Opus Dei : an objective look behind the myths and reality of the most controversial force in the Catholic Church
The first serious journalistic investigation of the highly secretive, controversial organization Opus Dei provides unique insight about the wild rumors surrounding it and discloses its significant influence in the Vatican and on the politics of the Catholic Church. Opus Dei (literally "the work of God") is an international association of Catholics often labeled as conservative who seek personal Christian perfection and strive to implement Christian ideals in their jobs and in society as a whole. It has been accused of promoting a right-wing political agenda and of cultlike practices. Its notoriety escalated with the publication of the runaway bestseller The Da Vinci Code (Opus Dei plays an important and sinister role in the novel). With the expert eye of a longtime observer of the Vatican and the skill of an investigative reporter intent on uncovering closely guarded secrets, John Allen finally separates the myths from the facts.--From publisher description
403 pages ; 25 cm
9780385514491, 9780385514507, 0385514492, 0385514506
58431864
Essentials
A quick overview of Opus Dei
Escrivʹa
Opus Dei from the inside
Sanctification of work
Contemplatives in the middle of the world
Christian freedom
Divine filiation
Question marks about Opus Dei
Secrecy
Mortification
Women
Money
Opus Dei in the church
Opus Dei and politics
Blind obedience
Recruiting
Summary evaluation
The future of Opus Dei
Includes index