Opus Dei: An Objective Look Behind the Myths and Reality of the Most Controversial Force in the Catholic Church

by John L. Allen JR

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. Founded in Spain in 1928, it now has 84,000 members (1,600 of whom are priests) in eighty countries. But far from running bingo nights at local parishes, Opus Dei has become a center of controversy and suspicion both within and outside the Church. It has been accused of promoting a right-wing political agenda and of cultlike practices, aggressive recruiting, brainwashing new recruits, and isolating members from their families. 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) and with the previous pope’s much-debated canonization of its founder (often linked with Francisco Franco’s facist regime) and the discovery that convicted FBI spy Robert Hanson was a member of Opus Dei.With the expert eye of a longtime trusted 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 in Opus Dei. Granted unlimited access to the prelate who heads the organization and to Opus Dei centers throughout the world, Allen draws on a wealth of interviews with current members, as well as with highly critical ex-members, to create an unprecedented portrait of the activities, practices, and intentions behind its veil of secrecy. Allen reveals the remarkable power that Opus Dei commands in shaping Vatican policy and presents a detailed look at the full extent of its network, which includes people in key positions in politics, banking, academia, and other influential arenas. He even describes the arcane rituals—including self-flagellation—performed to preserve and promote a spiritual tradition strange and unsettling to modern sensibilities. For years, Opus Dei has been the subject of conspiracy theories and dark, uninformed speculation. Opus Dei sets the record straight.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, History, Catholic, Christianity, Theology, Politics

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

If one is looking for a sensationalist expose of the dark secrets of Opus Dei, this book will come as a great disappointment. If one is looking for a dispassionately constructive representation of that organization, a picture based on extensive interviewing and research by an expert in the field (Allen is a senior editor of 'The National Catholic Reporter'), then this book appears to fit the bill.

Personally, I'd hoped for a bit more dirt, a lot more energy. Instead I was reminded of another Catholic intellectual, Peter Steinfels, and his book, 'The Neoconservatives', which was similarly fair and dispassionate--and dull.

Were I grading either Allen or Steinfels in an academic setting, I'd give both of them the highest scores, five stars in GoodReads' ratings. So far as recommending this book to the general reader, however, I'd be hesitant--thus the three stars above.

Still, if you want to know what Opus Dei is really about, if you or someone you care far are thinking of associating with them, this book provides a superlative overview.

[Christian Engler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code came into print and was then later brought to the big screen by Ron Howard, misconceptions immediately arose around Opus Dei and its beloved founder, Saint Josemaria Escriva. Sometimes deemed a cult with manipulative and unorthodox recruiting tactics, others see the lay Catholic organization as a divinely inspired miracle whose purpose it is is to evangelize a secularized and wounded society and culture, the latter being something closer to the truth. Opus Dei (The Work) is an idea that is not really theologically new, for look at the Shakers and the Shaker religion. It is the practical and the theological that when merged offer an enlightening and refreshing outlet, especially considering the militant atheism and secularism that has unfortunately gotten hold of society at large. Evangelization is not something that the Church created, nor is it something that can be solely done by deacons, priests and nuns. Rather, it takes all types of people in all different areas of economic and professional classes. The idea of converting one's employment into a form of prayer with specific intentions attached is a comforting and powerful step in a positive direction for many people who are trying to lead authentic Christian lives. By offering one's work to God and the Church, the jobs at hand are often spiritualized and are thus accomplished with an extraordinary caliber of efficiency, competence, respect and love. Without prayer that is not necessarily the case. No nook or cranny is overlooked in one's job or career; no small detail is dismissed, because to falter through indifference or just laziness would be fully contrary to the utilization of what God imbued into that human soul. Souls should be the best because they have the best in them, most notably Jesus Christ truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

Opus Dei has also been mired in controversy, and it has also had many detractors, most notably being those affiliated with ODAN, the Opus Dei Awareness Network, a grassroots organization made up of former members whose experiences within the lay group have been unfortunately less than stellar. In Allen's book, from the impressions that I got, was that former members were really subjected to peer pressure from zealots who did not conduct their behavior in the best Christian light; they guided people not in the spirit of goodwill and Christian compassion but in some measure as corporate careerists within Opus Dei. They, too, could have been categorized as extremist holy rollers. Former members felt that they had to modify their belief systems to fit in, political, social and otherwise. Yet, the Prelature of Opus Dei insists that Opus Dei is a divine calling, a different kind of religious vocation for non clergy, which I agree with, for people can't simply conform. It either is meant to be or it isn't. If it's not, and people will themselves to stay, problems will most certainly arise. That is why there is a waiting period of six years before people are fully inculcated members. Opus Dei want people to pray and do well in their jobs, because that is God's will for them, to do and be the best, but to keep God always in mind. That is their desire, not to brainwash, manipulate or alter a person's political views, for there are liberals and conservatives within the group, just as there are doctors, lawyers, politicians, bus drivers and barbers as well. They are given an equal footing in the apostelate in terms of theological and philosophical training, for prayer alone takes precedence, and that is something that people of all classes and backgrounds can freely participate in. Within Opus Dei, there are monthly meetings that are called Evenings of Recollection and Circle, whereby members and nonmembers alike reflect on Gospel readings and how to translate those readings into more practical components in their daily lives.

Healthy faith is a good thing, for it makes a healthy and a happier society. I have noticed it in my own life and in the lives of those around me. Opus Dei has enhanced (for the better) the spiritual lives of many people, and while there are unpleasant claims by former members, which I also believe to be true involving the cilice and the discipline, I think it is a minor issue in the grand scheme of things when looking at what Opus Dei provides. It is an organization, though still fairly young, that is a work-in-progress. A majority will agree on that point. For anyone interested, the collected works of Saint Josemaria Escriva would be a fine beginning, particularly the works The Way, The Forge, The Forrow and Friends of God: Homilies by Josemaria Escriva. Allen's book was very well detailed; the good and the bad were both depicted with equal fairness and objectivity, and for anyone interested, this book would also be a good starting point.

[Daniel O'Grady · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really did not enjoy this book. The intentions of the author appear inspiring, and the expectations of what one is to learn are encouraging. However, at about 50 pages in, it becomes clear that this is not going to be an enjoyable experience.

This is almost written in the style of a textbook; it is at many times just a learning experience you do not look forward to. It is dense with names and quotes which intermingle incessantly to create a vertigo of deterring incoherence. There is hardly any narrative panache at any stage in the book; it is as if the author published his notes on each subject instead of making an interesting read out of them. Such is its paucity of panache that I actually ended up skipping a number of chapters, which is tremendously rare for me; if I skip parts of a book, that is not a good book. Skimming is a regular habit when punishing oneself with this book, for I could not suffer my eyes to consume the entirety of its laborious contents. I never once looked forward to reading this; it was just something I had to do, just to finish it.

Despite this intense opprobrium, there is a lot to be said for the work of the author and the lengths to which he has gone to create a realistic and veracious understanding of Opus Dei. The appurtenant labour notwithstanding, one can certainly acquire a down to earth understanding of Opus Dei through this book. It’s benefits do compete with its flaws, but my irritation at the ceaseless drag of mind-numbing paragraphs meant that I could not muster the generosity to give this more than 2 stars.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm giving this book one star because it'll be a cold day in hell before I say anything complimentary about Opus Dei or anyone who carries water for the Work.

But.

If you want a relatively in-depth, exhaustive look at how Opus Dei operates, as well as SOME of the controversy, you could do worse. But don't let this book be your sole authority in the matter. Read this, and then go and read more. Read Maria del Carmen Tapia's "Inside Opus Dei", read some articles and blog posts on the internet. Watch the videos from the YouTube channel TheDeepDiveProject- and then read their sources. This subject is so much deeper, so much more convoluted than what can be summed up in a single, rather luke-warm book.

[Dori Monica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just because a book states that it is providing an unobjective look at something does not make it so There was a lot of dismissing of statements by former members because others say the statements aren’t true The multiple times that I read that women had a better aptitude for housework made me quite angry I’m not sure how or when this book made its home on my bookshelf but it’s future home will be as kindling

[Carmen Booz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative and written in a very factual style. Not a fun read, but a learning experience.

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good, but not particularly scintillating, look at Opus Dei. Does anybody still need to be told that what Dan Brown's wrote in the 'Da Vinci Code' about Opus Dei (and everything else including Leonardo Da Vinci) was ridiculous and utterly fictitious and not even based on fact but scandal, slander, misinterpretation or misunderstanding? But that doesn't mean there isn't plenty to misunderstand about Opus Dei or that this book really explores the real challenges that religious groups like Opus Dei might pose in our secular society (I should make clear my viewpoint in very much a European one - the overt way religion is taken seriously in the USA is almost incomprehensible to us).

One of the problems is that most people don't understand the idea of believing in any religion as more then a sort of feel good panacea that is neutered of all meaning except a general feel good sense of benevolence. Tai Chi, crystals, Feng Shui homeopathy, angels, reincarnation - who could find fault with any of those. Well back in 1999 the English football team's general manager, a believer in reincarnation (though how he managed to combine that belief with his Christianity escapes me) lost his job when he said that as people with handicaps might be paying for errors in a previous life. But what he said wouldn't have surprised anyone who has bothered to understand what reincarnation is about. Equally Pope Francis earned a great deal of praise when he recently called transgendered people 'children of God'. But he could equally have referred to Pol Pot, Stalin, or Hitler as children of God. Everyone is a child of God and the words don't convey any approval - God is there for everyone, he doesn't abandon anyone, he will welcome anyone - but that doesn't mean acceptance let alone approval of any individuals actions of lifestyles which can cut off any individual from God's love but doesn't mean you can't reconcile yourself and become worthy of that love - at which point the actual teaching of the Catholic Church is going to come into play - and I defy anyone to find anything in official doctrine that has an approving word for the transgender state.

The problem with Opus Dei is not what they believe, they only believe the Catholic Church's teachings. The problem is that the Catholic Church has become very good at publicly stressing certain aspects or ways of presenting their faith, but the old verities and absolutes still remain. The other problem is language and history.

In terms of language I give an example' the 'Latin' mass. Invariably it is said that the 'Latin' mass was abolished by Vatican II but it wasn't. What was replaced was the 'Tridentine' mass that had been said everywhere since the Council of Trent in the 16th century. Another example is understanding what is meant by a Catholic 'Lay' person is - it is not someone who is not a priest but someone who does not belong to a 'religious' order such as the Benedictines, Jesuits, Franciscans, etc. which means that no nun is lay person but plenty of priests are.

This is where the history comes in - the whole history of the Catholic Church between the defeat of Napoleon in 1815 and the Vatican II (1962-65) is a long struggle, still going on now, to redefine the roll of the laity (that is ordinary Catholics not in religious orders or part of hierarchy of the church) and to provide them with ways of exercising influence without clerical control. The history of the Catholic Church in Europe from the 19th century through to the 1950s is a tale of various men (and some women but lets be honest the Catholic Church was even less inclined to accept women's independence) who tried to set up organisations that were people could be Catholic but free of the church's control and they were consistently slapped down and brought back under the control of the bishops. When creating Opus Dei its sainted founder was trying to get around that problem, but also responding to the particular history of Catholicism in Spain, were the Church was most assiduous in retaining power and control.

Power and control are at the heart of the problem of Opus Dei and the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church now presents a more accepting, tolerant, public face because it can no longer exercise the type of control that for example, until the 1978 post Franco constitution prevented Protestants from publicly worshipping in Spain or had the police in Ireland forcing the children of mixed marriages to attend Catholic schools. But all the old strictures, rules and prohibitions still exist even if they are not spoken of as often as the very recent past. Even those few areas were doctrine has changed, such as over the existence of 'Limbo' - which now officially doesn't exist, the church doesn't bother explaining why in countries such as Ireland until the 1970's or even 80's unbaptised children (tragically common on isolated farms in the days of poverty, high birth rates and high infant mortality) or anyone who it was not positively known was a Catholic were denied burial in a cemetery or any religious rite and deposited in places known as Cillíní which was the same as a 'potters field' and of course no apology is offered.

All this may seem a long way from this book but it isn't. Opus Dei is not bogey man of Dan Brown's fiction but without context both in the history of Spain were it was founded and of the Catholic Church in general you are unlikely to know what to believe with confidence. Religions are complex things and Religious organisations and Churches even more so. You need to understand their way of thinking and speaking before you can understand what they are saying or not saying.

[Cole Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was nice to learn more about Opus Dei but the book reads as if it was assigned to me for a class. I didn’t really enjoy the process of reading this book as it is wayyyyy too quote, name and date heavy. It also bugged me that he used Fr. James Martin as an authoritative source.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was super informative and took a long time to read. The first couple chapters were a slog, since they were setting up the historical foundation before the author got down to the controversy, the pros, and the cons presented by each perspective. The author claimed that the book was meant to be an unbiased look at Opus Dei, but it’s fairly clear that he is a sympathizer. Nevertheless, he did go through painstaking work to represent all the viewpoints. He is certainly fair to both sides – he just also has his own perspectives, which are not kept out of the book. It has to be just about impossible to do that, so I don’t begrudge him. It was just interesting to walk into this book knowing basically nothing about Opus Dei, and then reading about it.

There were several quotes and premises from the book that intrigued me, so I made a list of which ones compelled strong reactions from me – both positive and negative.

“At its core, the message of Opus Dei is that the redemption of the worlds will come in large part through laywomen and men sanctifying their daily work, transforming secularity from within. “Spirituality” and “prayer,” according to this way of seeing things, are not things reserved primarily for church, as et of pious practices marked off from the rest of life; the real focus of the spiritual life is one’s ordinary work and relationships, the stuff of daily living that, seen from the point of view of eternity, takes on transcendent significance.”

This really struck me, because I have always taken for granted that everyone realized that they could sanctify their daily work – that you didn’t have to do or be formally ecumenical to represent Christ in your daily life. For me, that is just a given of being a Christian, so it’s very strange to me that this quote seems to indicate that this idea is somehow revolutionary or novel. Why would you have to join a special order or organization of any kind to be able to do your best to consecrate your life to Christ, regardless of what your vocation or avocation may be? Isn’t that what the essence of Christianity is?

“This idea, however, is that individual Christians can add their own “expiations,” or acts of suffering, to what Christ accomplished on the Cross, and doing so pleases God and contributes to the redemption of the world.

The concept of suffering in imitation of Christ is really vile to me for many reasons, so this quote was super off-putting. First, I remind myself that it’s entirely possible the author has unintentionally misrepresented the point of Opus Dei members deliberately add to their own suffering by trying to mimic Christ’s suffering…but I don’t think so. Can someone explain to me the point of deliberately putting oneself through mortification? Christ suffered so that we might not suffer, if we would repent. Insisting on deliberately inflicting one’s own suffering, then to me, refuses Christ’s gift! Inflicting suffering on yourself thinking that you are somehow adding to Christ is blasphemous. Christ’s Atonement was infinite. He wholly paid the price for us. How does any believer take it into their head that somehow doing a mimic of Christ’s pain pays homage to Him? We cannot add to or take away anything from Him!

The section on women was particularly interesting – especially quotes from Janne Haaland Matlary. I loved what she had to say against modern-day so-called feminism:

“There are very few [feminists] who talk about the importance of motherhood in practical-political terms, or even in more profound terms. In this sense, modern feminism is very impoverished in its anthropology—or rather, in its lack of such, Instead of exploring what it really can mean to be a woman—what womanhood is-in an ontological and existential sense—feminism seems to assume and offer an aggressive view of man where the two sexes are engaged in a power struggle…Modern feminism is silent on the question of what women are in their essence, and therefore has nothing to say on the importance of motherhood.”

She later adds, “In the revolutionary fog of the sexual liberation movement of 1968, women started moving down the masculine path of expressing themselves and acting, aligning themselves in everything, often in an exasperated fashion, with that masculine mentality that instead needs to open itself to feminine coexistence. Thus we’ve created not merely a struggle of the genders—in the streets and in the media, as in the parliaments and the private homes—marked by violence and desire for domination, but also rapid and progressive mutation of dress and of styles that has been irradiated, with an uninterrupted progression, by theoretical proclamations, even down to fashion, language and physical posture.” – Matlary

I couldn’t agree more! It was such a blessing to hear a woman of faith slam the worldly counterfeit of what constitutes a so-called strong woman! A woman isn’t meant to be a man any more than a man is meant to be a woman. Neither is inherently better or worse. Why do women spend so much time fighting so hard to try to become a man? There are so many wonderful things about being a woman – so many things she has the nature and ability to do that men simply don’t! Same goes for a man. He has so many talents and abilities and his own role that woman are just not designed to do. Why is that so horrible?

Later, Escrivá is quoted: “I think that if we systematically contrast work in the home without outside work, retaining the old dichotomy which was formerly used to maintain that a woman’s place was in the home, but now asserting the exact opposite, it could easily lead to a great social mistake than that which we are trying to correct, because it would be a more serious mistake for women in general to give up the work of looking after their loved ones. Even on the personal level, one cannot flatly affirm that a woman has to achieve her perfection only outside the home, as if time spent on family were time stolen from the development of her personality. The home—whatever its characteristics, because a single woman should also have a home—is a particularly suitable place for the growth of her personality. The attention she gives to her family will always be a woman’s greatest dignity. In the general terms, in her work of creating a warm and formative atmosphere around her, a woman fulfills the most indispensable part of her mission. And so it follows that she can achieve her personal perfection there” This was very compelling food for thought!

The last quote I made a note of that I just loved is from Escrivá de Balaguer: “For the person who stands in God’s hands always falls into God’s hands.” Escrivá de Balaguer. That was a really beautiful image. I’d love to see a piece of art depict this.

All in all, this was a very informative read, which I suppose is a main purpose of non-fiction. It was well written (though the editing could have used a bit of help in the grammar department), and it was exhaustively thorough. It was surely a labor of love for the author. I’m glad I read it, but I’m also glad I’m done!

[Damian North · Rating 5 out of 5]

John L. Allen Jr.’s Opus Dei: An Objective Look Behind the Myths and Reality of the Most Controversial Force in the Catholic Church is a masterclass in fair and thoughtful journalism. In an area often clouded by rumor and sensationalism, Allen brings balance, clarity, and depth. Drawing on extensive interviews, firsthand visits, and careful research, he dismantles the exaggerated myths surrounding Opus Dei while also acknowledging legitimate concerns. His evenhanded approach gives readers space to make their own judgments rather than pushing a single narrative.

What makes the book shine is Allen’s commitment to nuance: he neither demonizes nor defends uncritically. Instead, he offers a sober, accessible portrait of an organization that has sparked fascination and misunderstanding worldwide. For anyone seeking a trustworthy, clear, and comprehensive introduction to Opus Dei — beyond the stereotypes and conspiracy theories — this book is essential reading.

Damian North,
Author.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dear friend, who happens to be a priest, suggested this read to help me better understand this cult like movement in the Catholic Church. Although moving back to pre Vatican II theology is not my jam, and actually goes against the teaching of Pope Francis, i found this to be an enlightening read about an organization within the Catholic Church that I had some misconceptions about. I now see Opus Dei in slightly better light than before reading this book that seems to be less than objective, but interesting none the less.

[Clayton Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enlightening read about an organization within the Catholic Church that I personally had a lot misconceptions about. I now see Opus Dei in a much better and more positive light than before reading this well researched and enjoyable read.

[The Scorpion · Rating 4 out of 5]

very educational

[Melvyn Foo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather dry read, but otherwise informative and critical journalism.

[Davis Haguma]

An informative book.

[Rogerio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book about Opus Dei is certainly one of the best to have appeared on the subject at least for a decade from its publication. Initially I have looked with distrust at it. Works of journalists tend to be more descriptional rather than studies. John Allen, however, presents such an extensive and deep research that the final product is really impressive. One can just imagine the amount of work and effort put into place in interviews, readings and thinking about Opus Dei. This is really a precious book (especially after the inconsistencies of The Da Vinci Code) and his views on Opus Dei are balanced and fair, giving voice to critics as well as defenders of the Prelature. The presentation of Escriva is inspirational and the focus on his idea of "sanctifying the workplace" as well as the theological aspects of Opus Dei are really well exposed and reflect a capacity by the author to treat a theological topic with an expert eye. The book gave me the impression that the author is knowledgeable both on the Vatican and its "politics" or on insider views of the relationship between the several offices/orders in the Church and Opus Dei. He was able to contextualize the significance of the Opus Dei's charisma in the Vatican II Council, in todays society, in the hitorical foundations of the movement in Spain, in its importance for today's Catholics, in its canonical recognition, etc. Another excellent approach is on the "vocational" aspects and on how the "call" to be an Opus Dei member is perceived by current members as well as by members who left the group. In this, John Allen describes the meanders of the "call" with stunning and accurate proximity to what the real "vocational discernment" implies to an individual seeking this path, as well as the relative moral pressures and implications of vocation "recruiting".
Here how's the book is structured:
I Essentials
1-Overview; 2-Escriva
II Opus Dei from inside
1-Sanctification of work; 2-contemplatives in the world; 3-Christian Freedom; 4-divine filiation
III Question marks about Opus Dei
1-secrecy; 2-mortification; 3-women; 4-money; 5-OD in the Church; 6-OD in politics; 7-blind obedience; 8-recruiting
IV Summary
1-the future of OD

[Ciaran · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a very in-depth book. found it hard to read. learned a lot about a group of people I wondered about. still dont trust them. I think it was not so much unbiased but that's just me. if you read the book it will leave you wondering. I would maybe read someones personal account of opus dei but I feel the author was not 100% honest he left some stuff out maybe that was the deal when he got the chance to talk to people with in opus dei I could be wrong but that's how I felt. it was a hard read but a good read.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The research alone that the author put into this book gives it quite a bit of credit. It's so thorough that it is, at times, boring. Overall, though, it's an objective (as objective as one can get, anyway, in my opinion) look at this controversial group. I'm aware of the many controversies surrounding this group. I think this book does a good job of not avoiding the controversial issues, while at the same time breathing some reality into the extreme myths that float around about the group.

[an · Rating 2 out of 5]

Berat. Serasa baca tesis (emang pernah?), skripsi, laporan, jurnal atau sebangsa na. Bahasa na baku ‘n kaku. Bukan karya populer, lebih cocok buat dijadiin diktat kuliah.

Tapi klo mau bener” jeli ngebaca, da hal” baik yg bisa dipetik or dijalankan dalam hidup sehari” dr ajaran Escriva dalam organisasi ini. Andai bener” bisa mempersembahkan kerja buat Tuhan pasti yg nama na kerja jadi tidak terasa mambosankan dan beban lagi.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book that looks into Opus Dei, it's history, theology and philosophy. It becomes apparent that the author, Allen, is writing an apology for Opus Dei and thus, there are a few sections lacking critical critique, such as the section on women. But overall a good book that gives a history of Opus Dei.

[mahatmanto · Rating 3 out of 5]

ditulis setelah meledaknya novel dan brown
ditulis juga dng perspektif yg berbeda dari brown: ini dari jurnalisme, brown dari fiksi
terbitnya ini membikin tegas perbedaan dua dunia tadi: dunia fakta dan fiksi
keduanya sama sahnya.
[ada pihak ketiga yang perlu disebut karena punya pengaruh pada kredibilitas: media dan iklan]
---

[Tinika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book thorough and well-balanced covering such topics as the history, structure, purpose and controversies surrounding this organization. It answered all my questions and allowed both those passionately pro and those just as ardently against to have their say leaving the reader to judge the merits of both.

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a very well-balanced review of Opus Dei. The criticisms were not downplayed or denied, but often put in perspective. Much light was shed on the organizations finances and influence in the Vatican, among other things.

[Darleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A balanced description and evaluation of the Roman Catholic movement that has received so much notoriety. Allen provides a helpful account that gives insights into the motivations of adherents to join this group as a way to deepen their faith.

[Kevin de Ataíde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, as in the last review, they're not as interesting as the media would have them be. They're are quite dull, ordinary, Catholic Christians. Just like me. Thanks to Mr. Allen for a splendid description of the lives of so many of the 'cultists'.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative for the reader intrigued by this group. The book has an interesting approach by addressing all the controversies and criticisms on the organization and answering each of them, from the organization’s finances to its religious practices.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book. I learned a lot, and got what I thought was an objective look at Opus Dei.

[Mary Gormally]

Interesting read so far. They have an interesting view on society and money, dont know if I agree with it all but its read worthy.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good insight into the inner workings of the catholic church. Yes I know Opus Dei doesn't run the church directly, but many of it's members do.

[Alexh464 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good follow up reading after The DaVinci Code.