Nihil Obstat, Imprimatur, and Etymology

Jimmy Akin explores the surprising etymology of “meek” and answers more intriguing questions on faith, morality, and Church authority.

Questions Covered:

• 05:01 – If we had technology that could let us live forever, would it be immoral to use?
• 08:28 – How should I interpret Romans 10:13?
• 12:18 – How do the nihil obstat and the imprimatur work in terms of Church authority and infallibility?
• 17:44 – What is the etymology of the word meek? Someone claimed it to mean “equipped for battle”.
• 23:40 – Our cardinal retired and they’re going to install a new bishop. What do cardinals/bishops do after they retire? Are they excluded from the College of Cardinals?
• 28:49 – Are there any examples of Jesus asking someone would please, or did he command people to things?
• 37:14 – Why is extending life not immoral? I have some objections.
• 46:36 – It looks like Joseph Biden has been appointed an Honorary Mason. What’s the difference between the Knights of Columbus and the Freemasons? See also our related article on President Biden, which illustrates the problematic religious aspects of Freemasonry.