CHAPTER I: On Prohibited Books of Apostates, Heretics, Schismatics, and Other Writers

1. "All books which before the year 1600 either the Supreme Pontiffs or ecumenical Councils condemned, and which are not reviewed in the new Index, are to be held condemned in the same way as they were formerly condemned: excepting those which are permitted by these General Decrees."

It is said: 1. Either the Supreme Pontiffs or ecumenical Councils condemned; and therefore this prohibition does not reach books condemned by the Sacred Roman Congregations.

2. Excepting those, etc.; this exception seems rather to refer itself to art. 3, 5, 6, 8, 10 sqq. Besides, just as formerly by custom the writings of ancient heretics, such as Tertullian, Origen, Pelagius, etc., could already be read licitly, so today we are not held to be more severe. For these works are held as historical documents in which danger of perversion is not present (Boudinhon, ap. Can. Cont., 20, p. 209).

2. "Books of apostates, heretics, schismatics, and any writers whatever, defending heresy or schism or overthrowing the foundations themselves of religion, are altogether prohibited."

By this article are prohibited: 1. Books by any authors whatever, even those not ascribed to a heretical sect, defending heresy or schism. Now, that a book defend heresy or schism, it is required that the author not only set forth either one in passing, but that with set purpose and, as it were, according to his powers, he try to persuade this by arguments (Nouv. Rev. Theol., 30, p. 49).

2. Books which in any way, or, in whatever way, whether seriously or through ridicule, directly or indirectly, overthrow the foundations themselves of religion, namely those truths of the natural order which either found natural religion itself, or are preambles for an adult infidel to embracing the faith, for example the existence of God, the spirituality of the soul, the possibility of miracles, etc. Cf. Van Coillie, n. 19.

3. "Likewise the books of non-Catholics, which professedly treat of religion, are prohibited, unless it is established that nothing against the Catholic faith is contained in them."

Authors disagree concerning the sense to be attributed to the word non-Catholics. Some understand non-Catholics, but Christians; but others by non-Catholics understand all, even the non-baptized, who in any way are alien from the Catholic community. In art. 5, 6, and 8, there is no doubt that this word must be taken in this latter sense.

Therefore it is said: 1. Which professedly treat; namely, not only in passing but by design, when namely the author directly and in a notable part of the book discusses a religious argument and establishes and defends his opinion with reasons summoned.

2. Of religion; that is, of sacred matter, whether natural or positive, "namely of Sacred Scripture or of scholastic, dogmatic, or moral Theology, or of mysteries of faith, of the worship of God or of the Saints, of the rites of the Church, of canons, of spiritual things, and similar matters" (St. Alph., VII, 283).

3. Unless it is established, etc.; private authority suffices, for example the testimony of a man of proven probity or knowledge: for of itself the presumption stands against books of this kind.

4. "Books of the same authors, which do not professedly treat of religion, but only touch upon truths of faith in passing, are not to be held prohibited by ecclesiastical Law until they have been proscribed by a special Decree."