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Bisbee's avatar

What I find in my traditional community is lots of young, devout, God-loving families and individuals.

What often is missing is older, more experienced "wisdom" people who can offer balance and help make more moderate some of the more "hyper enthusiastic" (as in R.A. Knox's book "Enthusiasm") younger members.

Zeal is good but must be moderated by charity, proportional behavior, words and not attributing evil when it is incompetence or simple stupidity that is operative.

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Kevin Tierney's avatar

It can be a challenge when men in their 40s are the wise sages of a community!

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R. Pascale's avatar

Pretty solid analysis and somethings that I’ve been reflecting on myself. As a traditionalist (in that broad sense you defined) these are the pitfalls of the community that I’ve mostly seen online. My in-person experience is much better, but again, it’s different everywhere.

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Matthew's avatar

I was ready to be antagonistic - based on the title. (Perhaps that says something about me! And perhaps traditionalists more generally - a readiness to be offended/scandalised...)

But I think you are totally right. On your first two points at least.

I think your third needs some work. "Grifter" is a term that has been making the rounds lately, but one man's grifter is another another man receiving just pay for his work. I think the term needs some careful definition - and distinction.

But I think you have made an honest first step, and we should, as Trads, be trying to be as perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. So this is a good process. However upsetting it might be.

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Eric Nielsen's avatar

Kevin, speaking as a priest who does say the Latin Mass, and has been struggling as a priest for almost 30 years now. I am surprised by your hubris. My only problem with a Traditionalist is that they think they have it all figured out.

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