Since Easter, we've seen in the Catholic Blogosphere a flame war, across Twitter and certain blogs, over a clash between Taylor Marshall and his now former podcaster colleague Timothy Gordon, and Gordon's brother. Gordon takes issue with Marshall's more recent support of the SSPX, Marshall in turn on Easter Sunday "tweeted" he and his family attended Easter Mass at the SSPX. In the spirit of the Risen Lord, these gurus and their groupies have since had it out across social media. While I've rarely used Twitter, my glance at what everyone was saying suggested a schism now between Taylor and Timothy, who up until a week or so ago were good friends.
You can't make this up.
Enter Fr. Z at his blog, who, like Marshall, once was a strong critic of the SSPX and traditionalists who support their line of thought; ironically, now he is on the side of the SSPX putting the Gordon bros and other anti-SSPXers in their place with a couple blog posts.
(Edit on 4/26: and the last several days now the anti-SSPX inquisition has continued thanks to Michael Voris and Christine Niles of Church Militant, issuing an expose of certain SSPX priests accused of sexual abuse; labelled by many a biased hit piece because it portrays the entire SSPX as a stronghold for perverted priests covered up by their superiors.).
Round and round we go.
Keep in mind these are almost entirely lay Catholic men, asking for donations, many depending on those donations as their primary source of income to buy groceries for their kids, with a major online presence and following.
Also somewhat recently we learned that Taylor Marshall and his colleague Alexander Tschuggel, the guy who tossed the Pachamama idols into the Tiber, actually planned together the whole event, the unrolling of it to Catholic media, and the subsequent exposure of Alexander as a Catholic leader. What many had a problem with most, is that Marshall (and at the time his sidekick Gordon) acted the whole time like he had never met Alexander, and that he was surprised to learn how he dunked the Pachas. Something that he himself, we now learn from him, orchestrated.
Another lay Catholic, asking for donations, with a major online presence.
Quite the unprecedented paradigm shift since the lay Catholic blogosphere has gained a major stronghold in the last few years. Can you imagine Thomas Nelson, founder and editor of TAN books, pulling off internet media stunts, getting in spats on Twitter, or showing off his hot wife, trad brood, and cool haircut in order to sell Catholic classics? And spread the Catholic faith? He was a hard core trad, but I'm certain he was guided in his apostolate/business by priests helping him select books to publish, and giving oversight to any editorializing.
And then, almost on a weekly basis, we are treated to another flame war against Frank Walker of the website Canon212 by Steve Skojec of the famous OnePeterFive, usually through Twitter. Though Skojec claims it all goes the other way.
A lay Catholic, making $150,000 a year through his Catholic website, spreading the Word about Christ and His Church, by means of inter-trad flame wars on Twitter, and writing blog posts as the editor-in-chief of...his own website.
Need I go on? It's all been a spectacle building momentum the last decade for any Catholic who would dare use google to research Catholic subjects or news. When odds are they will land squarely inside the Catholic blogosphere.
Now we have every other trad blogger personality acting like a pundit about the coronavirus crisis. Michael Matt is sounding the alarm about the bishops suspending public Masses for the last FOUR weeks (as if that constitutes a crisis), alerting all of us to the globalist machinations unfolding before our eyes about the lockdown, vaccine, etc.
Another lay Catholic, asking for $, now with a major online presence.
The trad pundits are distilling all the public information now about the virus, so we will get the big picture from a Catholic perspective, especially how, in their view, we are certainly facing an apocalyptic shift in society. Taking a glance, the trend is to predict for the reader/listener how this is going to go down according to eschatological, end-times prophesy.
I get it. The faithful are hungry for Catholic information and guidance, which the vast majority of clergy are not providing from the pulpit or confessional. Where are they to turn?
Writing a Catholic blog is one thing, to share your mere opinion to the collective of blogs, to compare notes, disseminate news, ask critical questions of our Church leaders (as canon law #212 permits), and to just wax and wane about what's happening in the world, or in your personal life, from the perspective of your life as a Catholic.
Even to offer up theological or philosophical articles, and to teach other lay Catholics what the Church already teaches, or to speculate on open doctrinal questions. Such, according to tradition, requires some kind of Church oversight and supervision which, correct me if I am wrong in my observation, is lacking 99% of the time across the Catholic Blogosphere in bloggers who write "articles" that are obviously essays on per se theological and philosophical subjects. Even from traditionalist priests or societies giving such blessing and guidance.
It is quite another thing for a lay Catholic to set up a Catholic blog, with or especially without any kind of theological-philosophical academic/teaching credentials, either by means of a degree or certificate, or verifiable official teaching experience, but then to go beyond offering mere opinion, or facilitating the dissemination of information from authoritative Catholic sources. To set themselves up, effectively, as one-man classrooms.
To develop popularity, evidenced by comments, blog stats, and mentions on other blogs seems natural. But to carve out an actual following which treats said lay blogger like an enlightened guru, teacher, prophet, leader, and one of their primary sources of Catholic knowledge and guidance seems, well, unnatural, disordered, and spiritually dangerous.
To market this enterprise as a Catholic apostolate, with tiered Patreon donation programs, effectively setting yourself up as a lay pastor with your own flock, teaching, guiding, counseling Catholics in the spiritual life of a Catholic in ways always before reserved for priests and bishops, OR...
By Catholic teachers approved by the hierarchy. That has always been the constant tradition, for lay Catholics doing anything remotely like teaching on matters of faith and morals, to submit to Church authority.
And for the record, that authority is the hierarchy under Rome, which in my opinion includes traditionalist societies and priests like that of the SSPX.
I'm not talking about Joe Bloe trad blogger, who likes to talk about what his family made for Easter dinner, in order to share with others the Catholic celebration of Easter, or who just wants to give his two cents in a fun and at times humorous way.
I'm talking about the money-making online, lay professional bloggers, growing in number by the week, effectively pontificating about every jot and tittle that comes across the news feed. And in turn those lower-tiered bloggers imitating them.
I am not bitter about it all, but sad, and frankly scandalized. It is not good for my spiritual health to make a habit of seriously following the mainstream of the Catholic blogosphere, in which petty disputes across social media and the blogs themselves come across our screen on almost a daily basis. And I suspect for most, it is the same.
By this I mean most of us checking in at news conglomerates like Canon212 to skim the headlines, as I do most every day, when I scan my news sources before I start the day. I scan for substantial news and articles from actual Catholic newspapers and journals, or from priests and Catholic academics.
I doubt Canon212 and the host of trad bloggers/podcasters are going anywhere: TM, Voris, Michael Matt, Barnhardt, Skojec, etc, especially as the Church keeps spiraling down for the indefinite future.
Considering then all the adolescent nonsense across the Catholic blogosphere that I think most of us agree is a serious pattern, I would argue that other blog posts and discussions like this need to be critically raised before taking it all seriously as we do. We need a moratorium on the role of the Catholic blog.
What authority or right do they have? How to prevent them forming, perhaps inadvertently, their own online blog church, with them as their follower's pastor? How to submit it to divine Church authority--something we can never escape doing if we are Catholic--to guide it and prevent it from becoming a Moshpit of wild, ferral arm-chair theologians "in control of the narrative."
Seems like a fair observation. Not of all bloggers, but if this post hits a nerve with them, then they know who they are. And I am not innocent, I've crossed the line before into what I am talking about, even though I think I've consistently staid clear of the trend.
I welcome comments, questions, points and counter-points being raised, as long comments don't fall into the very thing I'm pointing out, otherwise as I usually do, I will have to delete them.
The Comm box is open and will be moderated.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Monday, April 13, 2020
#EndthePanicitsEaster
#EndthePanicitsEaster
I’m thinking to plant tomatoes earlier this year. Maybe some kale and spinach. If we get rain like we did last year, I can imagine filling the vegetable crisper.
Some states aren’t allowing people to buy seeds? Well not Oklahoma. I also need to add rosemary to the list. Our herbs mostly grew back this year except that one. Communing with nature is definitely medicinal.
#EndthePanicitsEaster
If/when this lockdown is proven not to work, and we have an impending economic collapse, we’ll need a lot of fortitude to challenge our leaders and any tyrannical laws, and to preserve our family life. Time to prep now—ending all the panic frenzy.
Life goes on, with adjustments. Every hour we are reminded to wash our hands, follow protocol—sure—but I’m carrying on with family BBQs, daily routine, Ora et labora. Never watched the news much anyway before this. The daily obsession reminds me of other media-driven crises like the OJ Simpson trial that consumed the daily news cycle for months back in the early 90s.
#EndthePanicitsEaster
Oh and by the way I decided to tune out every online pundit that thinks having a url or YouTube Channel somehow gives them the charism of authority to pontificate and prognosticate about the prudence of lockdown, Masses being suspended, or whether or not the in-development corona vaccine will contain a computer chip containing the mark of the beast.
In my opinion, fear is the main enemy now, and people controlling the narrative with fear. Instead let’s feast, it’s still Easter-tide. Going for picnics and outdoor outings. Working, praying, carrying on with everyday life in so far as we can. Doing some light prep, financial planning, taking precautions. Otherwise...
#EndthePanicitsEaster
I’m thinking to plant tomatoes earlier this year. Maybe some kale and spinach. If we get rain like we did last year, I can imagine filling the vegetable crisper.
Some states aren’t allowing people to buy seeds? Well not Oklahoma. I also need to add rosemary to the list. Our herbs mostly grew back this year except that one. Communing with nature is definitely medicinal.
#EndthePanicitsEaster
If/when this lockdown is proven not to work, and we have an impending economic collapse, we’ll need a lot of fortitude to challenge our leaders and any tyrannical laws, and to preserve our family life. Time to prep now—ending all the panic frenzy.
Life goes on, with adjustments. Every hour we are reminded to wash our hands, follow protocol—sure—but I’m carrying on with family BBQs, daily routine, Ora et labora. Never watched the news much anyway before this. The daily obsession reminds me of other media-driven crises like the OJ Simpson trial that consumed the daily news cycle for months back in the early 90s.
#EndthePanicitsEaster
Oh and by the way I decided to tune out every online pundit that thinks having a url or YouTube Channel somehow gives them the charism of authority to pontificate and prognosticate about the prudence of lockdown, Masses being suspended, or whether or not the in-development corona vaccine will contain a computer chip containing the mark of the beast.
In my opinion, fear is the main enemy now, and people controlling the narrative with fear. Instead let’s feast, it’s still Easter-tide. Going for picnics and outdoor outings. Working, praying, carrying on with everyday life in so far as we can. Doing some light prep, financial planning, taking precautions. Otherwise...
#EndthePanicitsEaster
Thursday, March 19, 2020
10 Things I’d Rather be Doing than Staying Glued to the Media Talking about You-Know-What
1. Eating lunch at my favorite Chinese buffet. Ah snap, the city shut down sit-down eating out. Something to look forward to once this Lenten mini-Chastisement passes.
2. My morning constitutional. Gastrointestinal health experts recommend a routine morning sit-down after awakening to stay regular. But oh you know what, all the hysterics out there emptied the market shelves of toilet paper. Guess I’m going to have to go third world.
3. Staying home in quiet. Our twenty first century land of endless entertainment and pleasure has been reduced to Mayberry circa the 1950s. Do we really need weekly outings to laser tag, malls, and spending more on eating out than on our retirement funds? I’m enjoying the calmness of less traffic outside my door.
4. Reading about nice, everyday, pleasant topics beyond the mosh pit of the geopolitical news cycle. Books about gardening, cooking, outdoor sports, classic novels. Too much study of the unfolding of the end times does not make for a happy camper.
5. Going camping. The Spring camping season is upon us. Visions of steaks and eggs cooked in a cast iron skillet, with crickets cricketing away in the background, removed from larger society, and from You-Know-What.
6. Taking selenium, zinc, and vitamin C daily to augment the immune system. Far more proactive than wringing our hands whining about the What-if of this situation. Make a list what needs to be done to keep you and yours healthy, do it, and stop worrying. Pour yourself a glass of wine and chill out with family.
7. Prepping. Same principle. Stock up some food, water, and basic supplies and then sit back with a serene smile while the masses panic looking for things like toilet paper.
8. Praying the rosary. So Francis called for us to pray a rosary about this. Well, a broken clock is right at least twice a day. :). Our Lady, pray for us.
9. Taking Peanut hiking on Saturday. Have to work a few hours in the AM, but my little bundle of energy has as much cabin fever as me.
10. Practicing flying my drone. Fun fun.
2. My morning constitutional. Gastrointestinal health experts recommend a routine morning sit-down after awakening to stay regular. But oh you know what, all the hysterics out there emptied the market shelves of toilet paper. Guess I’m going to have to go third world.
3. Staying home in quiet. Our twenty first century land of endless entertainment and pleasure has been reduced to Mayberry circa the 1950s. Do we really need weekly outings to laser tag, malls, and spending more on eating out than on our retirement funds? I’m enjoying the calmness of less traffic outside my door.
4. Reading about nice, everyday, pleasant topics beyond the mosh pit of the geopolitical news cycle. Books about gardening, cooking, outdoor sports, classic novels. Too much study of the unfolding of the end times does not make for a happy camper.
5. Going camping. The Spring camping season is upon us. Visions of steaks and eggs cooked in a cast iron skillet, with crickets cricketing away in the background, removed from larger society, and from You-Know-What.
6. Taking selenium, zinc, and vitamin C daily to augment the immune system. Far more proactive than wringing our hands whining about the What-if of this situation. Make a list what needs to be done to keep you and yours healthy, do it, and stop worrying. Pour yourself a glass of wine and chill out with family.
7. Prepping. Same principle. Stock up some food, water, and basic supplies and then sit back with a serene smile while the masses panic looking for things like toilet paper.
8. Praying the rosary. So Francis called for us to pray a rosary about this. Well, a broken clock is right at least twice a day. :). Our Lady, pray for us.
9. Taking Peanut hiking on Saturday. Have to work a few hours in the AM, but my little bundle of energy has as much cabin fever as me.
10. Practicing flying my drone. Fun fun.
Saturday, March 7, 2020
New Oklahoma Law! Liquor Stores Can Open on Sundays!
In my opinion, a step forward in the right direction. While I’m sure my local hedonists, who think the sum total of human well-being is constituted by material pleasures, and the careerist pursuit thereof, will laud this as a step closer to the complete liberalization of society, for me it’s implicitly and indirectly one little step towards the better ideals of a Catholic society. At least a de-Calvinizing measure towards Catholic moderation in all things.
I had read an article about how the new law was being voted on this month in the Oklahoma legislature, with low expectations of not being passed. Something about the local liquor industry not getting the word out to the public in support of it. But last night after work, when I dropped by my neighborly, quaint little liquor store for my end-of-week 200 ml mini-bottle of Jim Beam, I asked the cashier/owner about it—an always pleasant hipster type—and she smiled ear to ear saying the legislation takes effect this weekend.
And, for the first time in Oklahoma history (read discussed in my post here about how we had prohibition before it went federal, and used prohibition to discriminate against the Catholic Church here)...drum roll please...this Sunday liquor stores will be open here in the Heartland!
Tomorrow after Mass, you won’t have to endure the crowd of your grocery store to get a nice bottle of wine for Sunday leisure. Stores open at noon.
Some Catholic traditionalists might disagree, to which I’d counter with this tongue-in-cheek post a couple years back, arguing trads generally speaking, with obvious exceptions, need to be consuming more spirits. Something on the natural level to deal with toxic traditionalism coupled with the crisis in the Church.
Some commenters, as I recall, warned against alcoholism, that alcohol had once ruined their lives, or that of loved ones. I countered that yes some people with a personal or family history of alcohol addiction should obviously not drink, but that the teetotaler philosophy only negatively reinforces the problem.
In my opinion.
The problem being addiction and abuse through the vice of immoderation in food, drink, etc, not the substance of alcohol itself. It was a fun discussion. Not even a dogmatic question.
Hey the word “dogma” has the word “dog” in it, and as I write this
on my phone I’m sitting on a rocky perch half way through an almost-Spring Saturday hike with my dog Peanut. Ruff ruff. That was Peanut saying hi to all you Teetotalers and Spirits-Connoisseurs out there alike.
All are welcome here at The Okie Traditionalist, regardless of where your temperament sits on the Rigorism-Laxity scale.
Did Saturday morning tasks and errands in quick, summary order. Later grilling rib eyes, drinking a little Bush lite, practicing my drone flying, and reading. Tomorrow: Mass, lunch, visit family, and drop into my local quaint liquor store. Maybe for some sweet red wine the Mrs likes.
Yessir.
Happy Saturday.
I had read an article about how the new law was being voted on this month in the Oklahoma legislature, with low expectations of not being passed. Something about the local liquor industry not getting the word out to the public in support of it. But last night after work, when I dropped by my neighborly, quaint little liquor store for my end-of-week 200 ml mini-bottle of Jim Beam, I asked the cashier/owner about it—an always pleasant hipster type—and she smiled ear to ear saying the legislation takes effect this weekend.
And, for the first time in Oklahoma history (read discussed in my post here about how we had prohibition before it went federal, and used prohibition to discriminate against the Catholic Church here)...drum roll please...this Sunday liquor stores will be open here in the Heartland!
Tomorrow after Mass, you won’t have to endure the crowd of your grocery store to get a nice bottle of wine for Sunday leisure. Stores open at noon.
Some Catholic traditionalists might disagree, to which I’d counter with this tongue-in-cheek post a couple years back, arguing trads generally speaking, with obvious exceptions, need to be consuming more spirits. Something on the natural level to deal with toxic traditionalism coupled with the crisis in the Church.
Some commenters, as I recall, warned against alcoholism, that alcohol had once ruined their lives, or that of loved ones. I countered that yes some people with a personal or family history of alcohol addiction should obviously not drink, but that the teetotaler philosophy only negatively reinforces the problem.
In my opinion.
The problem being addiction and abuse through the vice of immoderation in food, drink, etc, not the substance of alcohol itself. It was a fun discussion. Not even a dogmatic question.
Hey the word “dogma” has the word “dog” in it, and as I write this
on my phone I’m sitting on a rocky perch half way through an almost-Spring Saturday hike with my dog Peanut. Ruff ruff. That was Peanut saying hi to all you Teetotalers and Spirits-Connoisseurs out there alike.
All are welcome here at The Okie Traditionalist, regardless of where your temperament sits on the Rigorism-Laxity scale.
Did Saturday morning tasks and errands in quick, summary order. Later grilling rib eyes, drinking a little Bush lite, practicing my drone flying, and reading. Tomorrow: Mass, lunch, visit family, and drop into my local quaint liquor store. Maybe for some sweet red wine the Mrs likes.
Yessir.
Happy Saturday.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Ready for Spring.
Lovin’ this Spring-like weather here in the Sooner State. Which brings to mind the joys of picnics, trips to the lake, elevated serotonin levels, and sunshine. Yessir. I suppose the groundhog didn’t see his shadow, so we’re rounding third base approaching Spring.
I think most people—perhaps me especially—get affected by wintertime, with cabin fever, seasonal affective disorder (cue a frowning face emoticon), or whatever you want to call it. It is the irony of our fallen state I suppose to find discomfort in the very thing we once yearned for, and then likewise keep yearning for greener pastures. For that golden valley around the next corner. That pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Such is my waxing and waning pattern following the turn of the seasons. Whereas in the purgatorial heat of August in Oklahoma I’m counting the days until Fall kicks in, by the next February or March my forward-thinking temperament starts to anticipate longer days, nature coming back to life, and more outdoor activity. Yessir.
Are you all getting ready for the coronavirus? We keep filling our pantry. And I bought some home protection from a fellow Okie Trad, coupled with an exhilarating session of target practice. When the coronavirus zombies come banging down my door, I’ll be ready to protect me and mine. Yessir.
But hopefully this thing just turns out like a nasty version of the Asian swine flu, and you know not the likes of the Spanish flu epidemic that wiped out a hundred years ago—brace yourself—over 50 million people. Be prepared, is the Boy Scout motto.
Feeling blessed at this time in life. With career, health, and family life. Deo gracias. Looking forward, onward, and upward. By God’s grace and divine plan. Shopping to buy a house in the country, making plans for the future, looking forward to Spring, when it’s warm enough to go swimming down at ol’ Blue Hole Spring in Salinas. Yessir.
Happy Saturday.
I think most people—perhaps me especially—get affected by wintertime, with cabin fever, seasonal affective disorder (cue a frowning face emoticon), or whatever you want to call it. It is the irony of our fallen state I suppose to find discomfort in the very thing we once yearned for, and then likewise keep yearning for greener pastures. For that golden valley around the next corner. That pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Such is my waxing and waning pattern following the turn of the seasons. Whereas in the purgatorial heat of August in Oklahoma I’m counting the days until Fall kicks in, by the next February or March my forward-thinking temperament starts to anticipate longer days, nature coming back to life, and more outdoor activity. Yessir.
Are you all getting ready for the coronavirus? We keep filling our pantry. And I bought some home protection from a fellow Okie Trad, coupled with an exhilarating session of target practice. When the coronavirus zombies come banging down my door, I’ll be ready to protect me and mine. Yessir.
But hopefully this thing just turns out like a nasty version of the Asian swine flu, and you know not the likes of the Spanish flu epidemic that wiped out a hundred years ago—brace yourself—over 50 million people. Be prepared, is the Boy Scout motto.
Feeling blessed at this time in life. With career, health, and family life. Deo gracias. Looking forward, onward, and upward. By God’s grace and divine plan. Shopping to buy a house in the country, making plans for the future, looking forward to Spring, when it’s warm enough to go swimming down at ol’ Blue Hole Spring in Salinas. Yessir.
Happy Saturday.
Friday, February 7, 2020
Friday Night Musings: Guns, Skojec vs Oakes, Physical Frame
TGIF fella Okie Trads and Beyond. We made it to the end of the work week. Well some of us did anyway, me having to put in extra hours tomorrow. But the nice thing about going into work on a Saturday is it’s typically quiet and you can be a bit more casual with yourself, listening to music, snacking, untucking your shirt, and such.
Guns. Well I’m thankful for a thread started in a trad Catholic forum recently discussing the developing Coronavirus outbreak and plans for prep. Last week I discussed it here, how I agreed with the consensus to take a good look at this situation and start filling up your pantry. But then when I read about how the daily life and economy in China is taking a big hit, when you think about how our own daily life is linked to them via the economy and mass means of production, then I decided it’s time to look at upping my home protection. A shotgun seems the best choice, it’s been a while since I owned or shot one. There’s something life-affirming about having a gun, and developing a self-defense mindset.
Skojec vs Oakes Spalding. Two well-followed trad bloggers these last several years, and according to them online friends. Until a recent feud. Oakes strongly disagreed with Skojec over a topic of debate. Skojec then turned on Oakes his friend bringing up very personal, negative things about Oakes online that is private, to the point Skojec later deleted his comments with apology. As relayed by C212.
On this one I’ll side with Oakes because he did not deserve to be the object of an online smear job, and in all my own blogging-related correspondence with him, and reading his blog, I’ve always had the impression he is a very balanced, humble, and charitable guy, who, through his own use of the tool of irony, finds intra-trad nuttiness as silly and distracting as I do.
Which is my point in even making note of their apparent fall out.
Physical Frame. Guys, the critical need to develop this in yourself to fulfill your nature/purpose as a man was driven home by local Okie Trad James Deprisco in his newly released book The Catholic Red Pill: a Guide for Men, available on Amazon. See my blog post about the book. The veracity of the argument hit me like a ton of bricks, wiping the Greenhorn out of me, who is horizontally challenged in both the sagittal and coronal planes. But I’m working on it through daily walks, weight training, and a very strict keto diet. And I can report back that yes, as you develop your physique and outward appearance, your spiritual, emotional, and intellectual frame also follows suit.
Anyway, we're planning to make it to SSPX-OKC, when we can. Weekly confessions, the True Mass, an angelic choir, and nice parish community, it’s a hidden gem. Yessir.
Guns. Well I’m thankful for a thread started in a trad Catholic forum recently discussing the developing Coronavirus outbreak and plans for prep. Last week I discussed it here, how I agreed with the consensus to take a good look at this situation and start filling up your pantry. But then when I read about how the daily life and economy in China is taking a big hit, when you think about how our own daily life is linked to them via the economy and mass means of production, then I decided it’s time to look at upping my home protection. A shotgun seems the best choice, it’s been a while since I owned or shot one. There’s something life-affirming about having a gun, and developing a self-defense mindset.
Skojec vs Oakes Spalding. Two well-followed trad bloggers these last several years, and according to them online friends. Until a recent feud. Oakes strongly disagreed with Skojec over a topic of debate. Skojec then turned on Oakes his friend bringing up very personal, negative things about Oakes online that is private, to the point Skojec later deleted his comments with apology. As relayed by C212.
On this one I’ll side with Oakes because he did not deserve to be the object of an online smear job, and in all my own blogging-related correspondence with him, and reading his blog, I’ve always had the impression he is a very balanced, humble, and charitable guy, who, through his own use of the tool of irony, finds intra-trad nuttiness as silly and distracting as I do.
Which is my point in even making note of their apparent fall out.
Physical Frame. Guys, the critical need to develop this in yourself to fulfill your nature/purpose as a man was driven home by local Okie Trad James Deprisco in his newly released book The Catholic Red Pill: a Guide for Men, available on Amazon. See my blog post about the book. The veracity of the argument hit me like a ton of bricks, wiping the Greenhorn out of me, who is horizontally challenged in both the sagittal and coronal planes. But I’m working on it through daily walks, weight training, and a very strict keto diet. And I can report back that yes, as you develop your physique and outward appearance, your spiritual, emotional, and intellectual frame also follows suit.
Anyway, we're planning to make it to SSPX-OKC, when we can. Weekly confessions, the True Mass, an angelic choir, and nice parish community, it’s a hidden gem. Yessir.
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Saturday Morning Musings: Coronavirus, Impeachment Aftermath.
Lovin’ this warm Saturday weather, warm for February. Took Peanut for a hike out at Mowhawk Park, detailed the car, and got a spiffy haircut before taking the Mrs. on a date lunch. Debating whether or not to watch the Super Bowl.
Interesting times we live in, the best of times, the worst of times, as it were. Us right-reasoning, God-fearing people, who care about such matters as Catholic Tradition, Family, and Property, are watching daily as this Coronavirus Situation unfolds. How serious is it, should we start prepping for it, is it a biological weapon, etc — such are the main questions circulating.
Well, considering the relatively high mortality rate, that cases are appearing across the globe, that the world is always on the verge of the next viral pandemic, that globalism has made socio-economic breakdown far more likely today than the aftermath of say the Spanish flu epidemic, not to mention approved Marian prophesies warning of an impending Chastisement (have to wonder if the pontiff objectively worshipping a pagan idol in St Peter’s last October, with almost no sincere concern for the diabolical scandal from the Bishops will be the tipping point triggering God’s wrath), then yeah it would be a good idea to start prepping.
Visits to Costco or Sam’s club. Buy beans, rice, and canned goods in bulk. Follow this situation, if it worsens, proportionally do more prepping. My thought has been crises like this are a good wake up call for us to always be prepared, both spiritually and materially.
Next topic: the impeachment proceedings failed in the Senate, Trump to celebrate next week when this nonsense is wrapped up. The socialists shot themselves in the foot on this one, though surely they knew that in their desperation. Their failure is Trump’s success. Meaning he will be re-elected with his party rallying more behind him for the next four years. Pundits rightly observe this impeachment failure increases polarization in America. Perhaps in the foreseeable future, after a major crisis, the socialists will achieve final takeover of America turning it into a second world country like those in Eastern Europe, but at least the nationalist patriots, conservatives, and traditional Christians will form closer alliances in states like mine.
Interesting times we live in.
Interesting times we live in, the best of times, the worst of times, as it were. Us right-reasoning, God-fearing people, who care about such matters as Catholic Tradition, Family, and Property, are watching daily as this Coronavirus Situation unfolds. How serious is it, should we start prepping for it, is it a biological weapon, etc — such are the main questions circulating.
Well, considering the relatively high mortality rate, that cases are appearing across the globe, that the world is always on the verge of the next viral pandemic, that globalism has made socio-economic breakdown far more likely today than the aftermath of say the Spanish flu epidemic, not to mention approved Marian prophesies warning of an impending Chastisement (have to wonder if the pontiff objectively worshipping a pagan idol in St Peter’s last October, with almost no sincere concern for the diabolical scandal from the Bishops will be the tipping point triggering God’s wrath), then yeah it would be a good idea to start prepping.
Visits to Costco or Sam’s club. Buy beans, rice, and canned goods in bulk. Follow this situation, if it worsens, proportionally do more prepping. My thought has been crises like this are a good wake up call for us to always be prepared, both spiritually and materially.
Next topic: the impeachment proceedings failed in the Senate, Trump to celebrate next week when this nonsense is wrapped up. The socialists shot themselves in the foot on this one, though surely they knew that in their desperation. Their failure is Trump’s success. Meaning he will be re-elected with his party rallying more behind him for the next four years. Pundits rightly observe this impeachment failure increases polarization in America. Perhaps in the foreseeable future, after a major crisis, the socialists will achieve final takeover of America turning it into a second world country like those in Eastern Europe, but at least the nationalist patriots, conservatives, and traditional Christians will form closer alliances in states like mine.
Interesting times we live in.
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Sunday, January 19, 2020
Book Review: The Catholic Red Pill: a Guide for Men, by James DePrisco
Just read this recently. Going in I was a bit skeptical if it would achieve what it claimed in its Amazon description. A comprehensive guide for men, specifically trads, on how to be a man, and better orient your life to being a husband and father. That is a tall order coming from one Catholic layman. But I already knew the author in question, Mr. James Deprisco, a fellow Okie Trad, as a successful husband, father, and professional, a devoted and orthodox Catholic, and a well read, highly intelligent, and intellectually honest man.
The book is called The Catholic Red Pill: a Guide for Men, available on Amazon for a fair $14.00.
The book is called The Catholic Red Pill: a Guide for Men, available on Amazon for a fair $14.00.
This is a must read, men. If you can't afford it right now, I will lend you my copy; otherwise it's the cost of a meal. Its premise is true: every one of us men reading this right now have been made to a certain degree effeminate by contemporary culture, and need to reclaim our dignity as men, to reclaim authentic masculinity. This is the key to our happiness, the health of our marriages and family life, and vital to the restoration of Christian culture. There is no book on the market that is mapping this out, specifically for the Trad Catholic Male. And if you believe the analysis of many trad priests such as Fr. Ripperger, then this book will ring true for you.
But it does more than that. The thing is a masterpiece, and I only say that because that was my conclusion after I read it with a considerable amount of reserve. It gets down to the hard core problems in modern men, and gives timeless solutions, but in a very structured, practical, and at times humorous way. I literally laughed out loud several times the raw way truths and facts are presented. There were a few sentences and even paragraphs here and there where I did raise an eyebrow, but when I re-read them I found nothing objectively unorthodox, impious, or worldly in what DePrisco wrote.
Truth be told, after a few chapters I felt like I was being run over by a Semi-Truck by the argument made and the facts as laid out, flattened to the ground, the truth of my own certain degree of effeminacy exposed for the raw fact that it is. DePrisco's point is that all men today, young and old, have allowed themselves to be stripped of masculinity, and are somewhat blameworthy for neglectfully allowing our masculinity to decline. But the book is as hope-promoting and empowering as it is pragmatic and realist.
That said, I am not sure the trad or conservative Catholic publishers would touch this. It tactfully uses profanity in places, and some harsh admonitions to man up. It borrows some terminology and concepts from the Alt Right and Manosphere, themselves a very mixed bag as the author discusses. Yet as I've wrote here before, there is still much Truth online coming from those circles, about the decline of Christian, Western civilization due to Marxism, and a cultural crisis among males.
This instead is more of a book to be promoted via the Catholic Blogosphere, Canon212, the Trad Forums, and FB Trad Groups. Perhaps trad priests like Fr. Ripperger or Fr. Relyea could get behind this. In my opinion, they should. There is no other book doing what this book does.
The Catholic Red Pill: a Guide for Men, by James DePrisco. If anything I write on this blog has resonated with you as true, and you are a man, or you are a woman with a husband, boyfriend, or sons, consider making this small investment.
Sunday, December 22, 2019
A Review of Netflix Film “The Two Popes”
One out of five stars. The only plus is the occasionally amusing interaction between the “two Popes.” Otherwise a completely intellectually dishonest inverse portrayal of Bergoglio vs Ratzinger. A bad mark on Hopkins’ legacy. An impetus to cancel your Netflix this Christmas season.
The story begins with Francis humbly trying to book his own plane flight. Flashback scenes unfold of a humble Cardinal Bergoglio doing street ministry in Argentina, saying Mass in the street like a political community gathering. There is the requisite Hollywood comparison of the future Francis to St. Francis of Assisi “rebuilding the Church.” He is then told JPII died and called to the 2005 conclave.
Next, scenes clearly paint Bergoglio as a-political vs. Ratzinger as the mastermind arranging his own election. Again, an inverse of the historic record. The acclaimed book Dictator Pope demonstrates otherwise. At one point Ratzinger tells a priest he knows of Bergoglio as a “major leader for reform,” but Bergoglio keeps acting like he is a passive figure when approached by Cardinals, whereas Ratzinger is moving about politicking with colleagues and even nods in approval at votes cast for him. Bergoglio, on the other hand, sits like a disinterested lamb on the other side of the Sistine Chapel. After Ratzinger is elected, Bergoglio just for a moment shows his true colors -- with an irritated affect he says he plans now to retire since Ratzinger was elected. For him, it was in fact a political defeat for his liberal party (St Gallen Mafia, and the attempt to elect him). At least for a moment, the film is subtly honest if not intentionally so.
It’s now 2012. Bergoglio is called to Castel Gandolfo to talk to Pope Benedict, resignation letter in hand (apparently the dramatized version of Bergoglio took eight years to follow through on his resignation plans). Enter Hopkins’ portrayal of Benedict's personality. For a famous Shakespearean actor, considered by many to be the best living actor, whose past sympathies towards traditional Christian themes you would think would keep him honest enough to portray this historic figure at least somewhat accurately, his portrayal wasn’t even remotely a reflection of Joseph Ratzinger. His German accent, mild Bavarian personality, and cerebral temperament are almost deliberately marginalized. He eats dinner alone, is anti-social, unfriendly, closed off, stiff, hard-hearted, and doctrinaire. None of those are the day-to-day Benedict-Ratzinger. Rather it is Hollywood’s personalizing of traditional Catholic teaching. Hopkins is the willing puppet for their propaganda.
It’s an act of calumny. Every humble, informal gesture of Bergoglio is like pruning his outward wool coat to make him look like an innocent sheep, while Bergoglio makes Ratzinger look in several scenes as himself the wolf in sheep’s clothing. He is reluctant to dress in bishops’ cassock, listen to the pope’s criticisms of his unorthodoxy, or even spend the evening with him listening to music. He is impatient and proud, above correction, unapologetic, and there for one aim, to get Benedict to accept his letter of resignation. The aim is obvious: make the audience think Bergoglio is the good hero and Benedict the backward tyrant.
And here is where the film turns from inaccuracy to unbridled propaganda. Benedict reveals to him his plan to resign the papacy, to not accept Bergoglio’s resignation, having had a “change of heart” saying “maybe the Church needs right now a Bergoglio.” The implication is Benedict learned that his doctrinal stance was based, as he suggests, on spiritual pride. Here is where the two start to “dialogue” with each other over pizza and jokes. In the closing scene, the future “two Popes” are enjoying an evening at the Pope Emeritus’ residence watching soccer.
Conclusion, the film is a flop. Most intelligent, informed viewers know the Obama’s and liberal political powers control Netflix. And that they have turned Netflix into a smut-filled, liberal party propaganda tool. And the next time Hopkins visits the drama class at conservative Thomas Aquinas College, it would be good for students to ask him “Sir Anthony, like, hello, what were you thinking?”
The story begins with Francis humbly trying to book his own plane flight. Flashback scenes unfold of a humble Cardinal Bergoglio doing street ministry in Argentina, saying Mass in the street like a political community gathering. There is the requisite Hollywood comparison of the future Francis to St. Francis of Assisi “rebuilding the Church.” He is then told JPII died and called to the 2005 conclave.
Next, scenes clearly paint Bergoglio as a-political vs. Ratzinger as the mastermind arranging his own election. Again, an inverse of the historic record. The acclaimed book Dictator Pope demonstrates otherwise. At one point Ratzinger tells a priest he knows of Bergoglio as a “major leader for reform,” but Bergoglio keeps acting like he is a passive figure when approached by Cardinals, whereas Ratzinger is moving about politicking with colleagues and even nods in approval at votes cast for him. Bergoglio, on the other hand, sits like a disinterested lamb on the other side of the Sistine Chapel. After Ratzinger is elected, Bergoglio just for a moment shows his true colors -- with an irritated affect he says he plans now to retire since Ratzinger was elected. For him, it was in fact a political defeat for his liberal party (St Gallen Mafia, and the attempt to elect him). At least for a moment, the film is subtly honest if not intentionally so.
It’s now 2012. Bergoglio is called to Castel Gandolfo to talk to Pope Benedict, resignation letter in hand (apparently the dramatized version of Bergoglio took eight years to follow through on his resignation plans). Enter Hopkins’ portrayal of Benedict's personality. For a famous Shakespearean actor, considered by many to be the best living actor, whose past sympathies towards traditional Christian themes you would think would keep him honest enough to portray this historic figure at least somewhat accurately, his portrayal wasn’t even remotely a reflection of Joseph Ratzinger. His German accent, mild Bavarian personality, and cerebral temperament are almost deliberately marginalized. He eats dinner alone, is anti-social, unfriendly, closed off, stiff, hard-hearted, and doctrinaire. None of those are the day-to-day Benedict-Ratzinger. Rather it is Hollywood’s personalizing of traditional Catholic teaching. Hopkins is the willing puppet for their propaganda.
It’s an act of calumny. Every humble, informal gesture of Bergoglio is like pruning his outward wool coat to make him look like an innocent sheep, while Bergoglio makes Ratzinger look in several scenes as himself the wolf in sheep’s clothing. He is reluctant to dress in bishops’ cassock, listen to the pope’s criticisms of his unorthodoxy, or even spend the evening with him listening to music. He is impatient and proud, above correction, unapologetic, and there for one aim, to get Benedict to accept his letter of resignation. The aim is obvious: make the audience think Bergoglio is the good hero and Benedict the backward tyrant.
And here is where the film turns from inaccuracy to unbridled propaganda. Benedict reveals to him his plan to resign the papacy, to not accept Bergoglio’s resignation, having had a “change of heart” saying “maybe the Church needs right now a Bergoglio.” The implication is Benedict learned that his doctrinal stance was based, as he suggests, on spiritual pride. Here is where the two start to “dialogue” with each other over pizza and jokes. In the closing scene, the future “two Popes” are enjoying an evening at the Pope Emeritus’ residence watching soccer.
Conclusion, the film is a flop. Most intelligent, informed viewers know the Obama’s and liberal political powers control Netflix. And that they have turned Netflix into a smut-filled, liberal party propaganda tool. And the next time Hopkins visits the drama class at conservative Thomas Aquinas College, it would be good for students to ask him “Sir Anthony, like, hello, what were you thinking?”
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Laramie Hirsch Releases New Book. In Time for Christmas.
Local traditional Catholic blogger, another "Okie Traditionalist," one Laramie Hirsch, who you know from his blog Forge and Anvil, just released his first ever paperback book. He disclosed on his blog he writes under the pseudonym used for that book. You can buy it on Amazon. If you buy it this weekend, Santa may deliver it to your doorstep by Christmas Eve.
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Vestment Fundraiser for Latin Mass Priest. 'Tis the Season for Giving!
This being the Season of Advent, and since Advent is a penitential season, and since Almsgiving to the Church is the highest form of penance, and since the greatest items the Church needs is for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, what better way during this Season of Giving than to donate to a Traditional Catholic Priest for violet vestments for celebrating of the Traditional Latin Mass!
What is so enjoyable about donating to this, is that your name will be embroidered on the inside of the chasuble to be worn at Mass, where the Priest will pray for you for years to come! Follow the campaign's updates including photos.
Please SHARE!
What is so enjoyable about donating to this, is that your name will be embroidered on the inside of the chasuble to be worn at Mass, where the Priest will pray for you for years to come! Follow the campaign's updates including photos.
Please SHARE!
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
Saturday, November 16, 2019
My Half Day Trip to Clear Creek
For me, knowing I had an hour plus drive from Tulsa to make it to the monastery’s Office of Lauds at the wee 6:15 am, I wasn’t exactly inclined to rest easy and fall asleep early, though I tried. How these monks arise daily at what 5 am to pray for over three hours before even having their breakfast, God knows.
My day pack was packed, and my dauchshund Peanut snuggled under her blanket in the front seat. Had to first hit QuickTrip for Diet Coke, my go-to source of caffeine.
An hour and fifteen minutes later I arrived in the monastery parking lot, it still pitch black outside. Peanut was restless, but I kept the car and heater running, and after a spell she stopped barking while I attended Lauds and Low Mass, the latter being a most edifying spiritual experience in the monastic crypt.
Will have to figure out how to upload videos better from my phone.
My day pack was packed, and my dauchshund Peanut snuggled under her blanket in the front seat. Had to first hit QuickTrip for Diet Coke, my go-to source of caffeine.
An hour and fifteen minutes later I arrived in the monastery parking lot, it still pitch black outside. Peanut was restless, but I kept the car and heater running, and after a spell she stopped barking while I attended Lauds and Low Mass, the latter being a most edifying spiritual experience in the monastic crypt.
Entering the upper church for Lauds
Though I will say the challenge during Low Mass, with a church of side altars with priests simultaneously offering the Mass in silence, with a large figure like mine, is to stand, sit, and kneel without making much of a peep.
Back to the car, Peanut was electrified to see me. Her reward for waiting was a section of a Slim Jim.
And then off to our outdoor retreat we went. Drove past the orchard, farm, and through three gates to finally arrive at Eagle’s Bluff overlooking the clear and majestic Clear Creek. Grabbed my gear, and let Peanut run wild, with no human being at least within a quarter mile of the monastery. Bald Eagles soared overhead. The Fall colors and hilly landscape was serene.
Had to climb across a fence and down a steep ravine, everything in hand, but was myself rewarded this beautiful setting. Set up my chair, a space on plastic with my gear, and my fly rod. Lit up my backpacking stove using charcoal, and started breakfast while Peanut experienced unbridled freedom.
I was thankful that morning I was able to receive Our Lord truly present in Holy Communion, and for this bit of retreat of my own in nature.
Here are some pics, which unfortunately won't open up as videos.Will have to figure out how to upload videos better from my phone.
Made an egg scramble on my backpacking stove. Peanut had her share.
Didn't catch any fish, but had a restful morning get-away from the city, thanks to the hospitality of the Clear Creek monks.
Friday, November 15, 2019
Going to Clear Creek Tomorrow
Yep, as in CC monastery. Just a half day of prayer and fly-fishing. Leaving very early at 5:30.
Will post pics here, maybe even some videos.
Low Mass, then cook breakfast on the creek bank, wait ‘til there’s enough sunlight hitting the water, and then fish for bass and perch. Pay a visit to the Blessed Sacrament on my way out, buy some excellent monk cheese. Back by early afternoon. God willing.
Anyway, Bishop Gracida wrote me back, cannot do the interview due to not having time, related he says to his age. Which is 96! The Pachamama tossing guy Alexander the Courageous replied again still open to an interview, hopefully he has time to answer the further questions I emailed him I anticipate others are asking. Did listen to part of a talk by him last night live from Virginia, USA, c/o LifeSiteNews. He’s definitely a great catalyst in this current phase of the counter-revolution.
Wishing you all a good Fall weakend, Okie Trads and Beyond!
Will post pics here, maybe even some videos.
Low Mass, then cook breakfast on the creek bank, wait ‘til there’s enough sunlight hitting the water, and then fish for bass and perch. Pay a visit to the Blessed Sacrament on my way out, buy some excellent monk cheese. Back by early afternoon. God willing.
Anyway, Bishop Gracida wrote me back, cannot do the interview due to not having time, related he says to his age. Which is 96! The Pachamama tossing guy Alexander the Courageous replied again still open to an interview, hopefully he has time to answer the further questions I emailed him I anticipate others are asking. Did listen to part of a talk by him last night live from Virginia, USA, c/o LifeSiteNews. He’s definitely a great catalyst in this current phase of the counter-revolution.
Wishing you all a good Fall weakend, Okie Trads and Beyond!
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