As the discussion continues to move along in the comments over on my piece about the need for traditional Catholics to show a bit more friendly charity (the horror!) examples have begun to spring up around the Internet showing exactly what I’m talking about.
Predictably, one of the very forums I mentioned as an example of disgraceful trad behavior – Angelqueen – has provided all the evidence anyone needs that I’m not making up my examples out of whole cloth.
The comment thread at Fisheaters has drawn in individuals with more reasonable perspectives, but the caricature of the sneering, condescending, better-than-thou trad still shows itself in a number of the comments.
Orthodox. Faithful. Free.
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It’s things like this that make me feel compelled to write on the topic – not so much because I truly believe I will dissuade those individuals calling me every name in the book for even suggesting a more charitable course, but because I know there are a number of you out there whose only exposure to Catholic tradition has been precisely this kind of nonsense. Don’t believe it. It’s not all like that. While I couldn’t devote enough time to them in my piece due to space constraints, there are plenty of traditional Catholics whose love for their faith motivates them not only to observe reverent liturgy and devotions, but to evangelize, as Christ calls us to do.
In these forums, there have been no few insults slung at Inside Catholic as well, a “neo-con” publication (apparently) that could, judging by these accusations, never present an authentic traditional viewpoint. In fact, I believe there may be a consensus building that because I dared criticize the thing I hold dear, I not only am an imposter, I’m some sort of puppet. Perhaps an operative of the Freemasons. Or Satan. Or something.
On that note, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the editors of Inside Catholic for bringing me on board nearly three years ago with a specific view to encourage me in sharing my traditional viewpoint. The fact that they have done so has allowed me to bring this discussion to Catholics who, possessed of good sense, probably avoid many of the dark alleys of the Internet where these topics are referenced. After all, adjectives like “traditional” aside, we’re all Catholics, and coming to a more full understanding of the liturgical traditions of our rite benefits us all. Whether or not you attend the Novus Ordo, after all, the traditional Mass is still your Mass – it’s an integral part of your rite, and has for centuries been the primary rite of the Catholic Church.
And for what it’s worth, I apologize for asking people to be nicer. I know I can be really demanding sometimes, and I’m working on it.