Highlight from Fr Dwight Longenecker May 6 2014

" Stay with this. The Catholic Church will sometimes seem to you to be full of human failure, incompetence, futility, fighting and frailty. But there is great treasure hidden in that muddy field. There is a great pearl buried in the dark depths of that chaotic sea."

For more, see http://m.ncregister.com/blog/longenecker/now-here-is-a-real-religion#.Vyzhw4r3bCQ

Pax. 

Highlight: Fr. Longenecker Shows You How to Identify an Enemy of the Faith: The Radical Traditionalist. AKA Protestant who is "Legally" Catholic

Hello Everyone,

I realize I have been snoozing away at blogging here on Servimus. I've been busy between my other minsitry activities as well as my wedding preparations, with only two short months away. The date is set for May 14, 2016. Please everyone, pray for us both, as the Devil is seriously trying to wreck things for us, now and for our future, and sometimes I feel he is using anything and even anyone in my vicinity as pawns to destroy us.

Anyways, I know a few people do read this blog or check it every so often, so to keep things fresh, I'll feature a "highlight" of one of my favourite blogs, "Standing on my Head" under Fr. Longenecker. This priest thankfully is orthodox, and detest Radicals Misrepresenting Traditionalists. This priest is even hated right now by the so-called "true remnant" of the Church because he has respectfully called out the Godless and amoral man that may possibly be the United States' next president, Donald Trump. Unfortunately, in hypocritical and commandment violating action, the RMTs have made Mr. Trump their newest "golden calf" to idol worship, over the Lord Jesus Christ. They think Trump will be some kind of saviour against "those damn Lie-berals" in the church and society, and he's a bully and loudmouth just like them.

Now, what I am featuring is Fr.'s latest article, which is a top ten list of vile and I daresay, Protestant and Satanic behaviours that these RMTs exhibit. Seriously, suck this in and take note, because if you don't know what constitutes an RMT, you will know. With this handy list, you will now know that if you see these actions, who one is.

I'll leave it up to you when you do identify an RMT, if you even dare to try and employ fraternal correction or counsel of these wayward brothers, frequently displaying little to no mercy or reception to spiritual counsel. They abhor mercy and it's current minster of proclamation, Pope Francis. More likely, this list will help you to know who to stay away from, as they are spiritually damaging the souls of the faithful from within the Church (including you.) As arbiters of the Devil's works (unwillingly, or maybe even willingly???) the RMTs rightfully deserve to be isolated and ignored in the Faith when not adhering to the teachings of the Catholic Church and virtue, and if necessary, need to be policed spiritually, and/or civilly/criminally to stop malicious behaviour.

Enjoy from the words of Fr. Dwight Longenecker. Pax, Julian.

Source: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/standingonmyhead/ten-traits-of-catholic-fundamentalism

Ten Traits of Catholic Fundamentalism

March 7, 2016 by Fr. Dwight Longenecker

Within Catholic ultra traditionalist circles a new wave of ugliness has arisen. Numerous traditionalist blogs, websites and publications spew disrespectful hatred towards the Catholic church. They mock the Mass by despising the “Novus Ordo” they denigrate the Holy Father referring to him as “Pope Frank” or “Bergoglio” and refer to their mother the Catholic Church with adolescent disrespect as “FrancisChurch”.

I avoid commenting on the filth because, why wallow in sewage? I’m not going to link to the aggregators and websites in question because if you’re interested all you have to do is snoop around a little and follow a few links. You’ll see how they lie, misrepresent and tear down fellow Catholics, how these self appointed prophets ridicule, gossip and slander their fathers in God, and how these self righteous, pretentious Pharisees vomit their bile on all they meet.

It is pointless to ever argue with these people because they are always right. They have no true repentance in their hearts, but are driven by the worst kind of pride: spiritual pride.

Instead of arguing I would like to point out what is going on. First of all, I think it is unfair to use the term “traditionalist” for these people because it pulls down the many good, sensible and holy Catholics who are traditionalist by nature and by their devotions and worship. These people are my friends and family. I am on their side.

They work hard for the church. They live their faith. They build up their families and their parishes in the faith. These good folks deserve to keep the term “traditionalist” and to honor it with their good, strong, faithful and humble Catholicism.

We should separate the paranoid hate mongers from the rest of the traditionalists. They are not traditionalists. They are Protestant fundamentalists wearing traditionalist Catholic clothes.

I know about Protestant fundamentalism. I was raised and educated among Protestant fundamentalists. Among them were many good and sincere Christian people, but also among them, and driving their religion–was a certain type of religious person whose attitudes mirror exactly the Catholic fundamentalists on the rise today.

Here are ten principles things that connect them:

1. Private Interpretation – Protestant fundamentalists rely on their own private selection and interpretation of the Scriptures. Their interpretation is always the right one. Catholic fundamentalists rely on their own selection and interpretation of church documents. Like the Protestant fundamentalists they know better than the Pope.
2. Cafeteria Christianity – The Protestant fundamentalist picks and chooses which parts of the Bible he wants to adhere to. Catholic fundamentalists do the same. They pick which parts of Catholicism they consider “authentic” and ignore or denigrate the rest.
3. Private Prophets – Protestant fundamentalists alway raise up their own preachers and prophets. Mini demagogues–they cultivate a celebrity status and promote them as infallible mini popes. Catholic fundamentalists fall down before their own prophets and preachers who they also raise to a status of authority that supersedes the bishops and even the Holy Father.
4. Fortress Mentality – Protestant fundamentalism thrives on the fortress mentality. The little group gets together and builds walls and peers over them at al the “sinners” who are outside the enclave. Catholic fundamentalists practice the same ghetto mentality. “We few, we faithful few!” We are the Remnant of faithful ones who remain. Their response to this blog post, for instance, will be to retreat further into their self made holy fortress and throw stones over the parapet at me–not addressing my points, but resorting to name calling.

5. Invincible Self Righteousness – Protestant fundamentalists are totally convinced they are right.  There is no argument or discussion. Catholic fundamentalists are the same. The have their proof texts. They have their watertight world view. No discussion. No dialogue. It’s their way or the highway. Their response to this blog post will prove my point, for the ones to whom I am referring will not engage my points, but dismiss me and my message.

6. Anger and Violence Fundamentalism is always tinged with anger. There’s no sense of humor here. There’s no joy. There’s no laughter. Especially there is no sense of humor about themselves. Fundamentalists are angry and aggressive, and given enough rope they will move from verbal violence to physical violence. The Catholic fundamentalists who bother to read this far and react in anger to this blog post, for example, will prove my point and they will not even be able to see this themselves.

7. Fear and Loathing Protestant fundamentalists are fueled by fear and loathing. Catholic fundamentalists are the same. There is little light, joy, peace and confidence in their lives. Instead life is narrowed down by fear and loathing. Where there is fear there is darkness.
8. Suspicion and Separation Those who are outside the group are the sinners and suspect ones, but those who seem to be inside the group, but do not share the group think are suspected even more. The only ones who are worse than the sinners outside are the sinners inside the fortress. Therefore everyone inside must conform constantly, and anyone who steps outside the rules or exhibits the wrong attitude will soon be shunned, then excluded.
9. Conspiracy Theories – the atmosphere of suspicion and fear inevitably breeds conspiracy theories. The big, dark nefarious secret powers are always thought to be behind the scenes planning some sort of hostile attack on the select few of the faithful.
10. Persecution complex Fundamentalists do just about everything possible to make themselves obnoxious and unlikeable, then when people dislike them or get down on them they love to play the persecuted victim. It is almost as if they are not only looking for persecution, but are anticipating it with a sick kind of thrill.

Why take time to analyze these ten principles? Because what we see in the extreme religious behaviors of fundamentalists is not limited to Protestants or Catholics. It is actually the sick form of any religion. There are fundamentalist Muslims, fundamentalist Hindus, fundamentalist Jews, fundamentalist Mormons.

You name it. This is the form of religion that is a kind of anti-religion.

Furthermore, as we approach Holy Week, remember that it was this kind of religion which drove the Scribes and Pharisees who eventually scapegoated Jesus and made sure he was killed.

Finally, the analysis is not just a critique of fundamentalists. It should be a sober critique of all Christians because all of us, at one point or another, if we are not careful and prayerful, will fall into these traps to a greater or lesser extent.

I know what I’m talking about because, on my worst days, I see that kind of Catholic looking back at me from the mirror.

Highlight: Patheos Blogger Fr. Longenecker on Pope Francis' Latest Speech Against "Fundamentalists" from the Africa Plane Interview

Fr. Longenecker of Patheos, a convert priest from High Anglicanism, who is "Standing on [his] Head," a well balanced one, takes on the Pope's interview from the plane going back to Rome from Africa, when he made the "fundamentalist" comment, which has made numerous Radicals Misrepresenting Traditionalists be so blind to not accept this fraternal correction.

Listen to the better, more rational voices out there people, not those with vendettas against Holy Mother Church, and slick venomous words akin to the Devil's twisting of truths into wicked lies. See here:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/standingonmyhead/2015/12/is-fundamentalism-a-sickness.html

But for those who wants the meat and potatoes version:

".... I agree. Fundamentalism is a sickness, but that depends of your definition of fundamentalism.

I’d say fundamentalism has several characteristics. First is an extreme literalism about religion and religious texts and teachings. This is also combined with legalism–in which adherence to the moral code and strict rules become the be all and end all of the religion. Thirdly, fundamentalism is also marked by a tendency to paranoia, blaming others and eventually scapegoating others. Fourthly, fundamentalism has a fortress mentality in which those on the inside are the true, right and righteous believers. Those on the outside are infidels, apostates, heretics, the damned and the lost. Fifthly, fundamentalism is, as a result of all this, an unhappy, frightened and often angry place to be.

OK. That’s done. Fundamentalism is a sickness...."

See the link for more. Oh, and those Lie-berals a.k.a. "progressives" are not given a free pass. Fr. Longenecker calls out their shenanigans too.

Pax, Julian.

Double Highlight: Fr. Rick Heilman Forwards Fr. Longenecker Article on the "Mad Rad Trad" Issue Opened by Catholic Answers

Hello Everyone.

So the Catholic blogosphere is taking sides again after Catholic Answers let the cat out of the bag with the "Mad Rad Trad" thing. Some bloggers, usually on the pro-Traditionalist side or the `hardcore` Latin Mass/Trad Catholics side, are saying "No titles." Others, are saying that there should be titles and supporting C.A. on their take of their radio show they did on "Radical Traditionalism".

In my blog feed, I subscribe to a blog run by a priest in the USA, in the diocese of Madison, of Madison, Wisconsin. It is the "Knights of Divine Mercy". Aside from running what is an excellent Men's traditional Catholic social/spiritual association, Fr. Heilman posts a number of great articles on his blog dealing with spiritual combat against the Evil One, and calling out the garbage lingering around the social, institutional, and spiritual culture within the Church. He does so with clarity, charity, and true fraternal correction (not abuse).

Today, Fr. Heilman forwarded a great article examining the whole "Mad Rad Trad" issue from another awesome blogging priest, Fr. Dwight Longenecker, a convert from Anglicanism (pre-A.C. ordinates). He also posts in the same vein as Fr. Heilman on a number of issues and is well known in the Catholic blogosphere, alongside his other Patheos network confreres. Do search for the articles Fr. L mentions in his posting, even his humourous ones as "Mantilla the Hon".

I post the exact text here for you to read as it is by far excellent! It is, to me, the best article supporting the argument that we should keep the monikers and the reasons why, of which a couple are those I thought of before reading this article. Here you go, and Pax. Julian.

P.S. I've got something sweet coming up in a couple of hours .....
http://www.knightsofdivinemercy.com/2013/08/03/must-we-call-them-rad-trads/

Must We Call Them Rad Trads?

Fr. Rick Heilman | Aug 03, 2013 | Comments 0

From Fr. Longnecker:

There is a conversation going on over at Catholic Lane on Why the title “Rad Trad” or “Radical Traditionalist” should be dropped. You can go hereto read post.

This interests me because it is a term I use, and despite my best intentions to explain that I am on the traditionalists’ side, that I believe most of them are good, solid Catholics who simply prefer the Extraordinary Form, and that I do not think they are all wild eyed conspiracy theory extremists, still my comment box fills with vituperative remarks from traditionalists who accuse me of being some sort of enemy.

So let me explain why I think “rad trad” and “radical traditionalist” is a good term and why I’ll continue to use it. But before I do, here are a few real comments from my combox:

Wake up people! Francis is a unrepentant socialist, liberation theologist and homophile. And he is lurching the Church into heresy. Homosexuality is an abomination in the eyes of God. And catholic leaders need to identify it as such. Francis is building a case for openly homosexual priests and religious. Disgrace!
As far as my analysis of Francis, his actions speak louder than his words, although his words are bad enough. Take a look at his clerical history. If you have decided to become a Papal sycophant that is your business. And no, I am not a Sede Vacantist. We HAVE a Pope. His name is Benedict. And as far as my accusations, just watch closely in the coming months. Mark my words. Francis will systematically dismantle catholic teaching on abortion, sexuality, homosexuality, euthanasia, the True Presence, Mary’s role in salvation and the Divinity of Jesus.

This is the sort of position I criticize as “Radical Traditionalist” or “Rad Trad”. I could include other comments from my combox which are anti-Semitic, self righteous, hateful, angry, racist and well, insane. I am sure most traditionalists would shake their heads and be sorry for such negativity.
It is for this sort of traditionalist that I reserve the names like “mad rad trad”. Why is it wise to retain the “rad trad” label? Because we can identify this sort of sad individual by the label and not only criticize him, but more positively–support and praise the traditionalists who are NOT like him. If the label “rad trad” is dropped it is more likely that no distinctions will be made and this sort of extremist will be seen to be a spokesman for all traddies.

Some traditionalist critics of my blog has asked why I don’t write posts supporting traditionalist aims. I do. I have written much on necessity for beauty and solemnity in worship. My post on “what I say to my altar servers” has gone viral. My writings on traditional architecture, music and liturgy are widely read and appreciated. My alter ego Mantilla the Hon speaks up in a humorous and feisty way for traditionalist ideals. While I do not celebrate the Extraordinary Form, I’m pleased that permission is given for all to do so who wish to, and if there were a need in our town for me to serve traditionalists by saying the Latin Mass I would learn it happily.

Others critics have wondered why I don’t blast daffy dissenters and radical liberals. I do. My blog is a repository for regular posts lamenting lousy architecture, sappy music, sentimentalized Catholicism and shallow, empty headed progressivism.

To use “Mad Rad Trad” as a category for the extremist end of the traditionalist movement is not to throw stones at all traditionalists. In fact, it helps to defend, support and define the worthy traditionalist movement–the one which is made up of a majority of good, faithful, well intentioned Catholics who are helping the whole church in the “reform of the Reform” and are doing so with intelligence, wit, patience, obedience and faith.

If you are a traditionalist, then my advice is be a radical Catholic, but not a radical traditionalist. Love the traditional ways, support and promote them, but remember the bigger picture. The bigger picture is the whole mission of the Catholic Church. The whole mission of the Catholic Church is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to a needy world. The whole mission of the Catholic Church is to reach out to the needy with the love and healing ministry of Christ. The whole mission of the Catholic Church is to sanctify the people of God and lead us in the paths of holiness. The whole mission of the Catholic Church is to live lives filled with the Holy Spirit which testify to the power and grace and joy that comes from knowing Christ.

By all means be radical in these aims. Use the traditional teachings, devotions and liturgies of the church to do so. Reach out to the world and to other Catholics with joy and affirmation. The traditionalist movement is young and alive! Traditionalists have so much to share with the church, and they are doing so with great zeal, energy and faith. I say to traditionalists, don’t allow yourselves to be swept up into narrow minded little groups who point fingers of blame at everybody else. Don’t allow the angry or insane members of your group to speak for all.

Share the things you treasure with enthusiasm and do not be judgmental and condemnatory of other Catholics who for whatever reasons are not quite where you are. It’s okay to criticize abuse and wrong doing, but it’s also okay to leave them alone and accept them just as you wish to be left alone and accepted. Criticize abuse and wrong doing, but accept criticism when it comes your way. Your critic is often your best friend. Furthermore, if you expect other Catholics to listen to you and learn from you be prepared to listen to them and learn from them.  You may heartily dislike their ways of worship and truly believe they are wrong, wrong, wrong, but the Lord might have some things for you to learn from those Catholics who seem to be your enemy. Are you humble and open enough to listen and learn?

If you receive persecution from other Catholics or are treated unfairly from the hierarchy, respond with meekness and joy. Turn the other cheek. Show the true spirit of Christ that dwells in your hearts, for this is true and valid traditionalism: heart felt love for Jesus Christ and a true and joyful devotion to him as your King and Shepherd.

In my experience of traditionalists I have seen much more of this than the extremist rants and the sour self righteousness that I have criticized. That’s why for me the term “traditionalist” is a positive term, but why I will continue to use “rad trad” or “radical traditionalist” to denote those who do not represent the traditionalist movement well, and whose attitudes and actions lead to schism and strife.