We see change everywhere. In the biological realm, the earth is changing and growing. In the social realm as in the political, ideas are constantly changing and developing. Science develops in a linear manner, never seeing the whole picture at any one given time but grows and transforms continually so as to better explain what can be observed. Technology too advances at breathtaking speed, in some arguments at dangerous speed. In no other time has there been a more accurate application of the saying “The only thing certain is change”.
Among all this change there is no small group of people who describe themselves as Traditionalists. This may be a strange thing to “identify” as since we readily observe the apparent futility in attempting to remain stationary within time, be it with morals and philosophy or local customs. Nevertheless, there are a large group who hold on to Traditions in one way or another, in all spheres of life. It begs the question: Is Tradition actually important? Or are these people holding on to ideals or actions of a bygone age?
Beginning in late Fall of this year, October or November (just in time for the preparation of traditional or non-traditional Christmas celebrations), this question will be answered for those who wish to join me in a roundtable discussion centered around the book by Josef Pieper: Tradition, Concept and Claim. Through a series of 6 meetings we will discuss the nature of what Tradition is, is it anti-historical, how can one marry the notion of change to tradition, and many more important questions. These discussions will be held in Northeast Ohio, with the option for distanced participants to listen in on the in-person discussion and add to the conversation in some capacity via Zoom.
This free opportunity for people of all Religious and Political backgrounds will hopefully provide us all with the tools to understand and better live out our Faiths, our morals and philosophies, and enter into the discussions which are tumultuous in our own days. If nothing else, it will provide a medium for which we can drink in each other’s companies and have enlightening discussions. I hope to see you there.
Stay tuned for more details over the next few months!
