Opus Dei, the Da Vinci Code and ODAN (Opus Dei Awareness Network)

http://www.odan.org/davinci.htm ^

[fishtank]

Opus Dei, the Da Vinci Code and ODAN

For those of us who have witnessed firsthand Opus Dei’s deceptive and manipulative practices, it has not been easy watching Opus Dei stage a large public relations campaign in order to dispel the image the book ‘The DaVinci Code” has projected about them. It is equally hard to watch Opus Dei not be honest about their questionable practices. An inaccurate explanation of what exists within Opus Dei is being projected through their public statements and media appearances. The timing of their response to the movie appears highly choreographed and feels more like a high powered Madison Avenue public relations firm is behind all the activity, rather than a “disorganized organization” as Opus Dei has recently portrayed itself.

Recently, high ranking Opus Dei men (no women!) convened in Rome in order to draft a campaign they call “Operation Lemonade,”[1] a light-hearted name that masks the controlled environment that exists within the group. The name does not lend itself to the reality of what Opus Dei truly practices - deceptive recruitment and manipulative control of its membership. “Operation Lemonade” produced three goals: 1. Turn publicity into an opportunity to proselytize; 2. Ally itself with other Catholics (essentially, hide behind the Church); 3. Maintain a non-aggressive tone.[2] In recent weeks, Opus Dei has tried to equate criticism of its organization with criticism of the Catholic Church. An example of how Opus Dei piggybacks itself with the Catholic Church is demonstrated in the statement “According to Brian Finnerty, U.S. Media Relations Director for the Catholic group Opus Dei, the novel [The Da Vinci Code] is a completely inaccurate portrayal of the Catholic Church.”[3] Does that include Opus Dei? To the casual observer Opus Dei could be taken as the Catholic Church.

ODAN does not agree with The DaVinci Code’s depiction of Christianity and does not question the divinity of Christ. However, where the Da Vinci Code is accurate is in its depiction of the blind obedience of the fictional Opus Dei character, Silas the albino monk. His behavior demonstrates the absolute control and obedience that exists in Opus Dei today. Former members have contacted ODAN with stories of pressure exerted by Opus Dei and a culture that demands obedience in every situation. Former members testify that they have been forced by Opus Dei directors to hand over their salaries, abandon past friendships, ignore dubious financial irregularities, turn over their mail to be read (without the senders’ knowledge), aggressively recruit, prepare monthly statistical reports about potential members, and even not attend siblings’ weddings. If they did not go along with what Opus Dei requested of them, in some cases dishonest acts,[4] they were told they risked eternal damnation and some were eventually asked to leave. Members who question Opus Dei practices are reprimanded and often led to the following quote from Opus Dei’s Founder, “If one of my children abandons the fight, or leaves the war, or turns his back, let him know that he betrays us all, Jesus Christ, the Church, his brothers and sisters in the Work…it would be treason to consent to the tiniest act of unfaithfulness…in these moments.” (Cronica, ii, 1972)[5]

A recently posted website, Jesus DeCoded,[6] explains among other things, the inaccuracies in The DaVinci Code regarding Christianity and the divinity of Christ. There is also a section “The Real Opus Dei”[7] by Peter Bancroft, the communications Director for Opus Dei in the United States. He gives his organization’s official description of itself. People who have been deceived, manipulated and hurt by Opus Dei would not agree with his assessment. He uses the opportunity to elevate Opus Dei as a benign organization. Because many uninformed people in regard to Opus Dei will be looking at this website, this Opus Dei spokesperson errs by projecting an image of Opus Dei that is only partially true.

Another source for information about The Da Vinci Code is “The Real History Behind The Da Vinci Code” by medieval scholar and historian Sharan Newman. Written in encyclopedic form alphabetically, there is a section on Opus Dei and ODAN. She reveals historical truths and myths in her book[8]

In the previews of the Da Vinci Code movie, the use of corporal mortification, specifically the discipline[9] (whip) and the cilice[10] (spiked chain) are depicted as violent, bloody acts. The sound magnifies their impact. This is a sensationalistic image and Opus Dei members mostly do not bring this practice to such heights, nor does the average Opus Dei member’s life resemble Silas’. This horrible depiction has given Opus Dei the opportunity to focus on the extremes of the movie and mask the real problems within Opus Dei.

A supernumerary member of Opus Dei recently appeared on a TV program and was asked to give her explanation of the use of corporal mortification within Opus Dei. When asked to comment about the use of the discipline, she said “a few people in Opus Dei just mildly slap it on their back while reciting prayers.”[11] Opus Dei numeraries do not “slap” their backs with the discipline, they hit their buttocks, and describing it as a slap is an attempt to soften the intensity of using it. Continuing she says “only a few people in Opus Dei use corporal mortification”[12]. Not one former numerary member has told ODAN in its 14 years of existence that they were not compelled to use the cilice and discipline. As a supernumerary member of Opus Dei, she does not have accurate information about what a numerary member’s life consists of. That Opus Dei nearly always puts forth supernumerary members for media interviews is in itself a deception. It is yet another example of Opus Dei secrecy and the ways it keeps the general public and even a portion of its members uninformed to what the other part is doing.

On March 22, 2006 Opus Dei launched a revamped web site in 22 languages[13]. On April 16, 2006 it issued a statement through most of their websites requesting a disclaimer on the upcoming film.[14] In an April 6, 2006 letter to Sony Corporation, Opus Dei wrote “Any such decision by Sony would be a gesture of respect toward the figure of Jesus, to the history of the Church and to the religious beliefs of viewers”.[15] The timing has allowed Opus Dei to be the driving force on media coverage prior to the film’s release and mixes criticism of Opus Dei with the Catholic Church. For the general public not familiar with Opus Dei, it would seem that individuals who criticize Opus Dei would also be criticizing the Catholic Church, which is simply not true. In almost fifteen years in existence, ODAN has never seen any significant sign that Opus Dei is open to honest criticism or willing to change harmful practices. In fact, the Founder himself wrote the following, “…as Jesus received his doctrine from the Father, so my doctrine is not mine, but comes from God and so not a jot or tittle shall ever be changed.”[16] The DaVinci Code did not cause Opus Dei’s bad reputation, they earned it themselves a long time ago.

To further demonstrate the depth and scope of criticism of Opus Dei, ODAN has received two separate letters from anonymous parents whose children attend several different Opus Dei schools. Both letters talk about manipulation and Opus Dei’s deceitful tactics: Letter 1[17] and Letter 2[18] They speak of not being able to question anything in Opus Dei without fear of repercussion. The aggressive recruitment that exists in Opus Dei is known far and wide by people who have been hurt by them, but especially at Opus Dei affiliated schools. Some schools do not even admit their ties with Opus Dei.

Joining in the criticism of Opus Dei are two other web sites, the Spanish Opus Libros [19] site located in Spain and the Portuguese Opuslivre[20] located in Brazil. The two websites were created separately from each other and ODAN and provide a critical view of Opus Dei. They provide a much needed connection about Opus Dei’s activity in other parts of the world. They are our sister websites and we welcome their existence. It clearly negates the statement on the part of Opus Dei that there are only a few critics.

Another example of Opus Dei’s dual reality is the case of Dennis Dubro, a former numerary member who has spoken out about Opus Dei’s controlling ways and dishonest practices. In his financial role at an Opus Dei dormitory in Sydney, Australia, Dubro recalls “The accounts were in complete chaos. We didn’t know how much was in the bank. There was money missing. Some account balances were off by hundreds of percents.”[21] (A spokesman for Opus Dei says he is not familiar with the details of this case but that “nobody was trying to cheat anyone.”)[22] How can the Opus Dei spokesperson know that nobody was trying to cheat anyone when he did not know the details of the case? Is it because Opus Dei makes blanket statements about their activity and will not admit wrongdoing? If anything, this statement by an Opus Dei spokesperson reveals Opus Dei’s true unhealthy nature and its inability to be truthful and honest about itself.

In John Allen’s book about Opus Dei, he states “think of it (Opus Dei) as the Guinness Extra Stout of the Catholic Church. It’s a strong brew, definitely an acquired taste, and clearly not for everyone.”[23] Yes, Opus Dei may seem to be a Stout Beer, but think of this possibility; it has purposely changed the label on its drink to something else, all the while keeping its true contents secret.

Jesus did not lie nor was He secretive about His ministry while He walked on earth. In John 18:20, Jesus answers His critics “I have spoken openly to the world…I have said nothing in secret.” His ministry was out in the open for all to see. When can we say the same about Opus Dei?

Opus Dei Awareness Network, Inc. May 10, 2006

[fishtank]

Just FYI that a Christian can oppose the "DaVinci Code" movie and Opus Dei as well....

[Unam Sanctam]

And so does ODAN think that Opus Dei has secret assassins? That what it seems to imply here since it does not deny that aspect of the Da Vinci Code. If so, this is a pretty slimy smear if not slander.

[fishtank]

I'd suggest that you read the ODAN site for what they have uncovered about O.D.

When I get time, I'll do the same thing. I've heard lots of bad stuff about O.D., but I will be using the ODAN site as a reference to become more familiar with the group.

Disclaimer: I've had no direct contact with OD.

[fishtank]

http://www.odan.org/tw_seventeen_years.htm

[fishtank]

I just started reading that testimony at that URL.

It's lengthy, sO I'll be finishing it later.

[Nihil Obstat]

"Disclaimer: I've had no direct contact with OD."

Well, I have. And if they let me go to their Bible studies and talks then anyone can go. Nobody pressured me to join or even to come back to the next talk. They aren't secretive. I would say reserved, and a little boring maybe, but not secretive.

You can read all about them on their web-site - http://www.opusdei.org/ Sceptre Press offers their publications to anyone who wants them - http://www.scepterpublishers.org/ so they can't be that secretive.

Opus Dei is not for everyone, they will be the first to tell you that. People drop out, which they are free to do. The ones that drop out and complain about it tend to be drama queens, like the young woman who is on PMSNBC whenever they do a story about Opus Dei. Btw, the people of Opus Dei pray for her all the time, that she finds peace. I think she is the one that runs ODAN.

What is the worst allegation in this article? That the bookkeeping was sloppy in Australia. So what. In another part of the article it is talking about how terrible it is in Opus Dei and that of those who complained "...some were eventually asked to leave." Well, if it's so terrible wouldn't they want to leave anyway?

I understand you aren't Catholic so you probably don't know the lives of the Saints http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/patron02.htm or the spirituality of religious orders in the old days. Opus Dei is just a modern version of that life.

But I can say a couple bad things about Opus Dei. They actually DON'T have assassin monks. (That was a let-down.) And some of them are lousy bowlers. I saw that with my own eyes.

[marshmallow]

All this verbal diarrhea about Opus Dei has convinced me of one thing: Satan truly hates and fears this organization.

I'm not a member and have never really followed its apostolate too closely but recent events have convinced me that it truly is a "work of God". The current hullabaloo has motivated me like nothing else to discover more about Opus Dei, to read the life of it's founder and to attempt to live its message.

I may soon become a member and I suspect that there will be many more like me.

[Dumb_Ox]

It's likely there are hamfisted or corrupt sections within OD, considering its size. The few members I know don't seem odd, and the rot doesn't seem to be systematic, unlike some religious orders. Here's one member's blog

[Full Court]

And if they let me go to their Bible studies and talks then anyone can go.

Did you notive any of them wearing their fish hook leg irons?

[Zero Sum]

As long as they're into conspiracy theories, I guess I should point out that by changing one letter in their acronym, you get "Onan"...

[Nihil Obstat]

LOL no! The ones I talked to thought taking their coffee black without cream and sugar was a corporal mortification.

[Full Court]

I may soon become a member

Cool. Be sure and give us a report on the self torture they practice.

"Opus Dei possesses many of the characteristics of a dangerous sect. Members - there are basically two sorts: celibate and noncelibate - are subject to a secret initiation rite. Obedience is sworn to the prelate-general and 'other authorised persons of the prelature'. Once inducted, they must submit to what is known as the 'formative norms' - a manner of mind conditioning. These include reporting weekly to a 'director' who has a right of regard over all their activities, personal and professional.

Confessing once a week to an Opus Dei priest is mandatory. Oblates must regularly wear a cilis - a spiked thigh chain used by religious communities in the Middle Ages - and practice self-flagellation. Married members are encouraged to send their children to Opus Dei schools. The schools serve as recruitment centres."

[Full Court]

The ones I talked to thought taking their coffee black without cream and sugar was a corporal mortification.

yeah, that's probably what they tell all the newbies......

[Nihil Obstat]

Members - are subject to a secret initiation rite. Obedience is sworn to the prelate-general and 'other authorised persons of the prelature'. Once inducted, they must submit to what is known as the 'formative norms' - a manner of mind conditioning. These include reporting weekly to a 'director' who has a right of regard over all their activities, personal and professional.

Sounds like joining the Marines. If a young man joins the Marines they will tell him when to sleep, when to get up, what to read, what to eat, etc. They will drill him to develop him mind and body for warfare. Why, because warfare is serious; you don't screw around.

What about spiritual warfare then? If a man joins Opus Dei, then Opus Dei is going to develop him mind, body, and soul for spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare is even more serious.

Like Marshmallow said in his post - All this verbal diarrhea about Opus Dei has convinced me of one thing: Satan truly hates and fears this organization.

If someody joins OD they better be ready for spiritual warfare. The difference with the marines is you can leave OD at any time.

Also, your source is wrong, they don't have to go to confession once a week. And I think only the numeraries have to do the corporal mortification. They are the higher-ups, and there aren't that many of them.

[Full Court]

Never confuse truth with verbal diarrhea.

[bornacatholic]

Jesus did not lie nor was He secretive about His ministry while He walked on earth. In John 18:20, Jesus answers His critics “I have spoken openly to the world…I have said nothing in secret.” His ministry was out in the open for all to see.

Mark 4... And without parable he did not speak unto them; but apart, he explained all things to his disciples.

*It's interesting that those of us who have had pesonal experiences with Opus Dei report nothing but a positive response. We witnesss to the fact their meetings are open and advertised and welcoming.

But, that good news is sloughed-off or ignored because it doesn't fit with the bigoted template about the Catholic Church so many have allowed to form in their intellects

Apparently, the cilice is a scandal to the modern age. However, there is a LONG Christian tradition of such things. Many famous Christian Saints have worn hair shirts and the Bible describes folks putting on sack cloth...

Matt Woe to thee, Corozain, woe to thee, Bethsaida: for if in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the miracles that have been wrought in you, they had long ago done penance in sackcloth and ashes.

*Jesus isn't castingating them for adopting that penetential practice.

The Prophet Joel commands the priests to do the same..

Gird yourselves, and lament, O ye priests, howl, ye ministers of the altars: go in, lie in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God: because sacrifice and libation is cut off from the house of your God. 14 Sanctify ye a fast, call an assembly; gather together the ancients, all the inhabitants of the land into the house of your God: and cry ye to the Lord: 15 Ah, ah, ah, for the day: because the day of the Lord is at hand, and it shall come like destruction from the mighty

* Sackcloth was made of coarse, black goat's hair. Penetential folks used to wear that AND roll in ashes.

Matt quotes Jesus...And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent bear it away. ( "Suffereth violence"... It is not to be obtained but by main force, by using violence upon ourselves, by mortification and penance, and resisting our perverse inclinations.)

But I say to you, that whosoever shall look on a woman to lust after her, hath already committed adultery with her in his heart. And if thy right eye scandalize thee, pluck it out and cast it from thee. For it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell. And if thy right hand scandalize thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is expedient for thee that one of thy members should perish, rather than that thy whole body be cast into hell.

*Now, the cilice is not mandatory but it does have solid roots in Scripture, Tradition and it is not contrary to Christian Orthopraxis

As for the ODAN folks. It is nice they found a group they like. Apparently Opus Dei was too demanding for them due to its focus on bringing Christ into the world and practicing penetential humiltiy. It must be nice for them to have found a group in which criticising other Christians is the focus. It seems a perfect fit for them.

[siunevada]

Members - are subject to a secret initiation rite.

Yet another "secret" organization that can't keep its "secrets" secret.

There's just not enough enforcers available to keep all the blabbermouths quiet.

[Full Court]

Sack cloth is far different than wearing a thigh bracelet of fish hooks.

[bornacatholic]

Whatever you say, Sir. Your personal opinion is authoritative despite the orthopraxic information other Christias post.

St. Robert Dylan reinterpreted for this thread...

Come Full Court and Fishtank

Heed my demand

Please don't criticize

What you can't understand

We Orthodox Catholics

Are beyond your command

Your attacks

They are Rapidly agin'

Please consider just piping-down

If you can't lend a hand

For these attack threads have got to start changing

[Full Court]

Please don't make any post to me that accuse me of "attacking" when I simply said that "sack cloth is far different than Fish hooks."