Opus Dei

A friend of mine seems to have been considering joining Opus Dei. She's 17, has a strong Christian background and is a Christian herself, and several of her relatives are Opus Dei members.

Now, I've heard many rumours about Opus Dei's (allegedly) questionable ethics and practices, but I don't actually know all that much. Its defenders claim they are a perfectly respectable organization within the Catholic church, while its opponents, often backed by former members' testimonies, say Opus Dei is little more than a sect.

Basically the question is whether I should urge my friend to stay the fuck out of that organization at any cost, or let it slide. She's a clever girl, but only 17 and sometimes a bit weak on the emotional side. Point being, she might be influenceable.

So... is this Opus Dei thing worth losing sleep over? If you have any advice, information or personal experiences to share, please post.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Yeah, unfortunately I don't think it's possible for me to be the official Bandwagon Police in my circle of acquaintances. Some people are fine with being followers and it isn't my place to say anything about it. As long as it's nothing harmful.

If the bandwagon is a sect, though, then it is my duty as a friend to stop them from throwing their lives away. But we haven't firmly established that yet.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

Originally Posted by ionuk tomb

Two things. If she was actually clever, she wouldn't be a Christian. "She might be influenceable"?. Once again...if she's 17 and still believes in imaginary people in the sky, SHE'S VERY GULLIBLE! Don't just keep her from joining a cult, undo the brainwashing she had since she was a kid!

Fuck off and get out. Your unprovoked Christian bashing is disrupting the thread, and you're not being helpful at all.

Originally Posted by Bernard Black

Obviously the next step is for you to establish the actual purpose of Opus Dei. Is there any way you can find out additional information at all?

That's the thing. Since it seems to be a controversial issue, so far I've found a lot of contradictory claims and little actual information.

I mean, if I believe a site like http://odan.org/ word for word, then of course I'd be worried for her. On the other hand, upon reading the French Wikipedia article on the matter (haven't read the English one Capo linked to yet), it's a perfectly respectable organization and all that, and who cares about the rumours. That's the problem with the internet: anyone can write whatever they please, and how could I know who's telling the truth? I could always pick up a book like the girl's ex did, but we all know those things sell all the better as they are controversial.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.