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Catholic civility stems from the virtues. It is not empty like the social constructs of Emily Post. But, as I research Catholic civility (which is steeped in traditionalism), I see a lot of parallels with the legalistic extremism of evangelical fundamentalism and even white nationalism.
This is such a difficult topic because there is a lot of wisdom and sound reason behind traditional Catholic civility. On top of that, there's Marian apparition warnings and commands, and centuries of Saints passing along their tomes. However, today, so much of it can seem foreign, or become legalistic, and exclusionary. Some of it can feel like an impossibility!
Did Mary not say that there would be such a falling away? I'm sure Catholic civility followed more of the social norms 70 to 100 years ago and it was easier. Today, that level of traditionalism, particularly in dress and the ordering of the home, is so foreign that it creates dissonance to such a level that it can backfire. It doesn't create goodwill and trust among others outside the church. It builds hate and resentment, "othering." Children feel weird and unable to socialize with children outside their immediate traditional circle, which, these days, can be just the immediate family.
How do we do it? How do we obey, how do we instill Catholic civility in a society and culture so opposed to it? How do we live in a way that expresses our faith beautifully, to the Glory of God, and as a good witness without being so foreign that we don't do society any good and end up isolating ourselves or our children?
I certainly need to do far more research on this. I'm too close to the faults, errors, and horrors of evangelical fundamentalism and the huge mess that is to see Catholic Civility clearly enough. I'd appreciate any thoughts.
This is such a difficult topic because there is a lot of wisdom and sound reason behind traditional Catholic civility. On top of that, there's Marian apparition warnings and commands, and centuries of Saints passing along their tomes. However, today, so much of it can seem foreign, or become legalistic, and exclusionary. Some of it can feel like an impossibility!
Did Mary not say that there would be such a falling away? I'm sure Catholic civility followed more of the social norms 70 to 100 years ago and it was easier. Today, that level of traditionalism, particularly in dress and the ordering of the home, is so foreign that it creates dissonance to such a level that it can backfire. It doesn't create goodwill and trust among others outside the church. It builds hate and resentment, "othering." Children feel weird and unable to socialize with children outside their immediate traditional circle, which, these days, can be just the immediate family.
How do we do it? How do we obey, how do we instill Catholic civility in a society and culture so opposed to it? How do we live in a way that expresses our faith beautifully, to the Glory of God, and as a good witness without being so foreign that we don't do society any good and end up isolating ourselves or our children?
I certainly need to do far more research on this. I'm too close to the faults, errors, and horrors of evangelical fundamentalism and the huge mess that is to see Catholic Civility clearly enough. I'd appreciate any thoughts.
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