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(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.

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.