Faith, power, manipulation - The secrets of the Opus Dei sect | DW Documentary

[@JJ-ls4ej]

Opus Dei is associated with Project 2025, via Leonard Leo. Chilling

[@Roses-lilac]

And JD Vance is a devout Catholic…. Hmmm…. Methinks…. One of the chief authors of project 2025 is a member of Opus Dei.

[@barbarac9805]

The Guardian has published an article about it entitled: Kevin Roberts, architect of Project 2025, has close ties to radical Catholic group Opus Dei Just Google it, interesting read.

[@maxsmith695]

@@Roses-lilac Devout? I bet he could not name the Stations of the Cross.

[@Rose-kj7rz]

And Justice Alito. An investigation on it has begun. I misspoke. He was knighted by The Constantinian Order. Who is connected to Opus Dei

[@JJ-ls4ej]

@ thank you so much for your reply. I did not know that about Alito!! Wow, the more I learn the more everything makes sense. Do you know how or via whom Russia is involved in all this? Can you tell me how /where I can get updates on the investigation?

[@1112viggo]

One thing all religions have in common: God is all powerful, all knowing, all wise, all present and eternal. Yet for some reason he always wants your money...

[@Andy-ig9ky]

That's a good one 😂 it's true though innit?

[@StRaphael-we9qn]

@@Andy-ig9ky The church⛪️won't build or maintain itself will it ?

[@SantanaCampbell]

@@attilakohbor3360 That was 10%!

[@chadmccoy8032]

This is terrifying. I know what’s coming to the USA through Kevin Roberts and Project 2025.

[@Claire11elliott]

😂

[@MariaPedersen-mq5hk]

I studied at the University of Navarra for a semester as part of a study abroad program. Although my Spanish friends felt uneasy about its association with Opus Dei, they told me they'd always dreamed of attending there because it's known to be the best university in Spain.

[@user-ot9bk2sh9s]

Same script in Kenya with Strathmore University

[@samuelad1513]

Christians and Christian values are under attack. There’s nothing wrong with groups activities and values and such documentaries are sponsored by the anti Christ’s and their agents. What wrong with living life as a true Christian. You people don’t talk about religions that supports and sponsors bloodshed around the world for fear of retribution while their sponsors live in luxury in Iran, Saudi, Qatar and else.

[@jorgecoelho4051]

Immediately your comment reminded me that the basis of education in Europe, milenia before the discoveries has always been at religious locations, they safe kept the knowledge from Rome.

[@casadechris923]

All educational clubs, universities or institutes that have members who establish these programs tend to excel. My prep school was and is one of the best in the DC metro area. Jesuit’s schools are their main competition yet people would never dare to call them cultish. A strong discipline in education, hence why in Asia it’s starting to pick up their expansion.

[@infjelphabasupporter8416]

As a Spaniard, there's definitely something odd about that story because the University of Navarra is NOWHERE NEAR being the best university in Spain. In Spain the whole presitigious/college culture doesn't exist; the only ones that are somewhat academically recognized as the best are all in Catalonia.

[@itsjustme4848]

The ENCOURAGEMENT of suffering should be rejected by any sane person or anyone who has compassion for their fellow humans.

[@hugodomingo3765]

Go an ask any Opus Dei member if they flagellate themselves. ... The conspiracy theory music at the end, the implied messages of Opus Dei doing something illegal - the whole presentation stinks. It's as if the media is attempting to turn your mood against your mind.

[@lauriemayne7436]

Tell that to my local MC (masochist's club). People like you want to take all the joy out of PM (perversion maximization). Shame on you.

[@troycequimpo6685]

Keep coping bro. Self denial is self mastery

[@StRaphael-we9qn]

Hi there, ❤️ is suffering 😮

[@EdnaAssuncao-f8b]

L'Amore nell mondo già stato. Raffredado. 😮

[@lazlomattachine8334]

When folks tell you about how much they spend their days living “in love and mercy” or how holy they are, beware.

[@kinglear5952]

'Much talk about benevolence and love is the surest sign of their absence' Lao Tzu

[@richarddr1234]

Pretty much describes how you should deal with any virtue signaller. You find a lot of that sort on Twitter.

[@savantianprince]

Any organization like this are committing crimes against humanity

[@etobillions]

you gotta act love not talk it. the west has really made the word love so casual. every here and there is i love you, they even say ot online to total strangers, i wonder really loud how you could possibly love someone or something without actually critically knowing the person or thing

[@cd3881]

Ditto!

[@lauriemayne7436]

“The greatest achievement of humanity is not its works of art, science or technology but the recognition of its own dysfunction, its own madness.” Eckhart Tolle. What more needs to be said?

[@WellBehavedForeigner]

Do you still think it was a good idea to give our signatures to the first South Asian [land]farmer, or are you going to glue my china back together as a soldier?

[@jordantheriverman6143]

That Eckhard Tolle doesn't recognise his own self deception and subsequent deception of countless others. "Take from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and you shall be as gods"- Satan and Eckhart Tolle. Do not be surprisd for even Satan masquarades as an angel of light, so do his messengers.

[@WellBehavedForeigner]

@@jordantheriverman6143 come on man I'm not going to let you go back into a dark age like that. Buy me a ticket so I can become mayor in your swamp

[@pierrelabounty9917]

Yep, come to grips God's judgement on how we do trying to govern under Satan. This spiritual condition makes the world unfit for beings originally made in His image. Satan mocks God with our condition. So where does this leave Opus Dei. It's a cult part christian , part something else. Though hand be joined in hand they will not go without censure if they do wrong to each other. They serve an idea and ideal and an organization. I'd be happy to know I am wrong, seriously.

[@magemaatikko]

Otto Von Bismarck: In History of (homo sapiens) we learn that humanity doesn' t learn anything from history!

[@duncescotus2342]

"I have spoken openly to the world, and in secret I have taught nothing." --Jesus Christ

[@duncescotus2342]

@Hyperdulia Of course, Superservant! How silly of me to doubt the special revelation, divine imperative, favor, calling, cosmic vision, global necessity and absolute devil-destroying power of this club!

[@duncescotus2342]

@Hyperdulia What are you saying? Are we Jews? How do we "follow God's law?' 1. "Christ is the end (cessation, goal) of the law unto righteousness..." (Romans 10:4) 2. "Abolishing in His flesh the commandments in ordinances..." (Ephesians 2:15) 3. "He is the mediator of a better covenant..." (Hebrews 8:6) 4. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done..." (Titus 3:5) 5. "He himself bore our sins in His body..." (1 Peter 2:24) 6. The law is called "the yoke of slavery which our forefathers (the Jews) could not bear." (Peter speaking in Acts 15:10) 7. "Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions..." (Galatians 3:19) 8. The Old Testaments prophets bear witness of the true righteousness of God: "Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:1-6) 9. If that is not enough, this one ought to cinch the point: "You who are of the law (seeking to justified by it) are cut off (separated, divorced) from Christ. You have fallen from grace." (Galatians 5:4) Please pray on these things. The ignorance of scripture and even the cross itself is staggeringly apparent here. I say this with sadness to the profound discredit of your organization. You are not a chaste bride, but adulterers of the New Testament of His blood.

[@duncescotus2342]

@Hyperdulia Ok, I'm sorry. I see that English is not your first language. Yes, what you say is true, but be very suspicious of all American organizations (and the American branch of international ones) as they are very political and almost all corrupt. This is a country where huge amounts of money are funneled to these non-profit non-taxable fronts in order to win votes.

[@duncescotus2342]

@Hyperdulia Ok, thanks for that reply. You may be right, especially concerning the roots of the movement and its original intent. But secrecy is not a New Testament virtue. The Holy of Holies is open. That's the first thing that happened when Jesus died. Also, check out the "C-streeters." These are Washington DC insiders (Christians) who have influenced politics for years using secrecy. And of course, there's the old Enlightenment standby Freemasonry. No good. There's enough clubs within Catholicism. We need no more confraternities. There was a time for monasticism. A time for universities. We need unity in the Christian faith--Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant. That time is now.

[@cd3881]

@Hyperdulia Trinity is actually the Doctrine of the Devil....sorry🤷🏿‍♀️. There is Almighty God 💎Genesis 17:1; 35 who is The Most High God. And we have his Son, the Son of God 💎Hebrews 4:14, The Son of the Most High 💎Luke 1:30-32, 34, 35, who is our Lord and Savior...Our MIGHTY GOD 💎Isaiah 9:6. The problem is you all are not reading and studying the Scriptures that provides the truth about Who Christ and his Father Almighty God is. Jesus told us he has a Father. JESUS FATHER SENT HIM TO EARTH...GAVE HIM TO THE WORLD 💎John 3:16; 💎John 4:34; 5:30, 37; 💎John 6:38-40. Jesus told you his Father is greater than he is 💎John 14:28; 💎John 5:22; 💎Matthew 11:27; 💎Luke 10:22; 💎John 6:44, 65 and 💎John 14:6; 💎John 10:29. YES JESUS BY HIS OWN WORD TELLS US HE HAS A FATHER SEE 💎Matthew 7:21. What did Jesus say at 💎Luke 22:42. IF GOD AND JESUS ARE "ONE IN ESSENCE, " AS THE TRINITY SAYS , HOW COULD JESUS'S WILL, OR WISH, SEEM DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF HIS FATHER? 💎Hebrews 5:7, 8; 💎Hebrews 9:24; REASON ON THAT. STOP CALLING JESUS AND HIS FATHER A LIAR!. I WOULD SUGGEST YOU DO WHAT 💎John 17:3 and 💎Romans 10:9 tells you to do. Everlasting life hinges on this and flee these churches and their false religious teachings courtesy of Satan the Devil. Read 💎John 20:17. Also READ in the holy Scriptures 💎John 10:18; 💎John 12:49; 💎John 15:10 and also check out 💎1 Corinthians 11:3 (The head of Christ is God); 💎1 Corinthians 8:6 and also 💎1 Timothy 2:3-6. Worship God, Jesus told Satan at 💎Matthew 4:10. Jesus did not tell Satan to worship him, he told Satan to Worship God ...to worship The Father. The god many of you are worshiping and following and praying to is Satan the Devil the ruler and god of this world 💎1 John 5:19. This wickedness spoken about in this documentary is NOT of God... NOT this nor a religious organization that condone and encourage this brand of evil...This is not the act or behavior of Jesus Christ or his Father. READ THE HOLY BIBLE. TRINITY IS A FALSE DOCTRINE AND THE SCRIPTURES SUPPORTS THIS. THE TRINITY IS NOT...NOT...I REPEAT NOT A TEACHING OF JESUS OR OF THE EARLY CHRISTIANS. IF YOU BELIEVE THIS THEN PROVIDE SCRIPTURAL PROOF....PLEASE AND THANK YOU. Finally Scriptures said call no one on earth Father except our Heavenly Father, our Almighty God (Look this Scripture up for yourself). The Pope is a man. He is not your Father. Almighty God is🤷🏿‍♀️

[@virgiliod.9436]

Opus Dei is clearly a cult because these people are not lying. Work of God is not about judging others. Jesus said judge not or you will be judged. God's work is not about hurting people nor coveting power and influence because God always provide.

[@virgiliod.9436]

No matter how much they hate me, God always provide for me and defend me.

[@pakde8002]

The way OD operates sounds similar to how the evangelical movement infiltrated local government in the USA by running for every position available then once in office they could staff non elected positions in local government with like minded people who were basically permanent. With this base they were able to move on to state level then national level elected offices and it was extremely effective. I actually had a situation where a mental health worker at a county center insisted we pray and she basically started speaking in tongues. And I thought I was supposed to be the crazy one.

[@astralchimp]

..it's so much more..

[@astralchimp]

@@zaphodtrillian5237 " communists " in red robes praying to Baal

[@MaryamofShomal]

Oh honey, don’t be fooled: Opus Dei is a large part of the pseudo-Christian fascist movement that has taken over the Republican Party, as well as the Supreme Court of the United States. Dobbs never would have happened without them. And now, they’ve turned their sights and billions onto the rest of our government and society. See: Leonard Leo, The Federalist Society, People of Praise

[@ProbablyOnLSD69]

@@astralchimp seek professional help

[@llc1976]

Yup and many are in the Supreme Court now and Billy barr is a Member

[@Spikesons]

Such a throwback to the Middle Ages...

[@effendititus]

I believe this documentary did not dig deep enough to uncover the operations of the organization. It would have been more informative to the viewers to investigate how the organization deploys it's finances and it's members in powerful positions, and to what strategic end it does so.

[@Yinyara]

It makes you wonder if they infiltrated the U.S. courts 🤨

[@MiyaSamaCo]

I also wish they would have shown more as well. However, just take a look at the US Supreme Court...

[@isrberlinerin4063]

It is very difficult to get into the financial side of this Cult !

[@karenmcardle142]

You wouldn't get that far in to expose the funds.

[@coleengoodell7523]

@@MiyaSamaCo I was thinking the exact same thing as I watched this.

[@nkrump]

I was Opus Dei educated from 7th grade through college. I had no boss, just a confessor who was my priest from birth. Fr Fred knew me before I was born and died in 2007. No one is keeping tags on you, I’m hyper-numerate, which is just really great at math. I then selected a new priest and he has to listen to me now, I don’t work for the priest he works for me. Also, I never saw my parents pay them anything. I was on a full ride the whole way. I’ve never seen one of my professors inflict pain or intentionally bruise themselves. This documentary is just people who hurt. Some of what they say may actually be true. But it’s like combat in the desert…results may vary. I was a test pilot for helicopters, my younger brother was a truck driver, and another brother a Cavalry scout. My tours were highly hands on but easy…only for me. Opus Dei cares for many people who cannot do mathematics, they recruit mathematicians and teachers…I bet there are a few pricks in the organization. It’s like this in all organizations. Organizations have flaws. Opus Dei has people, who take in and care for the simple, some autism, fetal alcohol adoptions, lambs of God.

[@maxinemcclurd1288]

Thank you Nathan for the patient kind explanation , people are so afraid of what they don't understand.

[@erikriza7165]

Nathan P. Krump I have been favorably impressed and edified by all the Opus Dei members i have ever met. God bless you. You would be a good brother for anyone to know.

[@lucystephanieproperties]

I'm glad to hear this. The way this documentary was made seems like they want to scare people from a more religious life. 😆 Anyway, the Church also takes care of those who are in need indeed. Glory to God in the highest. 🙏

[@pechaa]

Every successful criminal organization provides services to the people whom they serve and hide behind. The most successful criminals are those who cultivate an aura of goodness and untouchability. In the case of Opus Dei, there are many red flags 🚩

[@Alex_00051]

What about sleeping on the floor and forbidden to shower with warm water??? Opus Dei/ Ode to the Devil.

[@alexs.5107]

As a catholic who lived in an Opus Dei study center (a residence for varsity students) with numeraries and (frequented) many Opus Dei priests for many years (still am), I can surely declare that this is a very misleading documentary full of nonsense. Most (98%) Opus Dei members are catholic lay people who take part in everyday secular activities. They can be doctors, engineers, teachers, ministers, carpenters, plumbers, etc like any citizen of the country they live in. There is nothing secret, manipulative or powerful about Opus Dei. This is yet another stupid, low and shameful attack on Catholic Church organisations that try to live out their faith faithfully by the liberal media mob. There is absolutely nothing being taught in Opus Dei that s contrary to catholic sound doctrine. The ex Opus Dei priest talked a lot of nonsense. Life in Opus Dei is not as difficult and unpleasing as he made it sound. There are TVs in centers, movies are watched , football is watched (I watched the 2020 Russia World cup, the Euro 2018 and every other big games, the classico, etc), ... Of course they try to keep the environment as sane as possible by discarding obscene movies and limiting distraction time. Remember, it s a study center, you are encouraged and taught how to plan and maximise your time. You are encouraged to study hard, to make friends, to help people, etc . Nothing is forced on you and you can leave whenever you want. This priest was just probably ashamed to live out his life freely, he was constantly worried of what others might think or say of him. Pathetic. On mortification: I challenge you to read Jose Maria s books and find chaining and scourging in there. It s nonsense. Mortification is a daily practice of every practicing catholic who takes his faith seriously and wants to discipline his body and cultivate his spiritual life. Every saint practiced mortification. There is absolutely nothing inhumane about depriving yourself of a treat for the benefice of your friend, waking up at a fixed time every day, not wasting your time, fasting, giving your time to others, observing your time allocated to prayer, being selective about what you watch and listen to, etc. There is nothing inhumane about trying to become the master of your body, your thoughts and not their slave. Some people in their 'disordered zeal' go to some extremes to the point of hurting themselves, that s not catholic. In fact, it is the duty of the priest (or friends) to stop you if you re going to harm yourself. And nothing is never forced of you. Think of Lent as an example, while the Church exhorts us to mortify ourselves in preparation for Easter, we have the liberty to choose the practices that suit us the best. Something that has become almost a cliche, is giving up chocolate during Lent, ... Mortification is not sadism, it s self sacrifice for others, for love, discipline. The Catholic Church does not teach that the body is evil, in fact it is good and will be resurrected by Jesus. Everybody will have his body. All the Church teaches is that we be masters of our bodies and not their slaves. "Assistant numeraries, women who cook and clean'': the journalist made it sound like it was some kind of illicit capitalistic exploitation of people. The catering are what they are, catering , they are paid for the work they do. Nothing is free and life is pleasant in Opus Dei centers. If you don't believe me, I challenge you to pay a visit to an Opus Dei Study center, if there is one in your city. On Obedience, there is absolutely nothing new going on in Opus Dei. Obedience is present in every catholic congregation. Priests pledge obedience to their bishops, bishops pledge obedience to the pope. Religious Nuns, monks ... take vows of obedience. Opus Dei members do not take vows (they re secular like you and me), however obedience in good conscience is expected of them. If obedience is not your thing, you can't be a priest, a nun, a monk, a bishop, a Pope. On leaving Opus Dei: No one is forced to join or remain in Opus Dei. A friend of mine joined Opus Dei and lived in Opus Dei Centers for almost a decade. He left Opus Dei 3 years ago because it was not his vocation, this is a conclusion he reached freely with the help of his director and my friend has nothing but good things to say about Opus Dei. Notice that it takes very long to become a numerary, it s a long way of discernement and you can leave at any stage like my friend did. We did not hear that from the journalist. There are seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. One of them is the 'anointing of the sick'. It s a sacrament given to very sick people in preparation for their death which might or might not come. It s a sort of "sacrament of confession'' for the sick. Catholics confess their mortal sins to priests, that s not a secret. If the ridicule could kill, the journalist who made this documentary will be dead by now. The media hates the Catholic Church. They re very fond of 'liberal' catholics who don't take their faith seriously and conform to the will of the secular world. Like any citizen of any country, Catholics have the right to fight for what they believe in, Isn't that democracy? After all how did we come to have so called 'homosexual marriages ' and transgenderism? Do you think everybody in society agrees with transgenderism ? I for one do not. PEACE

[@that_introvert]

You are so right, this documentary is trash bag of lies

[@Bullcutter]

Very well said!

[@mylynebaluyan6844]

This Documentary is ridiculous and biased...I can't imagine the pain you inflict on Jesus..when He says what you do to list of my brothers you do unto me..If you only knew God...

[@phyllisseidl9117]

I for one think people have the right to choose who they love...You Christians are running out of people to hate. Ya PEACE as long as it's only for the people you like. Keep supporting your hate cult while it's still prevalent. Religious zealots sure like telling others how to live THEIR lives.

[@marimeralbarece9772]

True… This is false… all false…

[@sherylcrowe3255]

"The greatest trick the Devil ever played... Was convincing the World he dosen't exist. "

[@joeyfotofr]

Evil exists. Did you miss the class where they taught the meaning of "Metaphor."

[@toriidawdy8456]

I like the one where he takes an audience members watch and smashes it bits .... Your think Wow ... Dudes watch just got smashed ... But then he finds behind someone's ear. Now get this ... It's perfectly fine !

[@tracyannjohnson5724]

Usual Suspects.

[@toriidawdy8456]

@Eidelmania Certainly the darkest spectre to haunt these shores .

[@taye7968]

He works for god

[@anonymary625]

This documentary stirred lots of painful memories. I was in a relationship with an OD member when I was doing my PhD at an elite university in Europe. As an atheist from outside of Europe, I had not heard of OD and didn't know he was in OD. I thought he was just religious as he went to church and prayed a lot every day. He kept our relationship a secret and traveled back home in Spain every weekend. I was naïve and thought he might have another girlfriend or even family back home. I finally found out about OD and learned that he was supposed to be celibate. He told me he'd lived in some sort of university dorm with some senior priests since a kid. OD sent him to our university for doing PhD to prepare him for leadership in an elite university in Spain. He said it was his first time living on his own, and he felt more distant from God. He said he went back to the dorm in Spain every weekend to restore his faith and to have weekly meetings on new recruits. I saw him struggle for months, and one day he said he was going through the legal procedures to quit OD. He became a different person once quitting OD; we broke up on bad terms and have not spoken since. Upon graduating his PhD, he joined the elite university in Spain as originally planned and is happily married. I am happy for him, but I wish I didn't have to go through all those painful years to find out about OD.

[@biancaenera2500]

Yes, I was in a relationship with an alien. 👽🤣🤣🤣

[@gordonaliasme1104]

Religion is a breeding ground for the gullible

[@AL_YZ]

He was a hypocrite from the start. And he was sleeping with you. Totally dishonest. You were a fling. The secret delight he used and enjoyed. The compromise between what he professed and what his carnal needs demanded. You were screwed by your boyfriend. Opus Dei didn't do it to you. You were "naive". Sure. Women say that when they want something and got to have it.

[@juliarman]

@@AL_YZ Get a life, loser. Human life is a little more complicated and functions with empathy. Both live their lives, the original poster is even capable of feeling happy for another person. That is, in Christian terms, miles ahead of from where you struggle...Hating and judging people on YT from your basement...

[@poppymoon777]

I just met someone who’s dad was high up in opus dei. They were surprised I’d heard of it. OD perhaps does not get as much attention as the more glamorous cults

[@acfatemi]

I don’t recognise Opus Dei in this report. I have friends in opus dei for more than 30 years , three who left after a few year - totally without drama though it of course was a disappointment for their fellow numerarias. At one stage I asked to become à supernumeraria. Members recieve a thourough education in theology & philosophy and more. Not many are admitted to this extensive, ambitious program; I wasn’t. Still, I enjoy very much to visit a center when I have the opportunity.

[@francesbernard2445]

Remember that history often gets rewritten in a bit of a different tone so often that the bigger picture going on for real at the time starts getting a new name.

[@margaretngigi4721]

Personally I benefited from OD .i got a decent education that my parents could not afford in any other colleges in Kenya. I personally lived in their center as a trainee for hotel industry for two years and my experiences are good.nobody was forced to join

[@nyalih929]

It could be because Kenya is such an extremist religious country that behaviour by such sects seems normal. Also the fact that they paid for an education may be colouring your opinion.

[@transi8235]

Let’s see when is your pay back. You never get anything free from them

[@thespot2035]

You sound indoctrinated and naïve 😅 Do you think your privilege from them allows you to be objective? You said it yourself,you lived at their centre so it's not surprising that you're aligned with it! Hopefully your life turns out healthy but then again, it's Kenya so.,.

[@MsKelvin99]

am Kenyan too

[@tripprawlings9284]

@@nyalih929ignorant, pompous comment unless you grew up in Kenya in similar circumstances.

[@communitygardener17]

As a child I asked my fanatic parent the difference between cult and religion. She insisted the two were completely different. She taught me what hypocrisy looked like in practice and over time I find the line between religion and cult is non-existent.

[@duncescotus2342]

It can get blurry. When too much emphasis is placed on any man other than Jesus it's not good.

[@mindsigh4]

not to argue with anyones experience, but Iately, the perspective that makes sense to me is that ego can contaminate any enterprise, no matter how good or how many (or few) safeguards. with predators, who follow their own selfish egoic desires, their compulsions, addictions, prejudices or imagined fears (paranoia) can cause them to act without (listening to) a conscience & to carry out crimes against humankind, especially if they hold positions of power, whether it be money, high position of supposed authority, teachers, counselors priest/pastor/rabbi/guru/life coach, psychic, medium, professor, doctor, scientist, or whatever, to the degree they have a grandiose sense of entitlement, (an inflamed ego) they can be ruthless/ destructive/dangerous, especially when they have access to children or vulnerable people, being opportunists, that prey on their victims wherever they find them. there are genuine practitioners of many faiths & i don't think it's fair to condemn religion without taking into account individual responsibility, but "secret" societies would be a very good place to hide & therefore attractive for unscrupulous types to get away with their crimes.

[@lende5740]

God's message was stolen about 300 years after Jesus'death. Religion is useless Read the Bible and ask for guidance, then , hold on sister. Religious leaders will tell you things about the Bible that is simply not true. But the Bible don't lie nor does it contradict. It it the glory of God to conceal a matter. It is the glory of man to to seek a matter out.

[@ezequielv6390]

Ladies and gentleman, a youtube comment.

[@duncescotus2342]

@@ezequielv6390 That's supposed to mean you agree?

[@ilonag7839]

I know many Opus Dei members and they do live good lives and are supportive of everyone they meet! It’s not a cult! If you want to understand their mission and values do your own research :)

[@xavierpaololedesmamandreza]

Of course. They would only show you their Best Selves on the Outside. That what a Cult usually does.

[@patriciovillacalaycay687]

Opus Dei is a Catholic organization that guide and inspire people to be close to God. Values of Opus Dei are values of the Catholic church.

[@iraidabolander3094]

Amen

[@janepurcell6747]

It's extraordinary that despite their supposedly innate superiority, the 'Numeraries' still have to have washing and cooking done for them by women servants, sorry, 'Assistant Numeraries'. I grew up catholic and most of the catholic men would have starved in a well-equipped kitchen.

[@MsDormy]

I’m reminded of that hilarious Father Ted episode, where the two priests are clueless in the kitchen when their housekeeper has a day off.

[@Juliobrem]

Why do yo reduce the domestic labors as a servant? Is a person homestay mom less valueable than a Walgreens manager? Is a women or men who has the duty to make a house into a HOME, less valuable than a lawyer?

[@lisahill182]

Not in this Catholic house😄 My husband was a cook when we met, and he decided all of our children needed to learn to cook even the boys! All of our kids know how to cook before leaving home. I love it!

[@richardgreene6810]

Perhaps. But most of the Catholic women wouldn't have well-equipped kitchens.

[@lisahill182]

@@richardgreene6810 True😂

[@luit2tinke]

To me, it's beyond ironic that religious groups and cults that preach a "peaceful, simple life" like the most important prophet or most holy person of the religion had, always turn put to be power thirsty, oppressing, hypocritical and very often corrupt.

[@pechaa]

Not ironic -- It is the usual way of things.

[@clivejames5058]

In the 1970s, I lived for over a year in a London Opus Dei hostel. It was one of the happiest years of my life. Although a Protestant, I made life long friends and was included in everything. I was not forced to attend Mass or Retreats etc., merely invited. Perhaps I got off lightly because I experienced nothing but kindness with no sinister behaviours or ulterior motives.

[@rbbadrina1]

The life of St. Ignatius of Loyola would help us understand the importance that everything is a means to an end and the end is to praise, reverence, and serve God. The rules should not be the end in itself. I remember a Director of Opus Dei once told me that this charism is not for everyone but I was surprised that leaving the "work" may lead to pressure among members who stayed. I do not know if this is also the same case here in the Philippines.

[@karenburrows9184]

A little off-topic, there, Robert. How you bring the Jesuits into this work on Opus Dei is a mystery to me. And no, not everyone and everything exists to follow those rules you mention. Everyone should be free to follow their God or no god as they please.

[@rbbadrina1]

@@karenburrows9184 Hi Karen, I just mentioned here my own experience which may not be true for others, and by no means I am not also requiring it to others especially to non believers. I am not sure if you are familiar with the Ignatian spirituality which proposes for believers that they can find God in all things.

[@karenburrows9184]

@@rbbadrina1 Hi Robert. Thanks for clarifying that for me. I was raised in the Catholic religion and received my education from them. In fact, my parish in my youth was St. Ignatius of Loyola and it was Jesuit. I fell away from Catholic beliefs after a conflict of beliefs with my parish priests and the general attitude of the church towards women. I know the history of Ignatius and his founding of the Jesuit order; but I also know that the traditional beliefs of the order were vastly different from those you have pointed out in modern Ignatian spirituality. The old order were known as the 'soldiers of Christ' for their aggressive missionary work among other militaristic endeavours, lasting centuries. It seems the new beliefs are more encompassing and compassionate; albeit requiring a belief in Christ per the tenets of the Catholic church. Although I practice another set of beliefs now, I appreciate having my misconceptions corrected whenever possible. I wish you peace.

[@rbbadrina1]

@@karenburrows9184 thank you also, I was a Jesuit novice before that is why I share to you these things, in addition when I was in college I used to attend sessions in an Opus dei center. Those are the experiences I am coming from. I also wish you peace.

[@jeannettejordan7104]

It is not possible to understand Opus Dei from the outside as is evident from this program. I’m not a Catholic but as I hear criticism of Christianity in general those who don’t practice never come close to the truth about this belief system.

[@jacqqulen9106]

Corruption is everywhere. Clergy aren't deities but it still embarrassing how distant they're with God considering their positions.

[@grahamhiggins1]

Watched this in full, but not convinced it really told us anything. I still can’t say who or what they are, having watched it.

[@ktcooki276]

😂

[@marilenaganea6578]

They are psychos greedy of power preying on stupid people. That's what religions did since ... forever

[@jess99912]

You should not be convinced since what they are saying are all lies. Opus Dei is not a cult. It is a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church.

[@Lisabug2659]

Thought it was just me....😮

[@lauriemayne7436]

What happened to the other two replies?

[@jtg3765]

To me, the problem does not seem to be the rules, obedience (unless commanded into a sin), and penitential practices - if one doesn't like an organization, don't join it. The problem with this group is that one seems to be love bombed and drawn into a world one didn't expect or anticipate with full knowledge and freedom of choice. Also, whatever compels one to stay out of fear or guilt or fearing the loss of one's salvation is also a far cry from other organizations, however severe and penitential, but where one is free to leave and advocated to leave if one is not up for the lifestyle.

[@martinkent333]

PARANOIA IS FUN, EH?

[@minui8758]

Absolutely bang on from my point of view having lived in their London house for a year. Took me several years to feel comfortable enough to go back to the sacraments and regular catholic life after

[@Alex_00051]

My cousin is part of this goddamn cult. He yelled at my dad "Uncle! Do not read The Da Vinci Code!". YUCK FOU!!!!

[@musamusa3767]

I have and am still a member . I joined freely and I have never been forced to do anything! You are only encouraged to live your lives to the fullest giving glory to God.Even those who have left they do so freely and most of them continue attending various activities organized by the Work! Retreats, Recollections to name but afew . From where I sit, don’t believe everything you watch or listen from the net!

[@willgridahmahiaini]

They only find themselves in position of power because they're excellent in the work they do

[@marcosguariso]

Don't disconsider the experience of other people, many, who were psychologically forced into this organization...

[@Apes2man]

How the church handled the molestation of children makes them untrustworthy.

[@susankeith326]

​@@Apes2manPrecisely!!

[@almaroseschultz4991]

I’m 50year old and when I was a teenager I was kind of a troubled child. However I was raised going to church since the day I was born literally. However as a teenager my parents didn’t know what to do with me so they decided to send me to live with nuns that lived in a home they shared and also have known me since birth. The sisters had a scheduled everyday and that waking up early getting ready then having breakfast then praying 🙏🏼 the rosary going to the church and praying some more then going back to their home eat dinner and get ready for bed by 8 p. I looked forward to Sunday church cause my parents were in the choir. It was kinda scary only cause it was always quiet. Ok now I questioned them why they woke up so early then go to bed early. The five sisters would break some rules for me and take me to the movies 🍿 and take me to my parents so I can tell my momma why she left me there and she replied “I thought it would be nice for U and fix U. “ well I did learn the nuns never got nun. and learned to behave so I don’t have to go to church 5 times a week lol. Don’t get me wrong I love my God but I was a teenager. it’s 2weeks and my beautiful nuns needed a break from me. Lol. The point is I never saw these nuns stressed out or scared of the priests. Maybe it’s cause it’s different now. My beautiful nuns are all past away now and missed dearly. How ever I don’t understand how this could turn to a cult. How sad how people take advantage of the religion, for power n money.

[@sloeberdoet]

Religion is about power over another being. Always.

[@horizon-one]

Don't believe media so easily who are run by enemies of Christ and His Church - the Roman Catholic Church. This is not a 'cult'. Anyone who blindly believes the media is very naive and lacking in basic intelligence.

[@estherpat4227]

@@sloeberdoet it is your view... i am a religious Nun and am a Registered nurse. I have never asked for salary for I signed that whatever I earn should be used to educate orphans or pay hospital bills for those unable. I have my quiet time to pray and family and friends can visit for 1 hour week days or more over the weekend

[@andrewgrant7846]

@@sloeberdoet no thats not true always.

[@darthvader5300]

Opus Dei brainwashes the children and the very young people belonging to very wealthy and influential people and who are highly impressionable and easy to brainwash by Opus Dei to become puppets of this evil organization. The KGB-GRU has been monitoring and recording these nutcases for a very long time. And telling them not to get married by saying if you are devoted then you won't get married. Why? So that your money and all of your assets will go to them! That's why!

[@davidromero1018]

Not everybody is called to be a monk and not everybody is called to be a nun many are called but few are chosen God has given you freedom you could choose whatever vocation you want

[@vivekapihl5179]

The thing is that Opus Dei lay members don't have a status of religious life in the Canon law, not even the numerary members. They should know entering that they don't have any legal position in the Canon law nor in the secular law. The obedience and all they are expected to do in Opus Dei, is their private choice and they themselves are responsibles of their life. When you enter to real canonical religious life, the Canon law defines your rights, as your obligaations.

[@cefasyefas]

I've met many people from Opus Dei and, as a matter of fact, they were incredibly kind to me, to my family and to my friends. In addition, if we take the definition of 'sect' from the Cambridge Dictionary, it says that a sect is 'a religious group that has separated from a larger religion and is considered to have extreme or unusual beliefs or customs', hence, as the Opus Dei is recognized and accepted by the Church, I think it must be said that Opus Dei is nothing close to a sect, just an institution. Just that. I believe Opus Dei has done a much greater good than evil. I'm Spanish and here it is widely spread, so I probably have experienced Opus Dei way more than a lot of people from the comments section. I've met a lot of people from Opus Dei and, honestly, they all were very nice.

[@rvansteensel420]

As if somebody in OD would tell you they are OD get a life and search for attention somewhere else

[@cefasyefas]

@@rvansteensel420 What?

[@bossb8989]

@@rvansteensel420 😳 Are we on the same page?

[@juliealbright5191]

Interesting...I found numerous DW Documentaries on here bashing Christians, But none bashing Islam. Why is that?

[@Claire11elliott]

There needs to be a separation between Christianity, Islam and fundamentalism. Doesn't matter what religion it is, if people twist it and cause harm, it is not of God.

[@jamesanonymous2343]

THEIR STRENGTH IS IN THEIR NUMBERS, NOT IN THEIR PHILOSPHY. THE MEMBERS STAND LIKE A WALL, PREVENTING ANY SNOOPERS TO LOOK INSIDE THE ""FIRM"

[@kennyinliverpool]

A lot of this is public information, not secret.

[@mihaiserbu8447]

As a doctor and a christian practitioner, i was involved in many christian groups , chatolic, prostestant, orthodox, yoga, passioned about statistics i can tell you that this dw film has errors, perspectives errors. There is a tendency to blame the other , for your choices that weren't fit for you. One of the groups i was involved saw themselves as "the athletes of God " . I understood them, i prcaticed, i couldn't do it everyday. You have to objective. If you are a sportman your coach will push your limits , will tell you , you have to eat that, do this exercises..etc. There are people who will get frustrated, but it's not coachs fault. Chosing to pursue excelence it's not a bad thing. You choose for a competion, fit people. Opus Dei is more riguros, doesn't mean is bad. We have a tendency to criticesized what is not in a "medium range " and we can't achieve with normal strugle. The Dw voice choosed in this film is also diferent depending who portraits, the background music is purposely dark. A lot of people from Europe don't really understand and internalize, what is the concept of market economy . Competing ideas, competing groups are normal and also good that exist. Don't blame the game if you can't respect the rules !!! Play another one!!

[@kforest2745]

There’s a reason why behavioural corruption is high today but I don’t have time to note it right now. It goes all the way back to when laws were first made.

[@thomasjhenniganw]

I am not in favor of Opus Dei, however, I would like to know if DW has made a documentary on the heretical "Synodal Way! that is taking place in Germany.

[@alexs.5107]

No they wouldn't make one because what the heretical "Synodal Way'' is doing is in perfect harmony with the will of the secular world. What they want is to transform the catholic church into another worldly organisation that push for liberal views like so called ' homosexual marriages', abortion and transgederism. DW has demonised Opus Dei, Don't listen to them.

[@AnonymouslyTweetin]

Excellent question

[@zadeodoyo7011]

How do you expect Opus Dei to be a secular organization?

[@Roses-lilac]

Even today, the Spanish tax system allows for part of one’s income tax to be “donated” to the church…. Not clear which sect…. You have to sign off on it.

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

"...Opus Dei's practice of mortification-the voluntary offering up of discomfort or pain to God; this includes fasting, or for its celibate members, "corporal mortifications" such as self-inflicted pain self-flagellation,.." - Wikipedia.

[@starfireooo4844]

This is sick...a loving father who get pleasure from "his children " beating themselves up and offering the pain to him is crazy....man made up religion has so many crazy practices..

[@gsomethingsomething2658]

@@starfireooo4844 Yup, sick.

[@thekingshussar1808]

@@starfireooo4844 it's an act of professing humility, which is biblical I can cite, something unbelievers can barely understand, but you have right to opinion. Your scornful comments only make you look judgemental. Traditional Catholics, Orthodox, Muslims, and Jews have done the same practices of corporal mortifications, it is optional based on how a believer professes the faith, not every people from these religions are forced to do them with the exception of fasting. What does Opus Dei has done to you but fearmongered by a video with poor quality research basing off their agenda of Da Vinci Code, a work of fiction and defamation ? Not all organisations are perfect and the journalists here strawman negative accounts. Seems to me there are many people who have benefitted from OD as than harmed from some of the comments.

[@carmensavu5122]

@@thekingshussar1808 More than the practices themselves, what makes it sick is the worldview behind them. Telling people they are wretched sinners just by having been born, for starters. How in the ever loving f**k is that healthy? It's stomach-twistingly disgusting. And don't give me that crap about humility. This stuff is an abuse of the notion of humility, and you know it. By the way, saying it's biblical is not a point in its favor, quite the opposite.

[@toni4729]

I can't get over it. The more and more I learn about religion the less it appeals to me. I've never had anything to do with any religion although I have read the Bible. I just can't get used to the idea that people actually take this crap seriously.

[@blondiegreeneyes4802]

Isn't that the truth!

[@carmensavu5122]

Hear hear!

[@abigailmpofu4210]

Oh my God. YOU WILL MEET YOUR WORDS AND THE ONLY WORDS YOU WILL SAY IS" MOUNTAIN FALL ON ME"

[@hugodomingo3765]

You let a documentary with conspiracy theory music influence your thoughts and beliefs?

[@rochellecaffee3267]

It is one thing if one chooses this type of life, and a whole other thing to be pressured or manipulated into it. “God loves a cheerful giver...He desires mercy and not sacrifice “.

[@paulkazibacharles]

"Love and Mercy" needs to be redefined by Opus Dei.

[@womanofcharacter]

I know members and this is nothing like what the group is. Maybe higher up in the ranks, but nothing like this lower down the chains at all.

[@NinjaGrrrl7734]

Love and mercy? That is not what I learned to expect from the proud sponsors of the Inquisition. I was raised in this faith, and my rage is considerable. History shows us clearly how devoid of basic human decency most popes have been. The church has NOT been a force for good, in balance. They have so much to answer for.

[@SaintSkanderbegus]

Get behind me satan

[@mariacastillo5625]

I love the dark music used in the background. Dan Brown would be proud. 🙄

[@kathleendawnhall9130]

I used to pray with Opus Dei in the 1970’s and 1980’s we had a statue of our Lady which went around the homes of Opus Dei members, I used to read the book written from their founder. In our parish in outer western Sydney our priest was very male only no woman should walk on the alter, read, or give out communion, I used to work for the government in my section I had a male who was in Opus Dei, he would sit at his desk in trances, praying. When our department was located in the city most of my floor would go up the hill to mass, not mr T. I shifted to Melbourne in 1995 new parish, those coming to live in the area worked out a plan how we could help run the parish. So we began to have readers, give out communion. I stopped reading the Opus Dei book, women participated in all areas,we held social events where every house hold bought a dish. Amongst us were Maltese migrants,Chinese migrants later on our South African friends. We had a big fete on earth year where every person in the parish did something,

[@HomeFromFarAway]

your experience does not delete the abuses that others experienced

[@vseme1572]

I live in Brussels-Belgium, where at the Cathedral, bar the opus dei priests, there are no priests available for the sacrament of confession. The constancy and zeal of Opus Dei in saving souls and ensuring faithful catholics speaks for itself.

[@HomeFromFarAway]

sounds like a cult

[@tommcguire6472]

I'm more worried about people that talk about equality, equity, tolerance, diversity, and tolerance. They practice none of it and seem to be doing the most damage in the world at this time

[@virginiatrott9888]

Not all of them

[@hugoevans8287]

I do not support Opus Dei and have discovered how powerful and dangerous they really are. They can influence anything and anyone everywhere.

[@anamariamadau6602]

Like a Supreme Court, hmm?

[@francanarsie]

I am sure that opinion is formed by personal experience right?

[@hugoevans8287]

Yes I’ve gone and going through a nightmare

[@hugoevans8287]

If you know how I can deal with a situation, then I’m open to ideas

[@francanarsie]

@@hugoevans8287 situation regarding Opus Dei ?

[@theprayingcitizen7441]

The worst mistake with humanity is. Laziness to seek knowledge and worse still apply it

[@canetu]

you can identify someone from their silhouette, hands and voice pretty easily and an organisation like @DW Documentary should be more careful when using images and voices of their sources unless they want them to be exposed

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

Much more than her silhouette was shown--all they did was blur her face, but not nearly enough. Anyone who knows her will recognize her instantly. This is not how you protect a source.

[@AlexandreOliveira1974]

One thing is what one says (and even acts). ANOTHER thing is what one aims. Who's more powerful: OpusDei or Globalist MSM outlets worldwide-brotherhood? Late years' Social agendas and health procedures can tell... DW is MSM Media, Government-owned... rest assued they are like a BANK: not even one blink is un-studied, un-aimed. They are DISHONEST, tend to always watch BEHIND their curtains.

[@matildamarmaduke1096]

A God don't need your money or worship or dedication these are things man needs to be powerful Just a higher class of thug the worst of the worst of preditors

[@misskeirstin6355]

@@matildamarmaduke1096 According to the Bible yeah the church needs your money so they can pay their bills and help the community. If people didn’t tithe or donate to the church how would it pay bills? And it says we serve a jealous God, and yes who wants to be worshipped. 😂 hell what Bible are you reading? If any.

[@onyenke6214]

I thought as much

[@diannerussell9653]

I don’t know why people join Opus Dia Thinking it is one big holiday camp Opus Dia Is for people who want to live a consecrated life of prayer and contemplation. It is a strict branch of the Catholic Church and it is meant for people who are serious about a closer relationship with God it is not a social group you can find those anywhere in society it is an order of strict adherence and if you’re not preparedTo have a close relationship with God as an any religious order whether it be a Convent or a monastery. A strict relationship with God means exactly thatAnd that Is what OpusDia Is about

[@anitacrumbly]

right so why the political influence and why do they need universities and businesses and banks etc.

[@Anna-ot2zj]

This self-mortification stuff puts me off. And if a person has a lifelong illness, any form of mortification is a mortal sin. Live well and keep your body in good order: that's the saintly way imho.

[@sclark9011]

Oh what complex webs they weave when they seek to lie, defraud and decieve.

[@marktaylor3489]

Always heartwarming to see another documentary on why I am no longer a Christian.

[@chevyyyyyyy]

Spain with its control freakish Opus Dei has historically took Fundamentalist Catholicism to the darkest depths at heart, its various strains of predecessors even taken to extreme guilt-based flagellation as shown in religious paintings from the Dark Ages and Early Renaissance in Spain.

[@alisong2328]

I had some Spanish colleagues over before their return to Spain. As they left, Inma put Opus Dei leaflets into my hands and told me to pray to Josemaria Escriva to find a husband! I was speechless! We had never discussed anything personal. I had never spoken about my marital state or the desire to get married.

[@anamariamadau6602]

Did you get a husband by praying to a dead person?

[@Earthbound369]

OMG how insulting!

[@anamariamadau6602]

@@Earthbound369 how?

[@Earthbound369]

@@anamariamadau6602 They just assumed she wanted/needed a husband, without asking her.

[@anamariamadau6602]

Oh. I read it as she was impressed with their psychic powers.

[@PraytheRosaryEveryDay]

Opus Dei is not a traditional work of the Catholic Church and there are many strange rumors about it. But Francisco Franco was a hero of Spain and still deserves to be held in high esteem for what he did for Spain and the Catholic Church during the Civil War of Spain. The Anti-Catholic, Anti-Christian forces would have destroyed the country without him. He was needed at the time he was ruling Spain

[@thekingshussar1808]

Exactly. This video has a lot of bias and people following it either believe myths set by Da Vinci Code or personal prejudices about the Church or faith

[@abigailmpofu4210]

You know nothing of the Catholic Church .it's hidden from your eyes but one day you will see but it will be late.

[@LuciaAbundo]

This video showed the negative opinion of some members but truly if you said the whole church is bad no you can't convince that incident is isolated coz it defends how you understand it besides every one of us will be face our judgement to God individually.God gave his in life to every one of us

[@ceasium98]

Honestly, I think God would be more pleased with people who go out of their way to alleviate other people's pain, rather than waste time inflicting pain on themselves. Self-mortification is intrinsically self-centred.

[@RPlavo]

Spot on

[@gabrielpatrassozelaquett]

For some years now, my experience with Opus Dei has actually been pretty great, even though I’m not part of the prelate. They’re kind, well educated and never push far. Also, their style of spirituality seem to function very well with the modern day life of work and study, having showed me that this things are not a burden, but can surely be a path to God if made with love. Surprisingly, contrary to what the documentary suggests, I see a lot of liberty in there. I think people should have the courage to see things for themselves, instead of just take conclusions based on what is said by others on a single documentary.

[@janettedavis6627]

Australia had free college and university education when I was young but today its very expensive students finishing college start work with huge debts. A Catholic woman predicted about 4 months ago that a famous man well known to the world would be assassinated She doesnt live anywhere near Japan she certainly didnt kill Shinzo Abe. We had Nuns at school some were cruel Bitches obviously shouldn't have been in the convent , others were very saintly I must say. I'm putting comments about a few issues mentioned in the video .

[@jamesbrean8004]

I'm a registered baptized catholic I'm very grateful to be blessed by god

[@adampowell5376]

The love of money is the root of all evil.

[@xelaphilia]

Hating the rich is not the answer.

[@garyblanch7775]

Okay. Try and live without money. The LOVER of money is the problem...not the money!

[@roberteaston6413]

I wonder about FBI traitor, Robert Hannesen. He was a member of Opus Dei. He sold out his country for money. He had everybody fooled.

[@hellepost1439]

Scientolgy🚩

[@adampowell5376]

@@hellepost1439 Yes. The last time I had a conversation with a scientologist he was honest enough to admit that it was about money.

[@Roses-lilac]

Secrecy is a HUGE red flag 🚩 🚩🚩🚩

[@chanxkoi]

Nothing new under the sun. Mix secular journalists' opinion with ominous music---and bam!---you get a thriller documentary. Also why not add seeds of doubt to a case already deemed as having no indication of foul play while they are at it? Except for manipulation/pressure (the testimony of the former members are quite valid), majority of what is reported here is actually quite common to other religious orders: strict schedule (not a surprise...), obedience (unless it is unethical), giving all your money to the organisation (all religious members do this but nobody bats an eye), and limited entertainment (please direct them to a nearby Catholic monastery), but the report makes it seem like this is only Opus Dei's practice. Not even physical mortification is an issue. Many saints did this! So it seems what is problematic to DW is that Opus Dei is Catholic; the "journalist" sounded somewhat dismayed that Pope Francis was not "in the reform movement". LOL, what does that have anything to do with Opus Dei??

[@teena1534]

Using argument like this to try to justify coercive control and manipulation is very cult-like. Usually members are groomed to think in this way and are prepared to overlook all the things that are wrong because it suits the agenda. Opus dei IS a cult and as dangerous as any other. Gaslighting former members by labeling them as disgruntled' is the equivalent of saying someone who speaks out about their sexual abuse ar any other abuse is the guilty party instead of the victim. The psychology damage done by OD to it's members to get them to think and act they way they dictate is incredibly damaging and can take years for people to deprogram and recover from. Don't blame the victim.....hear the victims..... support the victims

[@marcelagarcia3925]

Haha yeah, gotta love the suspenseful menacing music...

[@marcelagarcia3925]

Check out he music 26:15 when they start talking about JPII hahaha

[@elijahmwiti7849]

It is easy.. when intelligent people dedicate themselves for a cause… with strict discipline…such organizations be it religious or secular will rise and rise …they will be powerful… wealthy and influential….

[@adrianjohnson7920]

My sister, now widowed, was married to a fine man who worked in the British Foreign Office. Both of them were devout Catholics. They were approached many years ago by a charming Opus Dei couple in their parish who had befriended them (he was in academia) and tried to recruit them. My sister and brother in law said no, Opus Dei spirituality did not appeal to them. Gentle pressure was put on them to join from different directions for a couple of years, and they got annoyed by it. So My sister (a deceptively quiet but strong-minded woman), went to the Opus Dei couple who were their friends, sat them down and said that she and my brother-in-law were Carmelites, (she was; he wasn't) and that precluded them joining another religious institute. This insuperable spiritual obstacle finally made Opus Dei back off. If anyone is pressured by them to join, -- this is a strategy which will stop them bothering you.

[@jorgejohnson451]

I have a good friend who is Opus Dei and he has never pressured me to join.

[@adrianjohnson7920]

@@jorgejohnson451 Sorry I used the word pressured. She said it was just every once in a while they would suggest reading material or some gathering or lecture to learn more about it and they didn't pick up that it had no appeal. When they went to dinner parties it was other OD guests who just kept talking about it. . . that sort of thing.

[@delvingeorge2807]

I am confused what is it so bad about this particular group?

[@adrianjohnson7920]

@@jorgejohnson451 They don't approach everybody. They seem to be looking for people or couples with certain qualities, background, or potential as "influencers". (No, I don't know what criteria they look for in recruitment.) However when we were invited to one "social," I noticed how physically good looking they tended to be, and also educated and articulate.

[@JJ-ls4ej]

And Jordan Peterson ‘s wife is also tied to Opus Dei

[@MusicLusber]

I find this very fishy! If Mr. J came to save us, why all this nonsense about suffering and pain? He should have stayed at home because after he left... came all this hatred (crusades, inquisitions, wars, discriminations, abuses, rapes, suffering, etc.) Nothing good for our humanity. Did he really come to save us or to destroy us? Or are all those religious groups/septs/cults using his name in vain?

[@Wulture]

They are selling his name for their own wallets

[@leemcr1894]

Not trying to defend the awful events carried out by people in the "name of God, Jesus, religion etc"? But Jesus's message was love, and never ever asked people to do the things you mentioned. That's human beings, just saying.

[@abdillahijalalkhan2128]

" I have come to bring the SWORD, not PEACE!"

[@veronica_._._._]

@@abdillahijalalkhan2128 And Mhmd?

[@sueprator9314]

OMG. SAD FOR YOU. DON'T OVERANALYZE IT. JUST LISTEN TO YOUR HEART AND FIND YOUR OWN GOD SOURCE in the Universe. Everything happens for a reason. People cycle onto the Planet to work out problems. We all do. All we can do is play our part like in a play. You will live again and when you cross over you will get it.

[@brendamyc3057]

These are the standard rules of religious life. It is normal to have an order of the day.

[@snbecker2000]

Not really!!!

[@snbecker2000]

Let’s not confuse rigidity and control with “order of the day”

[@victoriadriscoll3931]

As an ordinary Catholic I find this frightening. Amen 🙏🙏🙏

[@nancyinboise2160]

I'd be curious to know how many members are fairly high up in politics in the US and Canada

[@litozulueta6013]

Your anti-Catholic bigotry is showing. So what’s wrong with OD members being high up in “politics” in US and Canada? And I gravely doubt such because as far as I know there are no OD higher ed institutions in North America. You make it appear that there’s something wrong with grads of OD institutions aspiring for influential public and private positions, but don’t all grads of elite institutions like the Ivy League universities have ambitions to land in high positions in govt and elsewhere?

[@bugsnapoles3635]

Opus D here are well connected in finance, bussiness, government and the church heirarchy. They can sway our government to award bigmoney projects to their favored contractors. Our finance ministers have been members of Opus D. But they are quite as a mouse. They avoid media but they have very strong influence with media. Its a "secret syndicate".

[@isrberlinerin4063]

I agree ! Its incredible how many millions are deceived and are in denial especially catholics !

[@carmensavu5122]

Opus D lmfao. Would that it were, though!

[@pamelahomeyer748]

Thank you for your research and interesting reports I enjoy your videos

[@robertladue7647]

As a Roman Catholic, I have had and will never have anything to do with Opus Dei. We are many, they are but a few and will stay that way.

[@gregorybezanson]

The wealth in money and land holdings of the Opus Dei reminds one of the wealth of the Knights Templar.

[@tashacamilleenerio-valdez3927]

This is an attack against Opus Dei that they won't bat an eyelash for. I received formation as a teenager in Opus Dei and have learned to love Christ more when I was there. Sometimes it depends on the person, you interview the Judas in the group and everything will definitely look bad.

[@Emy53]

I do not belong to any religious denomination. I believe in my own way. I do not follow the words of religious fanatics.

[@nievessanchoperez5101]

DW documentaries are generally great, BUT this one is quite biased as it tells the story of former members who are obviously disenchanted. It's like doing a documentary about "DW documentary" interviewing people who were fired/ who left because they were very uncomfortable.

[@mabrenz_n5391]

DW is biased in most of its documentaries it's just subtle, they make it seem it's a fair balanced documentary but along the way if you listen nicely you will see they always have a side they push. But l like that they don't make it obvious.

[@YKKY]

You must be rattled and something really touch your nerve here. Nice work DW.

[@icingcake]

It could have done with a positive story but that’s not what they have an issue with.

[@dhaliiab.4409]

@@YKKY I'm not rattled at all. Are you? Lol

[@dhaliiab.4409]

It's like inviting a divorcee and asked him/her to speak about his/her former partner. What do you expect?

[@kitandsons173]

I lived the Opus Dei life. Went to their schools. Traveled many places with the organization and stayed in their beautiful centers through college. Even got to meet the Pope. I came in contact with so many well educated, strong women. I really loved it. However, they did probably think I was going to become a numerary,which is like an undercover nun. lol! However, I think a lot of this video sounds like sour grapes and jealousy. If I'm being honest.

[@StevenDAugerSr]

It's hard for people to understand these days that we either die and are relieved of the trials and tribulations of this planet or we are born again into something else with no memories of our past experiences and begin another experience of trials and tribulations as we are slowly but surely growing consciously pure. There has to be places for the ones on their way out of this world as there are places for those who are either beginning to seek and those who are walking blindly.

[@elizabethferguson7002]

Excellent documentary. Opus Dei is doing god's work? I have one question (?) Which god?

[@abigailmpofu4210]

The god of Vatican.

[@chrismichaels2856]

Overall, I generally like DW documentaries, BUT I take exception with this one. I have been a member of Opus Dei for 30 years and while there is a bit of truth in the testimonies of these disgruntled ex-members they are giving a negative caricature of Opus Dei . . Opus Dei truly is simply trying to "...light up the pathways of this earth with faith, love and understanding.." (taken from prayer cards of founder St. Josemaria Escriva and successor Don Alvaro Del Portillo) . . due to our fallen human nature, we are all prone to various forms of selfishness, which can take many forms such as holding grudges, stubbornness, excessive self-pity, etc, etc. So in an organization of approx 100k, there bound to be some examples of people acting inappropriately. Those are the exceptions, though . . I am sure Mother Theresa's Daughters of Charity occasionally have a sister that may not be so kind with some patients (or lose her patience). You can probably find some disgruntled Daughters of Charity that don't like the way Mother Theresa ran things . . But that doesn't mean the overall mission and work they do is bad .

[@marianfrances4959]

We don't care

[@marthacastro9162]

You are not telling the truth my friend.

[@judetochukwuogbozor6355]

I have watched till the end and still didn't see anything that paints them bad. Encouraging their members to aspire for influential positions in the society is not a bad one. In summary, I see all unfounded accusations. I will read more of them but this video isn't convincing.

[@thedeepdiveprojectofficial]

Bravo for giving this topic the ol' college try! Presenting Opus Dei in a comprehensive manner is a tall order. You hit a lot of the highlights though, and I appreciate the fact that you spent time addressing the experiences of those who had been involved and ultimately left. These individuals (I think of them as survivors) are the canaries in the coal mine that is Opus Dei.

[@dodgersfan7096]

How so?

[@r.daillee1034]

@@dodgersfan7096 Do you have to diligently practice your stupidity or does it come naturally?

[@hugodomingo3765]

Listening to a few disaffected people doesn't tell the entire story. You listen to one person complaining and think it paints the whole picture. ... You are repeating what other people say. It shows how little you know.

[@HomeFromFarAway]

​@@hugodomingo3765 except that more info has come to light since then and you, little man, are lying

[@DP07a]

I remember Robert Hansen. I wonder what his motive was and whether or how it was related to his religion. They can work in esoteric ways.

[@erbiumfiber]

His wife worked at an Opus Dei school (was my daughter's homeroom teacher, during the time of his arrest so, yeah we followed it all VERY closely) but I do not think they were like these single members that live like this (married people are quite different). He was originally Lutheran and converted because of Bonnie. She was the one who convinced him to give some of the spy money to Mother Theresa. I think he was talking the talk but not walking the walk. But, yeah, definitely a very strange guy. I mentioned once to Bonnie (as I am a single parent) about the advantages of being a single parent- "Like what?" she said. I said like cooking whatever YOU like for dinner for a change, not always what HE wants for dinner. She thought for a moment and said "You know, you're right, I hadn't thought about that..." Talk about people better off without worthless husbands...

[@FrancesHart99]

It’s extreme and detrimental to mental health so I’m sure it contributed to the double life he led, both personally and professionally. It probably contributed to his attitude of superiority and entitlement. I think it’s obvious the CIA shouldn’t retain Opus Dei members.

[@FrancesHart99]

@@erbiumfiber converts to Catholicism are often the most fanatical. I wonder whether he would have done it if he never converted, travelled to Rome or joined Opus Dei.

[@spinningbacksidekick]

Was debating whether or not to join Opus Dei. This documentary convinced me to join.

[@TheChurchofBreadandCheese]

Same tbh

[@JWSitterley]

Interesting! Are you also going to do a piece on the Jesuits and its ties to cultural Marxism?

[@patrickmac2799]

found the American

[@jeremysanders9336]

Cultural Marxism is a hell of a lot less disturbing than this. This is cultural fascism

[@ttacking_you]

Or "Marxism" and it's ties to maintaining the Military/industrial complex directly after WW2 and inexplicably now despite the fact that CULTURAL Marxism, whatever that is, hardly sounds like a threat and true Leninist/Marxist communism has failed repeatedly around the world save Cuba and North Korea and there's already a war in Ukraine we're fatuously supporting?

[@what9972]

I am glad I did my undergraduate at Strathmore University.

[@arrylambertus5459]

I'm so grateful to God for I am an Agnostic. Greeting from me here in Bandung, Indonesia

[@kitandsons173]

Also, the self mortification practices......seriously, overblown Some of the people I knew would sleep on the floor once a week or supposedly flog themselves (hardly) with a rope. I always felt like they were posers, fakers and attention mongers. I thought if you really want to sacrifice some pain, trade in those 200 dollar penny loafers for some high heels.

[@stellaqaustralia]

@Kit and Sons 😁😆😂

[@darthvader5300]

Opus Dei brainwashes the children and the very young people belonging to very wealthy and influential people and who are highly impressionable and easy to brainwash by Opus Dei to become puppets of this evil organization. The KGB-GRU has been monitoring and recording these nutcases for a very long time. And telling them not to get married by saying if you are devoted then you won't get married. Why? So that your money and all of your assets will go to them! That's why!

[@5am.robert5]

Hahaha

[@Sarcasticron]

Some people will pay somebody to flog them for purely sexual reasons, so I don't know why anyone would think of it as a spiritual thing.

[@somniumisdreaming]

@@Sarcasticron yeah most seem to just get off on it, not religious at all or just plain mad

[@badguy5554]

TWO members of the US Supreme Court attend an Opus Dei Church in Northern Virginia. Opus Dei is claimed to have an influence in the US Federal Government.

[@delvingeorge2807]

Then why is America anti Catholic?!

[@MorpheusOne]

@Delvin: America is anti-Catholic?¿ What evidence is there for this?? And, please...do, go into detail!

[@elenasimone2773]

@@MorpheusOne it's not, the country was founded on the basis of freedom of religion, and it is clearly outlined in the bill of rights in the constitution

[@MorpheusOne]

@Elena: I agree. Delvin said it; that's why I asked.

[@andrejgrebenc3235]

So what, look at the power of Democrats and Republicans and complain.

[@hugodomingo3765]

Saying something controversial gets more views. I studied at an Opus Dei university for 5 years and knew the priests and numeraries personally. They never flagellated themselves, they watch movies and eat pizza. The criticism here is controvertible, and the director's choice of quotes leans to one side. ... This documentary tries to turn the mood against the mind.

[@danesovic7585]

The groups that hold real power in the society are the ones you're scared to criticize openly. By definition, Opus Dei is not one of them. Which group are you absolutely not allowed to criticize in Germany tho?

[@mariekatherine5238]

You’re right on that one. A friend of mine is persona non grata in Germany for raising a question with the wrong person.

[@blondiegreeneyes4802]

You must be joking. These people are terrified to speak openly.

[@angelikaskoroszyn8495]

Ah yes, children with leukoma rule our world In my country Catholic Church has huge influence on politics. They're also being constantly ctiricized. But no matter what they have so much power the criticism changes nothing

[@adadzomer1874]

Bad goyim

[@helioevangelista7062]

Unfortunately, Dw didn't improve a good documentary. What I watched isn't different of what appeared some years ago related to Code da Vinci film. It's simply an attack against Catholic Church , of course promoted by a group that hate Opus dei. I thought I would change my point of vue about Opus Dei , but continue the same - it's like this special beer that only few people like and appreciate. There are others types of beers, even more popular and tasteful.

[@marilenaganea6578]

Beers are forcing themselves on people?

[@helioevangelista7062]

@@marilenaganea6578 please, read Opus Dei wrote by John L. Allen (2005).

[@marilenaganea6578]

@@helioevangelista7062 tanks but I don't read garbage or propaganda

[@Kerberos1123]

@@marilenaganea6578 gays force themselves on children* I corrected it for you

[@daddada2984]

Stay away from catholicism. Stay away from idolatry & fanaticism of men. Follow Jesus, become a Christian.

[@sharonmedeiros9819]

Opus Dei and other cults take away a person's free will. Even Almighty God Himself will not interfere with people's free will. Such arrogance to presume to hold themselves more powerful than God! Demanding that people torture themselves to prove their devotion? That is not God's will for any of us and is evil. Whatever is going on here on earth, it has something to do with someone or something getting energy and power from the suffering of human beings, and the younger the human, the more powerful the energy that comes from their fear and misery. What this really is is the demonic being disguised as holiness.