Follow up to Scott Hahn's Statement About Traditionalists

Remember the You Tube video clip where Scott Hahn calls traditionalists "servile, legalistic and anti-spiritual?" After this video clip was posted at Catholic Answers Forums, several people, including myself, wrote to Scott Hahn asking him to explain what he meant when he made that comment. To date, I have not received a response, but Robert has, and he has both received their permission and allowed me to publicly post the following email. Comments are welcome.

Dear Robert,

I am [name removed], a research assistant to Dr. Hahn. Due to the large number of emails he receives he has asked me to respond to some of them.

Thank you for your question! Regarding traditionalists and the edited YouTube clip, Dr. Hahn is actually trying to convince charismatics that, if they have really experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, they should focus more of their energy and attention on appropriating contemplation, liturgy, chant, prayer, and fasting. He is saying that these things are fundamental for all Catholics, not just those who want to call themselves traditionalists. He insists that these essential elements of a Catholic spiritual life retain all of their value despite some people who resort to them in a servile rather than a filial way, as though we were merely God's servants and not also His children. I myself have met apparently loveless traditionalists whose appreciation of and participation in the rich treasures of our devotional patrimony looks a lot like "going through the motions." Now imagine what charismatics (who typically face the opposite problem of being hooked on the feelings of enthusiastic religious experience) would first think when he tells them to turn their attention to liturgy, chant, contemplation, etc. He was anticipating their objection and answering it. I hope you find this helpful, may God richly bless you and yours!

Blessings,
[name removed]
St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology
www.salvationhistory.com
www.scotthahn.com

Servile, Legalistic and Anti-Spiritual

Did Scott Hahn mean it when he called traditional Catholics "servile" and said they have an anti-spiritual, legalistic attitude towards prayer, fasting and chant? You decide.