{"product_id":"opus-dei-myths-and-reality-of-the-catholic-church-by-john-l-allen-hcdj-very-good","title":"Opus Dei: Myths and Reality of the Catholic Church by John L. Allen HCDJ VERY GOOD","description":"\u003cp\u003eHardcover with DJ in Very Good condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 1st serious journalistic investigation of the secretive, controversial organization Opus Dei provides insight about the rumors surrounding it \u0026amp; discloses its significant influence in the Vatican \u0026amp; on the politics of the Catholic Church. Opus Dei ('work of God') is an international association of Catholics often labeled as conservative who seek personal perfection \u0026amp; strive to implement Christian ideals in their jobs \u0026amp; in society as a whole. Founded in Spain in 1928, it now has 84,000 members (incl. 1600 priests) in 80 countries. But far from running parish bingo nights, Opus Dei has become a center of controversy \u0026amp; suspicion both in \u0026amp; outside the Church. It's been accused of promoting a right-wing political agenda \u0026amp; of cultlike practices, aggressive recruiting, brainwashing new recruits \u0026amp; isolating members from families. Its notoriety escalated with the publication of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Da Vinci Code\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (it plays a sinister role) \u0026amp; with the previous pope's much-debated canonization of its founder (often linked with Francisco Franco's facist regime) \u0026amp; the discovery that convicted FBI spy Robert Hanson was a member. With the eye of a longtime trusted observer of the Vatican \u0026amp; the skill of an investigative reporter intent on uncovering closely guarded secrets, Allen separates myths from facts. Granted unlimited access to the prelate who heads the organization \u0026amp; to Opus Dei centers throughout the world, he draws on interviews with current members, as well as with critical ex-members, to create a portrait of its activities, practices \u0026amp; intentions. Allen reveals the power Opus Dei commands in shaping Vatican policy \u0026amp; presents a detailed look at the full extent of its network, which includes people in key positions in politics, banking, academia \u0026amp; other influential arenas. He even describes the arcane rituals--including self-flagellation--performed to preserve \u0026amp; promote a spiritual tradition unsettling to modern sensibilities. For years, Opus Dei has been the subject of conspiracy theories \u0026amp; uninformed speculation. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003eOpus Dei\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan\u003e sets the record straight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ex Libris Used Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67631740682467,"sku":"EXL002670","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0562\/5675\/7951\/files\/s-l500-2026-10-06T144030.577.webp?v=1791312065","url":"https:\/\/www.exlibrismichigan.com\/products\/opus-dei-myths-and-reality-of-the-catholic-church-by-john-l-allen-hcdj-very-good","provider":"Ex Libris Used Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}