Issues of tradition beyond use of the Extraordinary Form?

[rben20]

I am relatively new revert and am interested in learning more about the traditionalist movement. I have read a fair amount on the issues concerning the OF and EF, but haven’t really developed an understanding of other topics that are important to traditionalists.

Hoping to have a conversation about it…

Traditionalists can be different in viewpoint. I wouldn’t really focus on the label though…it would be much more fruitful in my opinion to focus on the two forms of the Mass and center your life around one through the liturgical calendar and office. Speaking from experience, I only found myself in a whirlwind trying to hear everyone’s viewpoint. Peace comes from living the faith!

 

[TimothyH]

Is any practice described by Paul Traditionally binding?

Personally I don’t see why we even try to distinguish Tradition and tradition if we’re talking about practices that anyone can change. Or maybe I’m missing something here.

That my friend, is why we have a Church. Just trust that God knows what he is doing, and that he does so through the Church.

Trust the Church. It is everything it claims to be.

-Tim-

 

[godisgood77]

One other thing you can note is that many people referred to as “traditionalists” strongly dislike being labeled like that and mainly prefer to be called simply “Catholic”.

A rhetorical trick to make a group seem more orthodox than they are, (whereas otherwise they would be too easily recognised as being unorthodox) is to claim that the Church is made up of factions. It is a very slight of hand way of saying that the Church Herself has no authority. This is why you hear of the likes of “liberal catholics” - despite the things that they stand for are totally against the Catholic faith and/or her identity.

Thanks for this post… I actually would rather not refer to people as this or that type of Catholic either. What a nice sentiment!

 

[godisgood77]

I recognize that there are several albeit similar descriptions of a traditionalist but none would apply to me. Therefore it’s not for me to offer topics that are"important to traditionalists". However as an almost daily reader of most every post in four different forums here over the past few years (yes, I am a CAF junkie :yup I can offer what I have observed, namely those topics which seem to be the most discomforting to many of the self-identifying “traditionalists” who post here.

the Ordinary Form of the Mass
receiving Communion in the hand
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
female altar servers
RCIA
reserving the Blessed Sacrament in a tabernacle not on the main altar
use of guitars at Mass
offering the sign of peace
laity using orans position
holding hands during the Our Father
Second Vatican Council
modern church music
modern church architecture

Also, I have observed that many (most?) who are uncomfortable with items on this list are usualy uncomfortable with most if not all of them.

I don’t mean to be judgmental or disparaging to anyone here and again the list is just this one individual’s perception.

Thanks for the response… I appreciate you being direct and this is very helpful.

 

[floresco]

I recognize that there are several albeit similar descriptions of a traditionalist but none would apply to me. Therefore it’s not for me to offer topics that are"important to traditionalists". However as an almost daily reader of most every post in four different forums here over the past few years (yes, I am a CAF junkie :yup I can offer what I have observed, namely those topics which seem to be the most discomforting to many of the self-identifying “traditionalists” who post here.

the Ordinary Form of the Mass
receiving Communion in the hand
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
female altar servers
RCIA
reserving the Blessed Sacrament in a tabernacle not on the main altar
use of guitars at Mass
offering the sign of peace
laity using orans position
holding hands during the Our Father
Second Vatican Council
modern church music
modern church architecture

Also, I have observed that many (most?) who are uncomfortable with items on this list are usualy uncomfortable with most if not all of them.

I don’t mean to be judgmental or disparaging to anyone here and again the list is just this one individual’s perception.

I think it is significant that you approached the question by listing things that trads do not like or are uncomfortable with. Unfortunately, that probably reflects reality. A lot of the time traditionalists (at least online) are complaining about things we do not like. In my experience this tendency to negativity is pretty common, although not as bad in real life as online.

I want to point out that my earlier answer was in terms of positive things about tradition.

 

[Brandall]

I think it is significant that you approached the question by listing things that trads do not like or are uncomfortable with. Unfortunately, that probably reflects reality. A lot of the time traditionalists (at least online) are complaining about things we do not like. In my experience this tendency to negativity is pretty common, although not as bad in real life as online.

I want to point out that my earlier answer was in terms of positive things about tradition.

In many forums, not just this website, but others, people act in a way online that they would not in person. For that, we should be thankful that behaviors in person are better.

 

[doggsectorgreen]

I am relatively new revert and am interested in learning more about the traditionalist movement. I have read a fair amount on the issues concerning the OF and EF, but haven’t really developed an understanding of other topics that are important to traditionalists.

Hoping to have a conversation about it…

Have you been to a Latin Tridentine Mass? Or attend Mass where they are Oblates of the Virgin Mary? Very conservative and serious about the Catholic Faith.