Modernism vs. Traditionalism — What's the Difference?

Modernism is both a philosophical movement and an art movement that arose from broad transformations in Western society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The movement reflected a desire for the creation of new forms of art, philosophy, and social organization which reflected the newly emerging industrial world, including features such as urbanization, new technologies, and war.

Adherence to tradition, especially in cultural or religious practice.

Modern thought, character, or practice.

A system holding that all knowledge is derived from original divine revelation and is transmitted by tradition.

Sympathy with or conformity to modern ideas, practices, or standards.

The adherence to traditional views or practices, especially with regard to cultural or religious matters.

A peculiarity of usage or style, as of a word or phrase, that is characteristic of modern times.

The continuation of theological rituals on the basis that the ritual has always completed, rather than the ritual being a manifestation of theology.

Often Modernism The deliberate departure from tradition and the use of innovative forms of expression that distinguish many styles in the arts and literature of the 1900s.

A philosophical system which makes tradition the supreme criterion and rule of certitude; the doctrine that human reason is of itself radically unable to know with certainty any truth or, at least, the fundamental truths of the metaphysical, moral, and religious order.

Often Modernism A Roman Catholic movement, officially condemned in 1907, that attempted to examine traditional belief according to contemporary philosophy, criticism, and historiography.

A system of faith founded on tradition; esp., the doctrine that all religious faith is to be based solely upon what is delivered from competent authority, exclusive of rational processes.

(uncountable) Modern or contemporary ideas, thought, practices, etc.

Strict adherence to traditional methods or teachings

(countable) Anything that is characteristic of modernity.

Adherence to tradition (especially in cultural or religious matters)

Any of several styles of art, architecture, literature, philosophy, etc., that flourished in the 20th century.

The doctrine that all knowledge was originally derived by divine revelation and that it is transmitted by traditions

A religious movement in the early 20th century, condemned as heretical by Pope Pius X, which tried to reconcile Roman Catholic dogma with modern science and philosophy.

Modern practice; a thing of recent date; esp., a modern usage or mode of expression.

Certain methods and tendencies which, in Biblical questions, apologetics, and the theory of dogma, in the endeavor to reconcile the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church with the conclusions of modern science, replace the authority of the church by purely subjective criteria; - so called officially by Pope Pius X.

Genre of art and literature that makes a self-conscious break with previous genres

The quality of being current or of the present;

Practices typical of contemporary life or thought