Rating: 
Summary: opus dei--a cult within the Roman Catholic Church
Review: *Highlights between asterisks.* [Remarks in square brackets.]By Steven Hassan, Chapter 1 of Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves, 2000: "I know but one freedom and that is the freedom of the mind."--Antoine de Saint-Exupery WHAT IS A DESTRUCTIVE CULT? There are many different types of destructive cults, and the diversity of cult beliefs and practices sometimes makes it hard for family members and friends to decide whether their loved one is in trouble or not. Although there are still groups whose followers cut their hair short and wear identical clothing, like the members of Heaven's Gate, this is by no means the case with most modern-day cult groups. Today, for example, many cults require their members to wear business suits so that they blend in with their environment. All cult members may not look alike, but I have found that destructive cults follow specific behavior patterns that set them apart from other groups. By learning to identify these patterns, you will be better qualified to determine if someone you care about is actually involved with a cult. A group should not be considered a "cult" merely because of its unorthodox beliefs or practices. Instead, *destructive cults are distinguished by their use of deception and mind control techniques to undermine a person's free will and make him dependent on the group's leader.* Authoritarian Leadership [St. Josemaria Escriva and his successors] In essence, *a destructive cult is an authoritarian group that is headed by a person or group of people that has near-complete control. Charismatic cult leaders often make extreme claims of divine or "otherworldly" power to exercise influence over their members.* Many legitimate religions have had powerful figures that have inspired enormous dedication in people. *Being a powerful leader is not inherently wrong, though it carries a high potential for abuse. A group becomes destructive when its leader actively uses such power to deceive members and to rob them of their individuality and free will.* For example, I was told to surrender my free will (viewed as Satanic) to God's representative, Moon, and his sub-leaders. Marshall Applewhite told followers that an alien entity was speaking through him, and used this message to justify his absolute control over their lives. Leaders of numerous groups--including the Twelve Tribes, International Churches of Christ, and Jehovah's Witnesses--claim it is God's will that members follow them. Deception [Holy Discretion] *Destructive cults also use deception to recruit new members.* When I was first approached by Moonie recruiters, they told me they were part of the "One World Crusade," which I later learned was one of many front groups for the Unification Church. They claimed to be students who were involved with a small community of young people struggling to overcome cultural barriers. *It was not until much later that I found out what the group was actually about, what its members really believed, and what would be expected of me. What makes this all so insidious is that members often speak and act with the greatest sincerity because they have been subjected to the same mind control techniques that they use to recruit others.* Destructive Mind Control [Don't think...Obey...Deus le volt!] Finally, *destructive cults use mind control techniques to keep members dependent and obedient.* ...generally speaking, cult mind control can be understood as a system of influence that is designed to disrupt a person's authentic identity and replace it with a new identity. *By immersing people in a tightly controlled, high-pressure social environment, destructive cults gain control of their members' behavior, thoughts, emotions, and access to information. They take over their minds.* Mind control can be packaged in different forms and, today, groups in many areas of society are using various combinations of destructive mind control techniques. The four main types of cults are religious cults, political cults, therapy/large group awareness training cults, and commercial cults. Understanding how each type of cult operates will help you assess your own situation, and will provide a frame of reference for future discussions of other types of groups. THE FOUR MAIN TYPES OF CULTS Religious or Spiritual Groups What ties these groups together is their focus on religious dogma or spiritual practices. In many Bible-oriented groups (Jewish, Christian, Muslim), leaders claim to be a Messiah, Prophet, or Apostle. In some, an elite group of several people--the "governing body"--claim to know the real meaning of Scripture. In groups based on an eastern religion (Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, Sufi), leaders claim to be "enlightened" avatars, gurus, rinpoches, Perfect Masters, or reincarnations of various enlightened masters from the past.... Many cults are the elaborate inventions of their leaders, like Roy Masters' Foundation for Human Understanding. A former stage hypnotist and diamond cutter, Roy Masters started a national radio show called How Your Mind Can Keep You Well and sold audio tapes which he claimed could teach people a new form of meditation. When I listened to these tapes, it became clear that Masters was actually using powerful hypnotic techniques to indoctrinate his listeners. Later, he began to tell his followers that he was a sinless messiah, and held seminars in which he would stage exorcisms by hypnotizing people to believe that demons were leaving their bodies. Although most cult leaders claim to be "of the spiritual realm," *we can see their true colors when we examine how much emphasis leaders place on the material world--their luxurious lifestyles, millions of dollars of real estate, extensive business enterprises, and so on.* [Give it all to God! Everything! Hold nothing back!]
Rating: 
Summary: Believing in a nonsence is the modern way
Review: American education does not provide the people the knowledge to distinguish between right from wrong, fictions from facts. They believe what they feel somewhat agrees with their prejudices. Their mind cannot think what is reasonable and what is not; that is why, they believed in talkative politicians more than the trustfull ones. Believe in a new crusade, believe in a plot!!? I think they want to paint bad on Opus Dei because they are liberal, modernism who want to destroy the Catholicism, and the Catholic Church.
Rating:
Summary: Sheer nonsense
Review: Another attempt to jump on the conspiracy bandwagon with false and unproven accusations by someone who apparently has no real idea of the aims and purpose of Opus Dei. Should have been rightly advertised as Fiction, which it certainly is, in which case I would have regarded it somewhat entertaining but mostly boring.
Rating:
Summary: major negative aspects covered, essence of opus dei elusive
Review: As always, the fundamental issue in any description of Opus Dei is truth. In this respect, I believe that in covering the negative aspects of Opus Dei, Hutchinson has written one of the most accurate, detailed, and complete accounts that I have come across. My evaluation is based on my familiarity with the organization as a former numerary for six years and as a thoughtful observer for over fifteen years afterward. Hutchinson is accurate in describing the militant character of Opus Dei. Some characteristics that I can testify to include the recurrent need to identify and target enemies, real and imagined; the interest in recruiting as numeraries students with military background; and the admiration for the Crusades. Other negative aspects of Opus Dei that I would confirm include the following: That Bl. Josemaria Escriva most likely added layer upon layer to the private revelation that he received on October 2, 1928, in the retreat house of the Vincentian fathers, so that in the process, the specific permutation of the Gospel that Opus Dei purports to convey has been obscured;
That The Way manifests a blueprint for "authoritarian clericalism"; That the practice of deception is endemic in Opus Dei; That systemic mind control exists; That "intellectual mortification" engenders personality dysfunction and psychological damage among members; That Opus Dei is fixated on countering political or politico-religious ideologies which it opposes, including Marxism and Liberalism--the latter represent the mortal enemies of the Spanish Church immediately preceding and during the Civil War; That Opus Dei remains intensely interested in financial accumulation--to quote my former spiritual director, "We love material things, that is our spirit." However, while Hutchinson is correct in portraying Opus Dei as a religious organization with a militant political and economic agenda, I think that he is off the mark in locating the rationale for this agenda in imperfect analogies between Opus Dei and the Knights Templar. In the Opus Dei worldview, the spiritual aims of the organization take precedence. Furthermore, the political and economic agenda is simply the flip side of the same coin, for advancing the political and economic power of the organization is in all sincerity believed to be equivalent to furthering its beneficial spiritual influence. As a result, Hutchinson may have failed to capture the essence of the organization. Curiously, I believe that the reason for this apparent deficiency lies in the elusive nature of Opus Dei itself. Hutchinson is correct in quoting Fr. Alvaro del Portillo, that "in order to understand Opus Dei, one needs to study the Founder." Bl. Escriva--his writings, his life, and the oral tradition that expounds upon both--is the fundamental basis of the Opus Dei "spirit," in much the same way that a Constitution operates as the basic document of a democratic government. However, unlike a Constitution, the artifacts of Bl. Escriva do not exist in any one source or location. Moreover, in the same manner that a Constitution is subject to interpretation, the Opus Dei "spirit" is located not merely in Bl. Escriva's artifacts, but in the shifting directives, at times contradictory, that issue from all levels of the Opus Dei hierarchy under the rubric of "grace of state" in order to compel assent and obedience among the members. Therefore, in consideration of a substantial corpus of information that ultimately does not locate itself in any fixed source, that is subject to change and contradiction, and that is rendered inaccessible even to the members themselves, it is not surprising that any attempt to capture the Opus Dei "spirit" may elude even the most astute and informed journalist. In my opinion, the essence of Opus Dei may be represented in the metaphor of a ship. The metaphor originates from Bl. Escriva himself. The visitor to the Opus Dei center may notice the various pictures of ships that unobtrusively grace the walls. They represent the raison d'etre of the prelature, which is to bring as many people into the ship of Opus Dei in the belief that it is inexorably destined for the safe harbor of heaven. Whether or not this "Noah's ark" vision is sound I leave to the judgment and faith of the reader.
Rating:
Summary: major negative aspects covered, essence of opus dei elusive
Review: As always, the fundamental issue in any description of Opus Dei is truth. In this respect, I believe that in covering the negative aspects of Opus Dei, Hutchinson has written one of the most accurate, detailed, and complete accounts that I have come across. My evaluation is based on my familiarity with the organization as a former numerary for six years and as a thoughtful observer for over fifteen years afterward. Hutchinson is accurate in describing the militant character of Opus Dei. Some characteristics that I can testify to include the recurrent need to identify and target enemies, real and imagined; the interest in recruiting as numeraries students with military background; and the admiration for the Crusades. Other negative aspects of Opus Dei that I would confirm include the following: That Bl. Josemaria Escriva most likely added layer upon layer to the private revelation that he received on October 2, 1928, in the retreat house of the Vincentian fathers, so that in the process, the specific permutation of the Gospel that Opus Dei purports to convey has been obscured;
That The Way manifests a blueprint for "authoritarian clericalism"; That the practice of deception is endemic in Opus Dei; That systemic mind control exists; That "intellectual mortification" engenders personality dysfunction and psychological damage among members; That Opus Dei is fixated on countering political or politico-religious ideologies which it opposes, including Marxism and Liberalism--the latter represent the mortal enemies of the Spanish Church immediately preceding and during the Civil War; That Opus Dei remains intensely interested in financial accumulation--to quote my former spiritual director, "We love material things, that is our spirit." However, while Hutchinson is correct in portraying Opus Dei as a religious organization with a militant political and economic agenda, I think that he is off the mark in locating the rationale for this agenda in imperfect analogies between Opus Dei and the Knights Templar. In the Opus Dei worldview, the spiritual aims of the organization take precedence. Furthermore, the political and economic agenda is simply the flip side of the same coin, for advancing the political and economic power of the organization is in all sincerity believed to be equivalent to furthering its beneficial spiritual influence. As a result, Hutchinson may have failed to capture the essence of the organization. Curiously, I believe that the reason for this apparent deficiency lies in the elusive nature of Opus Dei itself. Hutchinson is correct in quoting Fr. Alvaro del Portillo, that "in order to understand Opus Dei, one needs to study the Founder." Bl. Escriva--his writings, his life, and the oral tradition that expounds upon both--is the fundamental basis of the Opus Dei "spirit," in much the same way that a Constitution operates as the basic document of a democratic government. However, unlike a Constitution, the artifacts of Bl. Escriva do not exist in any one source or location. Moreover, in the same manner that a Constitution is subject to interpretation, the Opus Dei "spirit" is located not merely in Bl. Escriva's artifacts, but in the shifting directives, at times contradictory, that issue from all levels of the Opus Dei hierarchy under the rubric of "grace of state" in order to compel assent and obedience among the members. Therefore, in consideration of a substantial corpus of information that ultimately does not locate itself in any fixed source, that is subject to change and contradiction, and that is rendered inaccessible even to the members themselves, it is not surprising that any attempt to capture the Opus Dei "spirit" may elude even the most astute and informed journalist. In my opinion, the essence of Opus Dei may be represented in the metaphor of a ship. The metaphor originates from Bl. Escriva himself. The visitor to the Opus Dei center may notice the various pictures of ships that unobtrusively grace the walls. They represent the raison d'etre of the prelature, which is to bring as many people into the ship of Opus Dei in the belief that it is inexorably destined for the safe harbor of heaven. Whether or not this "Noah's ark" vision is sound I leave to the judgment and faith of the reader.
Rating: 
Summary: Absolute must read: Vatican Personalities & Politics
Review: At the present, Opus Dei is a network of old boys who seek to disown Vatican II and disembowell those who disagree with their Gnostic agenda. This book was originally published by Doubleday in England, and the American Doubleday refused to touch it with a 10 foot pole. Doubleday US had made a bundle by selling a cheap edition of the outdated Catholic Catechism which undercut almost every other publisher of the Catechism. The publication of the original Catechism was the subject of an Antitrust inquiry concerning price-fixing, and forced bundling of hard and paperback editions. (Price fixing and tie-ins are per se criminal violations of the Sherman Act, Sec. 1) The list of present members of this Masonic P(5) structure, pp. 432-4, include such persons as Cormac Burke of the Tribunal. Burke was a financial front man for University Hostels. One should note that the cross-fertilization between Freemasonry and Opus Dei is just hinted at in this book. At one time over "121 senior prelates were Freemasons." This included "cardinals Villot, Poletti, and Baggio." Villot is the person who disposed of the papers found in John Paul I's hands when he died. This is just one small tidbit from this definitive work. A much longer review may be found in Natl. Catholic Reporter. The author has done a definitive study of Vesco, and this volume follows in that tradition.
Rating: 
Summary: Onward...Catholic Workers!
Review: Expedited sainthood for Father Jose Maria Escriva is but one theme Robert Hutchison develops in this 486 page work. Less apparent to the reader is the personality of the energetic founder of Opus Dei. The author may have caught a profound and intimate glimpse of him and chose not to convey it. Father Jose as an organizer, religious figure, flagellante and scholar is depicted only briefly. Unfortunately, some aspects of his life and personal qualities, which had to be sizable, if not larger than life, are not fully conveyed here. Apparently, it was not at all easy to be regarded fondly by Father Escriva. Some saints may not be as cordial as one would think. Of course, the book purports to focus on Opus Dei not its founder. In preparation to read this, one might wish to read at least a primer on the Spanish Civil War.Those with specialized interest and knowledge of this important period of modern European history will best be able to judge if Hutchison got it right! Considerable detail , some tangential, is provided on a very complex piece of Spain's history. Founded in 1928 with direct revelations received by Father Escriva, the organization was born in the fateful years leading up to the Civil War. Certainly the impact of Opus Dei is being felt in the corridors of the UN and is sometimes seen as unseemly. Its outreach is worldwide. The author provides sparce information about the OD in the United States with a membership of 5,000 reported in 1995. We are told R. Sargent Shriver and wife Eunice of the Kennedy clan "became active Opus Dei operators (sic)." Little else is said by Hutchison about OD in America. He does say the former head of the FBI, Louis Freeh, was an Opus Dei supernumerary. Amazing if true! Opus Dei interest in the American stock market is known and monies have been invested "anonymously" according to the author. Opus Dei is also said to be a major trader in EuroDollars, making a religious organization founded to do God's work, a significant financial player, at least in Europe. There are many other financial holdings and interests it is claimed. Not the least of these are the church's loss of 100s of millions of dollars in the mid 1970s due to bank Italian failures. Opus Dei stepped in with large amounts of funds to assist the church in its shock and embarrassment. Hutchison vividly describes the secret and hidden aspects of OD operations. He suggests that it is the most important organization within the Catholic church with special patronage from Pope John Paul. Even as a cardinal, Carol Wojtyla was a supporter. This is a remarkable claim given the power of the Roman Curia, the ever growing college of Cardinals, the various priestly orders and the many apostolates. Opus Dei has been called a "floating diocese" and has the special status of a "Personal Prelature." Interestingly Escriva did not participate in the great modern council of the church, Vatican II, feeling snubbed by Pope John XXIII on several matters not the least of which was a cardinal's hat. He is said to have "dubbed it the council of the Devil." Released in 1997, Hutchison's book devotes considerable space to the issues separating Islam from Christianity. He highlights some of Opus Dei's activities relative to Islam. He suggests that Dr. Hassan al-Turabi is one of the most dangerous figures in the Islamic world. He notes that Turabi and "his chief of staff, Saudi entrepreneur Osama Binladen, are financing Islamic extremists...". He states, Osama answered the call of jihad in 1985. All of this written prior to printing in 1997! The crucible for some of this conflict is Africa where the church is losing ground to Islam. Opus Dei is very likely lobbying for a Spanish pope to succeed John Paul. However, to counter the Islamic surge in Africa, the pope that follows will be African. All of these points are made while providing, as a frame of reference, the goals and activities of those of Opus Dei doing "God's work" in many places. God's work is indeed varied. Father Escriva taught a kind of "Protestant work ethic" but with much greater severe religious discipline and practices. The final chapter and epilogue do not end on a positive note. Hutchison counsels implicitly throughout this book that Vatican watchers will want to continue to closely observe Opus Dei as the most significant and yet largely unseen force in the Catholic church. It may make serious and dramatic false steps in dealing with Islam. The implications could be widespread and not limited to Catholic church interests. Charting the many flash points in Africa, Europe and the Philippines, the author quotes the Archbishop of Canterbury. Dr. Carey raises doubts that "two missionary religions, seeking holiness and truth, can commit to dialogue". This describes a world stage set for religious conflict. Opus Dei may be described as modern "Knights Templar" disciplining itself as warriors. Hutchiscon sees Opus Dei as a cult within the Catholic church. Members believe the founder, Jose Maria Scriva, was chosen by God to save the church. The founder taught his followers, "all things are lawful to me, not all things are expedient." There is an intimation that he thought of the papacy for himself in this life. He achieved sainthood in the next instead. 9-10-02 psb
Rating:
Summary: Category for the book: FICTION!!
Review: Here we go, again. Someone sensationalizing what the
Catholic Church purportedly teaches. This book couldn't be
further from the truth.
The simple truth of the matter is St. Escriva founded Opus Dei
to help Catholic Christians live out their faith in every area
of their lives, especially the workplace.
Big secret there, huh?
This book is not worth the paper it's printed on. Don't waste your money.
Rating:
Summary: A terrifying indictment of a hidden power in the Church
Review: If 25% of what the author alleges is true, the Church is in serious trouble. From the expose of the ignoble character of its founder to the buying up of Vatican debt, the power and influence of Opus Dei is revealed as a cancerous arrogance that has invaded and even taken over the highest places in the church. Everyone who cares for the Church should study this book with earnest purpose.
Rating:
Summary: I would have rated this book with no stars if I could
Review: In my opinion, this book is another compilation of calumnies against Opus Dei, or "The Work". The author silences many facts about Opus Dei. For exmaple, that all the Popes have supported the Work, not just John Paul II. Even John Paul I, who ruled the Church just for 33 days, and was described by many as a "liberal" or "progresist" Cardinal, was an admirer of Monsignor Escrivá, the founder of the Work, and one month before being elected Pope, wrote an excellent article about the Work and it's founder, which compares with St. Francis of Sales. Mr. Hutchinson silences also that Opus Dei is an important part always in the interreligious dialogue. In my country, the Work's university's is the only one which allows jew students, to stay at home on saturday, their sacred day. The most incredible accusation of the author, is that the Work is preparing another crusade. I think no one can believe that, seriously, today, that someone is thinking about a new crusade. If you are of the kind of people imagining conspiracies, corruption an secrecies everywhere, this is the book for you. If you want to read something more objective, I would recommend you Vittorio Messori's one, which is also sold by Amazon.
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