Dear Leon:

You understand it correctly.

An Imprimatur is granted by a Bishop and only means is that it has been examined and declared that nothing contained in the book contradicts the doctrinal or moral teachings of the Church. It is not an endorsement by the Bishop, nor does it mean that the Bishop agrees with everything in the book.

The book may contain many factual or philosophical errors, may propose theories that are luny-tune, or offer advice that is not consistent with Catholic philosophy and worldview. But, as long as the book does not technically violate doctrinal or moral teachings of the Church, it can receive and imprimatur.

A typical statement that is often found in books with imprimatur is:

"The Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur are official declarations that a book or pamphlet is free of doctrinal or moral error. No implication is contained therein that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat and the Imprimatur agree with the content, opinions or statements expressed."

It should be noted that books without an imprimatur does NOT imply that there is anything wrong with the book. Imprimaturs are only required for certain books, such as those about religion or theology that are used in Catholic Schools.

Most books do not need an imprimatur.

It should also be noted that an imprimatur is only as good as the Bishop who grants it.

Bottomline: While an imprimatur will usually guarantee that the book is free from doctrinal or moral error, it may still give very bad advice or have many factual or philosophical errors.

Imprimatur or not, a book should be examined closely to ensure that it is consistent not only with the technical definitions of doctrine and morals, but also with the dictates of Catholic Philosophy and Worldview.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary