Opus Dei is a organization within the Catholic church started by Father Josemaria Ecriva in 1928. It is composed mainly of lay people within the normal structure of society, and their identities are kept secret. In 1950 under the constitution the members were forbidden to reveal their affiliation with Opus Dei; unless given permission to do so by their superiors. The fact that Opus Dei operated for years in secrecy is a statement in itself as to whether it is Christian based. The Bible says whatever is done in secret will be revealed.

There has been much controversy concerning Opus Dei and it's members. Since their identities are kept secret one has no way of knowing if the person they are dealing with is a member or not. Opus Dei wields much power in the secular world due to the fact that their members are in various positions, and will protect the society at all cost. One of the most recent members who was identified was Robert Hanson who was a spy caught selling secrets to the Russians. It is also has been said by critics of the society , which by the way are former members. Such things as mail censorship, book censorship, and the breaking of ties with non-members has been noted as well. It should be noted also that according to a former member of Opus Dei Fr. Vladimir Felzmann Stated that the founder Fr. Josemaria Ecriva was sentimental towards Hitler. For years the Catholic church had no control of the sect.

There are two types of members within the organization. Those who are called Numerary which are priest who live in Opus Dei houses and submit to various types of mortification.
The second is the Supernumerary which are composed of lay members they are allowed to marry,but are to adhere to the same plan as the numerary. Their support of the sect is great and varied. Then there are Numerary Preists they initially join Opus Dei as lay members then become priests after being hand picked in the organization.

There are three other divisions of Opus Dei and they are
1. Associate Opus Dei members who do not live in the houses provided by the sect,however they do pledge celibacy. For usually personal reasons they remain with their Families.
2. Numerary assistant are women who clean the residences and care for the residents. They also pledge celibacy.
3. Cooperators are non members who provide financial support, and they may even be non-catholics.

All in all it must be noted that this secret organization has over 85,000 members world wide, and has been noted to have cult or cult like tendencies. Considered dangerous by it's former members. The mortification process has been said by some members to be necessary.Furthermore CBS news reported that Supreme Court Justices Scalia, Thomas, and Roberts have close ties to the sect, as well as Sen. Rick Santorum. Is this to say that one can purge their sins by bodily harm? According to the Bible this is only possible through an encounter with Christ.

Just for the record I want to say that the secretive issue alone is enough to question the motives. Opus Dei - Work of God then why the secrets?

Learn more about this author, Lance Gauthreaux.
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