Welcome back to Beyond Global Waves, the podcast dedicated to unravelling the intricate voices and media shaping our world. This series focuses on Opus Dei, a personal prelature within the Catholic Church that has consistently generated significant discussion and debate. Described by journalists as perhaps ‘the most controversial force in the Catholic Church’ and its founder, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albás, as a ‘polarising’ figure, Opus Dei’s unique structure and practices have attracted both fervent admiration and intense scrutiny.
Our journey begins by acknowledging the deep currents of historical opposition that Opus Dei has faced. Notably, early criticism emerged from within the Catholic Church, with the Jesuits being among those who voiced their concerns. This historical friction highlights fundamental differences in perspectives regarding the role of the laity and the nature of spiritual life within the Catholic tradition. We will explore these influential groups’ points of contention in subsequent episodes.
A significant aspect of Opus Dei that has frequently entered public discourse is its practice of corporal mortification. These practices, often involving physical penance, have raised questions and sometimes alarm among those outside the organisation. Understanding the theological underpinnings and the lived experiences of members who engage in these practices is crucial to grasping this complex element of Opus Dei’s spirituality.
Furthermore, investigating the allegations of aggressive recruiting methods employed by Opus Dei, some critics have drawn parallels to what they term ‘cult-like practices’ in the organisation’s approach to attracting new members. For example, Jesuit priest and writer James Martin noted the emphasis on recruiting, citing Escrivá’s statement: ‘You must kill yourselves for proselytism’. The alleged use of ‘love bombing‘, a technique where potential members are overwhelmed with flattery and admiration, as described by cult specialist David Clark, will also be examined. The experiences of families who claim their loved ones have been alienated upon joining Opus Dei, leading to the formation of groups like the Opus Dei Awareness Network in 1991, underscore the seriousness of these allegations.
Beyond recruitment, concerns have been raised about Opus Dei being highly controlling and operating with a high degree of secrecy. Former members, including numeraries who held positions within Opus Dei’s internal government, have voiced these criticisms. The fragmented and sometimes convoluted information available about Opus Dei’s origins, constitution, and Vatican connections, as noted by Spanish sociologist Joan Estruch, contributes to this perception of secrecy. This secrecy, coupled with what some perceive as a ‘predilection for threatening libel suits against those who write about it or publish articles about it’, as mentioned in the context of María del Carmen Tapia’s experience, conceals its character and activities.
Our investigation will also touch upon legal disputes involving Opus Dei and the varied experiences of women within the prelature. Understanding the nuances of these areas is essential for a comprehensive picture. Moreover, we will analyse the alleged independence and influence within the Roman Catholic Church that Opus Dei is said to wield. The relatively swift canonisation of Josemaría Escrivá has also been a point of contention, with some suggesting it reflects Opus Dei’s power. In contrast, others, like John L. Allen Jr., attribute it to improvements in Vatican procedures and Pope John Paul II’s desire to promote Escrivá’s sanctity.
We will also explore the less publicised, yet significant, questionable business activities that have led some, like Von Peter Hertel of Der Spiegel, to refer to Opus Dei as ‘Santa Mafia’ or ‘Holy Mafia’. This aspect adds another layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding the organisation.
In counterpoint to these criticisms, it is essential to acknowledge that supporters of Opus Dei argue that criticisms are often rooted in ‘bad faith, jealousy, vengefulness, or other biases’ and sometimes stem from a simple ‘misunderstanding’ of Opus Dei’s mission and novelty. This perspective highlights the deeply divided opinions surrounding the prelature.
Throughout this series, we will draw upon the experiences of former members, such as María del Carmen Tapia, whose book ‘Beyond the Threshold‘ (published in Italian as ‘Oltre la soglia’) chronicles her ‘disenchantment’ with Opus Dei. Tapia’s personal account and the letters exchanged between her and Javier Echevarría, a former head of Opus Dei, offer valuable insider perspectives on the organisation’s practices and the challenges those who choose to leave face. Her experience of feeling that official claims of members being ‘free to act on their own’ contrast with the ‘virtual unanimity of outlook’ often observed among Opus Dei members regarding political and religious causes raises fundamental questions about individual autonomy within the organisation. Joan Estruch’s sociological study further probes these ‘puzzles’ to understand the reasons behind the ‘mystification’ and ‘secrecy’ surrounding Opus Dei despite its seemingly ordinary beginnings.
By examining detailed analysis and considering the historical context, Beyond Global Waves aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Opus Dei’s multifaceted story. Prepare to look beyond the global waves and delve into the heart of this intriguing and controversial institution.
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