Is there a difference among conservative, orthodox, and traditional Catholics?

Is there a difference among conservative, orthodox, and traditional Catholics?

Full Question

Traditional, orthodox, conservative? What's the difference? Is there some formal definition of these as they relate to Catholicism? I am so confused now as to who I am.
 

Answer

The terms have different emphases, but you will find no "formal definition" for them. "Traditional" suggests a preference for older liturgical and devotional styles; a similar word, "Traditionalist," has a somewhat different emphasis and is used to label those intent on restoring the old Latin Mass. One can be "traditional" without being "Traditionalist" in that sense. "Orthodox" means "having the right opinion," and everyone should strive to be that; it's a handy word when used in contradistinction to "heterodox, " which means "having a different opinion (from the official teaching). " "Conservative" is a political term injected into religion, and I recommend against using it if some other word will convey your point.

Final advice: Don't worry about trying to pigeonhole yourself. Learn to be satisfied with just calling yourself "Catholic. "

Answered by: Karl Keating