Altar Against Altar: An Analysis of Catholic Traditionalism
By Andrew Mioni
Paperback: $19.95 | Kindle: $9.99
TESTIMONIALS
“Andrew Mioni addresses the principles of Traditionalism with erudition and eloquence, and without becoming mired in the talking points of the traditionalists which obscure the fundamental issues. The phenomenon of Traditionalism has assumed an influence within wider Catholicism that I could not have foreseen as a priest of the Society of St Pius X 30 years ago. Altar Against Altar: An Analysis of Catholic Traditionalism is a timely and welcome answer to the pernicious movement against the Second Vatican Council. I wish it a wide audience, and trust it will assist those who struggle to accept the Council and the pontificate of Francis.” — Gary Campbell, former SSPX priest and contributor at Where Peter Is
“Mioni’s work is an indispensable guide for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the crisis in the Catholic Church, especially as it pertains to the rise of traditionalism and the challenges posed by the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX). The author navigates through the tumultuous waters of the Church’s recent history with a keen analytical eye—as well as a remarkable breadth and depth of vision—addressing the contentious issues that arose after the Second Vatican Council. Issues caused by misinterpretation, uneven implementation, and subsequent resistance to the Council in some quarters. This is due to a faulty and ahistorical theological paradigm. Mioni’s analysis of these issues is both thorough and empathetic, acknowledging the pain and confusion experienced by many in the Church, while also critiquing the self-enclosed circle mentality that often characterizes traditionalist enclaves—and he does this from a place of experience within these circles himself. In an ecclesial atmosphere where many conservatives hesitate to critique traditionalism due to a “no enemies to the right” policy, Andrew Mioni’s book Altar Against Altar emerges as a bold and constructive contribution. It is essential reading for scholars, clergy, and laypeople who are wrestling with these issues, and offers a way forward that respects the Church’s heritage while also welcoming its future.” — Andrew Likoudis, Editor, Faith in Crisis: Critical Dialogues in Catholic Traditionalism, Church Authority, and Reform; Associate Member, The Society for Catholic Liturgy
“Altar Against Altar is an important new book on the topic of ‘Catholic traditionalism.’ It is new in the sense that it is recent, but it is also new in the sense that it offers a perspective not yet considered, although sorely needed. This perspective entails the bracketing of all canonical specificities (debated ad nauseam and often to no avail), followed by the turning to a historical perspective, common sense, and basic principles of the Catholic faith. Instead of arguing whether this or that conciliar, liturgical, or magisterial text is the root of our woes, it asks us to consider the progressively dire trends of modernity alongside the progressively alarmed warnings of 19th and 20th century popes and theologians. Instead of arguing whether the Church canonically provides supplied jurisdiction to vagus clergy and/or priestly communities, it asks what it would mean if the Church did. Instead of arguing that there cannot be a state of necessity in the Church, it asks what it would mean if there was. Altar Against Altar is an important book because it brings—for the first time—a dose of common sense and a palpably Catholic spirit to an overly fraught question. It is a must-read in the midst of the polemics fueled by Denzinger-thumping armchair theologians taking place in Catholic circles on the internet.” — Dom Dalmasso, Host, The Logos Project; Editor-in-Chief, The Ecclesia Blog; M.A. Student in Dogmatic Theology, Holy Apostles College and Seminary.
“With truth and wisdom and charity, Andrew Mioni ventures into the heart of one of the great problems facing the Church today. His personal experience and detailed analysis of the various points of the traditionalist movement are simply and clearly synthesized in Altar Against Altar. This book is a powerful apologetic tool for those who are in traditionalist spheres, have exited from them and are trying to reorient themselves, or who have friends and relatives still under their sway; at the same time, Altar Against Altar provides a beautiful defense of the Catholic Church and of our need to maintain our trust in Her and remain fully united to Her and Her lawful shepherds. Andrew’s work is also a humble and implicit reminder to all of us of how it is the Church’s mission to save us; it’s not our mission to save the Church. God promises that His Church will not fail (cfr. Mt 16:18) and He will not go back on His promise.” — Fr. Terrance J.M. Chartier, S.T.B., FI (Franciscans of the Immaculate), host at Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center, Bloomington, IN
“Andrew Mioni’s Altar Against Altar is a clear, concise, and confident response to the Traditionalist challenge to the Church. A devastating critique, it reveals that the sources of this ideological movement’s internal rot are, in a strange plot twist, the same sources underlying the errors of liberalism and modernism! Andrew and I both grew up in the movement (although we never met), and from our separate personal studies of the Tradition we both came to understand a stunningly ironic fact: Traditionalism is not Traditional! His copious quotes from the Magisterium of the Church demonstrating this reality are unanswerable and irrefutable. I believe Altar Against Altar is a landmark contribution to this debate, and its value stems not only from the errors it refutes, but even more from the beauty of the Church’s life and truth it reveals by clearing them away.” — Mr. Andrew Bartel, OP; Author, “Why I Left the Society of St. Pius X: An Open Letter to Fr. Gołaski”
“An honest and compelling examination of Traditionalist claims, Altar Against Altar actually is what other books only claim to be: scholarly, easily-digestible, thought-provoking and 100% Catholic. Andrew knows his subject matter from the inside out. He charitably challenges the multiplicity of excuses that dissenting traditionalists use, and simultaneously reminds us of the beauty and wisdom inherent in the Church’s structure as Christ established it. This book will long be an excellent aid for those seeking clarity for their own sake, as well as for productive dialogue with radical traditionalism. I can’t recommend it too highly!” — Laura Vander Vos, Host, Misshappycatholic; creator and co-founder, TradRecovery.com
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrew Mioni grew up in the Latin Mass movement, attending the SSJ, FSSP, SSPX, and ICKSP. He studied creative writing at Kansas State University and currently lives with his family in upstate New York.OTHER CATHOLIC ACADEMIC BOOKS
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