The key purpose of the Church’s Index Librorum Prohibitorum was in the prevention of possible “contamination of the faith or the corruption of morals of Roman Catholics according to canon law, through the reading of theologically erroneous or immoral books” (Beacon). There were two different types of censorship according to the canon law of the time: censoring books before they were published if they were deemed as threatening to Catholic ideology, or the censorship and “condemnation” of already-published books. While canon law had been changed and updated throughout the years, these two provisions lasted until 1966, along with the Index. The Index served as protection of the Catholic teachings and authority, through keeping opposing ideas …show more content…
The current canon code in effect is the Canon Code of 1983 that was signed into office by Pope John Paul II. It differs from previous codes due to how it includes an attempt to “balance Vatican II’s principle of freedom of inquiry and the Church’s legitimate concern to protect its faithful from dangerous writings” (New Catholic Encyclopedia). It is important to note that while there is the 1983 Code of Canon Law, all Eastern Catholic Churches follow a different code, that was enacted in 1991. The 1983 Code of Canon Law is a very lengthy document that specifically features a large section regarding books and publication, though it is not nearly as strict as the canon codes of the past. However, “for some theological works today there are still the imprimatur (‘let it be printed’) and the nihil obstat (‘nothing stands in the way’) to assure readers that the work is free from doctrinal and moral error” (Allard, 18). In other words, “the Church’s post-Index book censorship has focused primarily on sanctioning dissident Catholic theologians for their writing or pressuring the occasional Catholic author to hew to orthodoxy,” rather than outright banning books (Bald, …show more content…
One example of this includes textbooks that teach evolutionary theory, which challenges religious “creationism.” A more contemporary example includes boycotting and banning books which involve “witchcraft or the occult,” much like the extremely popular children’s Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Many instances of Catholic religious literary censorship today come from “organized Christian conservatives,” and even parents, who want to shield youths from “sexual content, offensive language, portrayals of violence, or political, social, or religious viewpoints with which they disagree” (Bald,
Censorship was portrayed throughout of Fahrenheit 451 , from books to technology. The government had banned
Books that have shaped America are slowly starting to disappear. Many of the previous social norms have fallen out of fashion, and because of this reason numerous books are beginning to become banned. Blasphemy, racism, sex, and violence are all ethical reasons for books to be censored.
Imagine a world of uniformity. All people look the same, act the same, and love the same things. There are no original thoughts and no opposing viewpoints. This sort of world is not far from reality. Uniformity in modern day society is caused by the banning of books. The novel "Fahrenheit 451" illustrates a future in which the banning of books has risen to the extent that no books are allowed. The novel follows the social and moral implications of an over censored society. Even though the plot may seem far-fetched, themes from this book are still relevant today. Although some people believe that banning a book is necessary to defend their religion, the negative effects caused by censorship and the redaction of individual thought are reasons why books such as "Fahrenheit 451" should not be banned.
The American Library Association, ALA, is an organization that, among other things, compiles a list every year of the most frequently challenged books. “The American Library Association actively defends the right of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment.” (ALA) Many times, the books on this list are challenged by parents with the want to protect their children from things they don’t believe to be appropriate. “Only parents have the right and responsibility to restrict the access of their children” (ALA) Even with these good intentions, by challenging a book, they are trying to challenge the authors’ thoughts and words, their First Amendment rights. These books usually contain complicated ideas, issues, and information that cause parents to not want them where their kids can read them. The novel My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult is a challenged book because of its homosexuality, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexism, sexually explicit scenes, violence, and being unsuited to its age group; by all means this novel should not be challenged because, it’s use of offensive language is only used to intensify certain situations, and through all of the controversial issues it employs, it puts in perspective just how far someone would go for his/her family.
Lancto, Craig. “Banned Books” World & 1, Vol 8 (Sep 2003): 258. Literature Online Reference Edition. Web. 7. Feb. 2011.
"Book Destruction Controls Ideology." Book Banning. Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. At Issue. Gale Opposing Viewpoints In Context. Web. 11 Feb. 2011.
There are many reasons why books get challenged and/or banned. According to Robert Doyle, the main reasons for banned are sex, profanity, and racism (Doyle, 3). The most common initiator of the challenge is a parent or group of parents (Challenges by, chart 2). Challenges can also come from: patrons, board members, or organizations (Challenges by, chart 2). Challenges can also come from whole institutions; usually they come from schools (Challenges by, chart 3).
... Controls Ideology." Libricide: The Regime-Sponsored Destruction of Books and Libraries in the Twentieth Century. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2003. 236-238. Rpt. in Book Banning. Ed. Ronnie D. Lankford. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. At Issue. Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 24 Mar. 2014.
Lastly, there is censorship that involves someone who is part of an organized campaign, whether of a local or national group, and who goes in ready for a fight and wants to make a broader political point” (Miner 1998). Although there are many other ways that a piece of literature could get censored, most censored works are asked to be removed from classrooms and school libraries. There are four motivational factors that may lie behind a censor’s actions. Those factors include family values, religion, political views, and minority rights.... ... middle of paper ... ...2003.
The first thing that caught my attention was knowing that pressure groups such as the religious rights and the multicultural left could dedicate to the publishers what should and should not be written in text books. And in trying to satisfy them both these publishers had to privately solicit the view of various pressure groups
But they don't know that by reading it they are "indulging in sinful and Godless acts" or that these books are putting them on the fastest train to Hell. I own A Clockwork Orange, Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, Twelfth Night, and Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary, all of which have been or are banned. What's going on here? & nbsp; The most frequently challenged and/or banned books in 2001 were: & nbsp;
(44). One alternative from the banning of any book is to provide a different bo...
Censorship in School Libraries The most debatable and controversial form of censorship today is the banning of books in school libraries. Banning books that educate students is wrong and selfish. Censorship of books in school libraries is neither uncommon nor an issue of the past. Books with artistic and cultural worth are still challenged constantly by those who want to control what others read. The roots of bigotry and illiteracy that fuel efforts to censor books and free expression are unacceptable and unconditional.
Staff, Wire Reports. (2002 October 3). Book banning spans the globe. The Houston Chronicle, pp.C14. Retrieved December 2, 2002 from Lexis-Nexis/Academic database.
The censoring of books and other literatures in schools by parents is a common thing, even in the United States, where the freedom within the law protects the educator’s judgment of their professional standards, meaning schools should be trusted to practice their rights to choose which materials may or may not be used in children’s learning environment. Schools already censor materials that are deemed not suitable for young students; school books should not be used to push ideological positions, they should be used to teach children the truth and expose them to ideas that will expand their knowledge, not by influencing them, but by making them understand.