Posted on 05/19/2006 5:51:33 PM PDT by 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
Oh, grow up, all of you. Shame on you for the bitchery that your initially reasoned and thought-out arguements descended into.
I'm sorry, but having a Protestent discourse about an organization he never belonged to, especially when that organization is part of a faith that resembles his own only on the most superficial of levels? You'd be better off asking a child to describe the roof of the Sistine Chapel.
Sure we can! Who was teaching the world about Christianity long before the "Once Saved Always Saved" group came along? Where were the Calvinists before the 16th century? After all, it is they who started that doctrine. That belief didn't EXIST before the 16th century.
Are you God that you can declare yourself in Heaven before you stand in judgement? Are you better than St. Paul who said that he too could be considered a castaway?
This illumination in Scripture proves that one can lose their salvation:
"For if, flying from the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they be again entangled in them and overcome: their latter state is become unto them worse than the former.
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of justice, than after they have known it, to turn back from that holy commandment which was delivered to them.
For, that of the true proverb has happened to them: The dog is returned to his vomit: and, The sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire."
The Roman Catholic church was burning people at the stake for believing it if that is what you mean.
Even Opus Dei admitted to some of the cult-type practices: isolation from friends and family, handing over most of your income, the self torture (pain is good) constant prayers and rituals and intense training (programming) (these are mind control methods used by cults - (Islam being one of the biggest - playing stink bug with your nose to the ground and butt in the air 5 x's a day upon the signal, is to keep the mind in line - along with every aspect of your life controlled and dictated).
Now if Point 1, point 2, point 3 and point 4 are admitted, even from the group...then why would it be hard to wonder if point 5 followed?The segment will be on the History Ch again and on Nat' Geographic. Many Catholics were unaware of the very quietly held sect within the church.
One might also wonder...if the church is the end all of churches, God's emissary on earth...why does it need secret societies also...
They pretend, now that their existence is more exposed, that they are simply a bunch of people, more spiritual than others, that commune together for that reason.
Hmmm. Does one need a secret society for this? Would the church fund (they are worth billions) such a group for such a simple reason, something any 'pious' catholic could practice without the need of a separate, secretive, controlled group?
Or might one have reason to suspicion they perform other functions?
Are you God in Heaven that you can earn your own salvation and spit in the face of the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ?
Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
The price for salvation was paid ONCE. No one can be re-saved unless Christ must DIE AGAIN.
And, if you are of the mind that you can earn your own salvation, then I guess you really can't call yourself a Christian.
Yeah, like fleecing the flock and turning out spies like Robert Hanssen?
(from the Opus Dei web site: "Some of the celibate members of Opus Dei use the cilice. It's a small, light, metal chain with little prongs worn around the thigh. The cilice is uncomfortable--it's supposed to be--"
they said themselves that one doesn't even get to the first inner levels until after 6 years - so if you didn't get into the the upper layers - indeed the very upper layer - you may not have a clue what goes on at that level.
The lower levels in these kinds of secret groups, are more like a baby crawling. The lower levels are for screening and for BEING a smoke screen - (and contributions don't hurt either - OD is worth billions) - only the chosen few would reach and be trusted with the ultimate raison d'etre of their organization.
There are always folk who need to feel wanted and important and to whom a little attention and 'caring' can ensnare them into an unhealthy situation.
The founder of Opus Dei compiled 999 "counsels," for the members to use throughout the day for prayer. When would one have time to study the Bible and Jesus's teachings?
The History program showed some of these Dei's 999 precepts for the organization - sent a chill up my spine. Jim Jones came to mind....
Who ever said that Catholics could earn their own salvation except people like you who don't seem to know what the heck they are talking about when it comes to Catholicism.
Interesting that you didn't answer my question. Guess that you can't, can you?
I will ask it again. Are you God that you can declare yourself in Heaven before you stand before God Almighty? You won't know if you're guaranteed entrance into Heaven until Jesus Christ says to you, "Welcome into my Kingdom, good and faithful servant!"
You think you can pull one line from Hebrews and prove once saved, always saved? Come on.. the author of Hebrews, St. Paul, said EVEN he could become a castaway! Okay, want to use Hebrews as an example to back your claim? I can use one passage from Hebrews that will destroy OSAS. Here it is:
"For it is impossible for those who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost.
Have moreover tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come
And are fallen away: to be renewed again to penance, crucifying again to themselves the Son of God, and making him a mockery." Hebrews 6:46
There are even arguments between Protestant denominations about the validity of OSAS. The Methodists don't believe it. The Pentecostals say it's heresy. The Lutherans don't teach it, neither do the Episcopalians.
An example to see the divisions among you.
So my friend, which denomination is right? Is it the ones that believe in OSAS or is it the ones who don't? If it is the ones who believe in OSAS, are the ones who don't, i.e., the majority of Christiandom, doomed to Hell?
Ah... good sir, you have hoist yourself on your own petard. Indeed, John Calvin had his good friend Michael Servetus killed for not buying into Calvinism. Heck, he had the whole of Geneva under fear of his tyranny! Ever heard of the Calvinist police who pulled people out of their homes and beaten for not living up to his unholy standards?
A little quote from Calvin about Servetus you might find interesting: "Many people have accused me of such ferocious cruelty that(they allege) I would like to kill again the man I have destroyed. Not only am I indifferent to their comments, but I rejoice in the fact that they spit in my face." "Whoever shall now contend that it is unjust to put heretics and blasphemers to death will knowingly and willingly incur their very guilt."
right - I had forgotten about Hanssen.
In a review of the book: Spy : The Inside Story of How the FBI's Robert Hanssen Betrayed America , a reviewer comments:
"Opus Dei's prelature even stepped in to urge Hanssen's wife not to make no statements about her husband since that might delay its founder's elevation to sainthood by John Paul II."
The book is quite an eye opener on some other big DC names who are/were members of Opus Dei
Some are mentioned in this review on AMazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375758941/104-9434451-8857530?v=glance&n=283155
Methinks there could be more than one book exploring the secrets and connections of Opus Dei - some long tentacles into the halls of power in the world
Then how can you lose it?
How do you get Christ back up on the cross every time you need to be re saved?
I am a joint heir with Christ. I come boldly before the throne.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Louie Freeh was Opus Dei.
Also, now that the founder of the Legionaries has been censored by the new Pope, Opus Dei is poised to take it's place.
Sistine Chapel DrawingPrecedent:
Proceed to the Renaissance. Broaden perspective of making art by showing the process can exist even in different positions
Visual Aids: Pictures of Sistine Chapel ceiling, scaffolding.Materials:
• large pieces of paper•
tape•
pencils, No. 2 and colored1.
Tape paper to undersides of tables, desks (preferably on the low side).
2. Have kids draw and color on their backs.
Mural PaintingBackground – Diego Rivera,
Michaelangelo,
memorials
Large pieces of white paper
Tempera paints
Paint brushes
Instructions:
1. Have student decide what the mural is going to be about.
Let them delegate eachother to different jobs for the mural
2. Give them paint and paint brushes.
So they don't use the cilice for 6 years, and then only some of the ones who have made it to the upper layer, "the very upper layer". So no one is forced to use it then. Great. It's a free country, different strokes for different folks I guess.
The lower levels in these kinds of secret groups, are more like a baby crawling. The lower levels are for screening and for BEING a smoke screen - (and contributions don't hurt either - OD is worth billions)
I really doubt they are worth "billions". Did they offer any proof of that? They run a lot of schools, especially trade schools in the third world, so maybe those have some value, but "billions"?, doubt it.
There are always folk who need to feel wanted and important and to whom a little attention and 'caring' can ensnare them into an unhealthy situation.
True. Point being? You said in the first paragraph that they make people wait 6 years before they let them join. And ODAN's website admits people can leave whenever they want. Making people wait 6 years before allowing people to join seems very sober.
The founder of Opus Dei compiled 999 "counsels," for the members to use throughout the day for prayer. When would one have time to study the Bible and Jesus's teachings?
They do. They have to read the Bible every day - at least 15 minutes a day, as well as hearing the readings at daily mass. Also, a lot of the counsels ARE Bible verses. Counsels isn't the right word either. They are meditations.
The History program showed some of these Dei's 999 precepts for the organization - sent a chill up my spine. Jim Jones came to mind....
The History Channel isn't the best source for information on religion. They show some awfully offensive stuff every Easter and Christmas. I wouldn't trust them for this either.
I"ll just bother with one correction - either my writing wasn't clear - or your reading wasn't - I didn't say they didn't use the cilice for 6 years - but now you bring it up , they said - on TV - they they "only use it 2 hours a day, except Sunday."
Golly gee, then, nothing to wonder about
have a good night
I believe I have shown you passages from Scripture that show you can lose it. That one from Hebrews was very strong. There are many others that I could share. Maybe this one from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself might help:
"But he that shall persevere to the end, he shall be saved." St. Matthew 24:13
I believe that passage is obvious to its meaning. You must stay the course despite opposition or difficulty, without constant backsliding, and you must prove yourself worthy to stand before God. Our Lord says so Himself:
"Watch ye, therefore, praying at all times, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that are to come, and to stand before the Son of man." St. Luke 21:36
So God aborts you from the new brth?
Secret oaths are forbidden in Catholicism.
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