The main problems and controversies surrounding Opus Dei center on its alleged secretive nature, aggressive recruitment, and controversial practices. Critics accuse it of operating like a cult or secret society due to its members’ secrecy and alleged isolation of members from their families. Additionally, the organization has faced accusations of promoting an austere and harsh lifestyle, with controversial practices like self-mortification, and its historical links to far-right political figures and ideologies.

Secrecy and recruitment

Secrecy: Opus Dei’s membership is often kept secret. Critics have compared its secretive nature to a Freemason or mafia-like organization operating within the church.

Recruitment: Some former members and critics claim it uses aggressive and misleading tactics to recruit young people, sometimes described as manipulative or brainwashing.

Controversial practices

Austere lifestyle: The organization is associated with austere practices, such as fasting, wearing a spiked cilice (a band of metal spikes worn around the thigh) to cause pain, and sleeping on wooden planks.

Mortification of the flesh: These practices are framed as “mortification of the flesh” and are intended to be a form of spiritual discipline and self-denial.

Political and ideological concerns

Political influence: Opus Dei has been accused of having a significant political influence, with some of its members holding positions in right-wing governments in the past, such as during the Franco regime in Spain.

Elitism: The organization’s emphasis on sanctifying daily life and achieving goals in the secular world has led to accusations of elitism and a pursuit of power.

Opus Dei’s response

Opus Dei denies many of the accusations leveled against it, pointing to its continued growth, its members’ diverse backgrounds, and support from the Vatican as evidence against the claims.

Supporters often attribute criticisms to scattered information and the testimonies of former members, noting that some accusations lack substantiation.