The False Promises of Traditional Catholicism - Inside Catholicism's Most Radical Sect

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As someone who was once a zealous traditional Catholic—praying daily rosaries, attending Latin Mass, and even discerning monastic life—I've since deconverted and now reflect critically on the movement from personal experience.

This isn’t a theological takedown. It’s a candid, off-the-cuff reflection on what I saw inside the movement, why it appeals to so many (especially young people and converts), and the serious questions it raises about growth, retention, and cultural relevance.

We’ll cover: Why the movement feels powerful but might not be sustainable, the illusion of rapid growth in Latin Mass parishes, why many kids raised traditionally still leave the Church, the tight link between American conservatism and traditional Catholicism, how convert zeal often idealizes tradition without fully understanding it, whether you’re deep in the trad world, newly curious, or trying to make sense of what’s happening in the Church today, I hope this video gives you something to think about.

00:00 Personal Background and Deconversion
00:48 Setting the Stage: Traditional Catholicism
02:26 The Appeal and Growth of the Movement
02:58 Why This Topic Matters
03:36 Personal Journey Through Traditional Catholicism
05:39 Lack of Data and Personal Observations
06:52 Illusion of Traditional Growth
10:18 Retention and Conversion Issues
12:24 Geographical and Political Context
16:27 Convert Dominated Movement
19:23 Mental Health and Traditionalism
21:57 Interpersonal Issues in the Movement
22:43 Surface Level Kindness and Parish Politics
25:21 Cult-like Dynamics and Isolation
26:58 Performative Holiness and Scrupulosity
29:58 Intellectualism and Apologetics
31:59 Misconceptions of Happiness and Fulfillment
39:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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