

To Lamb:

Perhaps you've seen the thread where I suggested we start beginning a "Pro-Catholic" education series in Interfaith Discussion. Since you have the Keating book, we can give you a week or so to read and memorize, and then I'll pass you the sign-up sheet for your topic, along with the dates it will be available.









(I'm KIDDING!)

(not about the Interfaith Discussion idea, but about "volunteering" your services... )


Peace be with you,
~VOW

 

[HisLamb]

Originally posted by VOW
To Lamb:

Perhaps you've seen the thread where I suggested we start beginning a "Pro-Catholic" education series in Interfaith Discussion. Since you have the Keating book, we can give you a week or so to read and memorize, and then I'll pass you the sign-up sheet for your topic, along with the dates it will be available.

(I'm KIDDING!)

Good thing!!! You trying to give me apoplexy there, VOW?

(not about the Interfaith Discussion idea, but about "volunteering" your services... )

And no, I didn't see the thread where you had that idea about the discussion. I'll have to look for it. WHEW! A debater, I'm not...at least not yet...

Peace be with you,
~VOW

VOW, just want to say I admire your gift of being able to debate and give answers in a wholly understandable way. You go girl!!!

 

[VOW]

To Lamb:

VOW, just want to say I admire your gift of being able to debate and give answers in a wholly understandable way. You go girl!!!

Awwww, thanks Hon!! I consider writing to be my "Gift of the Spirit," and I enjoy using it to share my faith.

(I'd give you a blessing for saying such a nice thing, but I don't have any now. Just accept my thanks instead!)


Peace be with you,
~VOW