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

The address for Opus Dei's headquarters in New York is given in Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code." Unfortunately, in yet another one the book's inaccuracies, Brown gives the location of the entrance to the women's quarters (which are separate because the members are celibate). The story is that many readers of Brown's book loiter outside this entrance, trying to get a "peek" into the mysterious world of Opus Dei. And what do the women members do? They invite them in for coffee, they answer all of their questions, and they give them literature so that these "gawkers" can learn more about the Prelature of Opus Dei.John Allen's book is a door opening. He was apparently granted incredible access not only to members (some of whom might have rightly resented an intrusion into their religious practices, an inherently private matter), locations and history. The result speaks for itself. This book is not propaganda, but a look inside an organization that has touched (and continues to touch) many lives. These are "normal" people, friends, who want to cooperate with God and be the best human person they can be.Although reading names of members will make this book appear "juicy" (kind of like the annual listings in Finland - released yesterday - of people's net worth or finding a list of country club members in your home town), the value of this book is how it represents a sort of Opus Dei "Glasnost" for the common man. Why are Opus Dei members given names like "numerary" or super-numerary"? Isn't that kind of "masonic"?? Short answer: they are common civil and academic terms used in Spain, where the founder of Opus Dei was born and raised. What is the purpose of Opus Dei? Doesn't it involve arcane rites and devious practices?? Short answer: it's purpose is to encourage its members to live holy, happy lives in the "real, everyday world." Isn't it a right-wing conservative group that has a lot of influence within the Catholic Church??! Short answer: at the time that Opus Dei was founded in the 1940's, it was considered hugely *liberal* and anti-clerical because it wanted priests and lay people, as well as men and woman, to work - get this! - together!For someone who desires to learn more about St. Josemaria Escriva, the Personal Prelature Opus Dei, and the universal "call to holiness," this book is square one. And sure, you'll learn about the physical mortifications and fasting. But journalistically speaking, this is no white wash. In fact, Allen openly admits to his wife's own prejudices against Opus Dei. In a world of slanted viewpoints and personal agendas, Allen is one of those rare people who just wants to "get it right." I think he did.

Here in Brazil, I read this good book.At he introduction, the author reveals that the book and movie "The Da Vinci Code" were very good, not bad for Opus Dei. As Oscar Wilde(1854-1900) once told: For a great person or a great organization there's just one thing worse than to be criticized by press. And this thing is not be talked by press.There's an entire chater about the creator of Opus Dei, Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (1902 - 1975) in this book. And this chapter itself is unbiased short biogaphy of Saint Josemaría Escrivá.This book tells that Pope John Paul II, in 1982, made Opus Dei is the onliest personal prelature of Roman Catholic Church. Alone on Catholic Church, Opus Dei has the jurisdiction of its own bishops, covers the persons in Opus Dei wherever they are, rather than geographical dioceses. Well, but why this exclusive privilege? The author doesn't gives any answer about this Opus Dei's exclusive privilege.This and my other things are with a little pro-Opus Dei Bias.About Opus Dei and politics, this book is just regular.The author debunkes Opus Dei as a misogynyc organization.The author also describes that Opus Dei has a pro-life view of the world. Families of Opus Dei married members are, at the least on majority, full of children.Opus Dei's money has an entire chapter in this good book. For maniacs, this chapter will be terrible, because Opus Dei doesn't has the money or power in their minds. This book is clear that Opus Dei is far more opened than masonry.This book is a good, overview of Opus Dei.

Mr. Allen did a fantastic work on this book. The research goes deep, and is very well done. He had full access to everything regarding The Work, and came out with a great book on what some consider a controversial theme. It shouldn't be. But some very well-known fantasy writers painted some grotesque pictures about it, and the public was very curious about it.Well, wait no more. All the answers are here. Like it or not, there's nothing more to say on the "secret and fanatical order" hoax.Like an author said, Mr. Allen's objectivity can be maddening in this book. But there are two points to make about it. The first is that Mr. Allen learned his lesson since he published his first book about Pope Benedict (still Cardinal Ratzinger by the time). That book was terrible, with too much personal opinion mixed as journalism. And a very misguided one. Allen himself admitted later that the book was flawed. This not only was great for Mr. Allen's writing, but can very well be the reason why he took so much care when writing this book.The second point is that all this objectivity sometimes feels like he is making excuses for some acts, or at least running to proclaim that the critics don't have a point. It's not that I think they have. It's just that those points don't seem to receive the same "time" on the debate.Overall, it's a fantastic book, and one that lays to rest all the misguided or fabricated impressions on The Work.

As a practicing Catholic I have found myself wondering about the real story of Opus Dei. Everything reported or said about them in the public square seems full of gossip and rank speculation. And while I have no doubt that some former members may have been ill treated by other members for which they have to answer with their individual consciences all organizations have sinners within them who fail even with the most glorious of goals since by our nature we all are as sinners. I have been impressed by an Opus Dei priest or two and I just wanted something to read that was balanced. As promised in my read of other reviews this book was researched and measured. There are features about the prelature that are startling in their common sense and surely simply follow the path to God within the world. Other aspects gave me pause not because they are inherently suspect but because in reflection they would not seem to be useful in my faith journey. I could see myself as a cooperator more than anything else. I have incorporated what I think will help me grow of the Escriva process. I appreciate the scholarly approach that encompassed the history and context of this lay group. Easy to read. A good addition to my library.

John Allen work in his usual detailed style. Covers all the history and current issues both the factual and the fictional. A lengthy work but well presented.

Muchas personas explican su experiencia con el Opus Dei, cada uno da su opinión, me parece muy enriquecedor para comprender porque a unos les encanta la Obra y a otros no, cada uno es libre de pensar lo que quiera, pero antes que intente conocer esta realidad nueva en la Iglesia