http://NihilObstat.info
This blog was originally going to be called “Nihil Obstat.” I was planning on having a lot of fun with that title. My logo was going to feature a zebra with a quill pen, with the caption, “Nothing is black & white.” Unfortunately, my spouse didn’t think this title was one of my better ideas–“Only you and five old nuns will even know what ‘Nihil Obstat’ means,” she said. Well, I still intend to do it, maybe even as soon as this year, but instead of the zebra it will be a black & white photo of me and five old nuns.
“Nihil Obstat” is normally found above a Bishop’s stamp, “Imprimatur,” or “let it be printed.” The “Nihil Obstat” and “Imprimatur” are official declarations that a book or pamphlet is free of doctrinal or moral error.
The process goes like this: when a Catholic writes a book on faith, morals, theology, etc. she/he will submit the manuscript to their diocese’s Censor. If the Censor finds nothing wrong, he will give it his stamp, which reads “Nihil Obstat,” or “nothing stands in the way.” He then sends it to the Bishop for his review. If the Bishop finds nothing objectionable, he gives the book his Imprimatur.
The Nihil Obstat promises a humorous look at orthodox traditionalists, homophobes, sex scandals, and Church politics and politicians.
