Why “Pew-Dweller”?

OK, there’s any number of arguments for a traditional approach to Catholic liturgy, but a lot of them are fairly esoteric. They’re directed at people who are experts in liturgy.

I’m not such an expert. Sometimes I go in and come out barely aware of the detail of what’s been happening. To me, liturgy is a bit like stage lighting: if it’s done well, one is not aware of it. It’s only when it’s done badly that it impinges on my consciousness. I came to the Traditional Mass with a sense rather of relief than elation or spiritual transport.

So I want to use this blog to put a perspective which may make sense to people like me.
I’m a convinced traditionalist, but I think there’s a need for tradition to cater to a broader audience than liturgical experts. This is not so much a problem with the traditional liturgy as such, but with the arguments which are sometimes made in its favour.

(Also I feel a kind of affinity with “Blind Pew” from Treasure Island!)

Traditionalists vs Conservatives

What do we mean by “Traditionally-inclined Catholics?

Briefly, a “Traditionalist” is a Catholic who attends (where possible) or supports the Traditional Latin Mass. Traditionalists are usually (but not always) conservative – we’d say orthodox - on other religious questions. Of course, not all conservatives are Traditionalists!