num_pages: 416
description: The 1st serious journalistic investigation of the secretive, controversial organization Opus Dei provides insight about the rumors surrounding it &amp; discloses its significant influence in the Vatican &amp; on the politics of the Catholic Church. Opus Dei ('work of God') is an international association of Catholics often labeled as conservative who seek personal perfection &amp; strive to implement Christian ideals in their jobs &amp; in society as a whole. Founded in Spain in 1928, it now has 84,000 members (incl. 1600 priests) in 80 countries. But far from running parish bingo nights, Opus Dei has become a center of controversy &amp; suspicion both in &amp; outside the Church. It's been accused of promoting a right-wing political agenda &amp; of cultlike practices, aggressive recruiting, brainwashing new recruits &amp; isolating members from families. Its notoriety escalated with the publication of The Da Vinci Code (it plays a sinister role) &amp; with the previous pope's much-debated canonization of its founder (often linked with Francisco Franco's facist regime) &amp; the discovery that convicted FBI spy Robert Hanson was a member. With the eye of a longtime trusted observer of the Vatican &amp; the skill of an investigative reporter intent on uncovering closely guarded secrets, Allen separates myths from facts. Granted unlimited access to the prelate who heads the organization &amp; to Opus Dei centers throughout the world, he draws on interviews with current members, as well as with critical ex-members, to create a portrait of its activities, practices &amp; intentions. Allen reveals the power Opus Dei commands in shaping Vatican policy &amp; presents a detailed look at the full extent of its network, which includes people in key positions in politics, banking, academia &amp; other influential arenas. He even describes the arcane rituals--including self-flagellation--performed to preserve &amp; promote a spiritual tradition unsettling to modern sensibilities. For years, Opus Dei has been the subject of conspiracy theories &amp; uninformed speculation. Opus Dei sets the record straight.
language: English
title: Opus Dei: An Objective Look Behind the Myths and Reality of the Most Controversial Force in the Catholic Church
titlecomplete: Opus Dei: An Objective Look Behind the Myths and Reality of the Most Controversial Force in the Catholic Church
genres: Catholic, Religion, Politics, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Theology, History, Christianity
ratings_count: 334
publisher: Doubleday/Random House (NY)