InterBit.com

Matt's Opus Dei FAQ

Originally Published: 18 October 2002

Go directly to the list of questions

Recent Revisions:

8 May 2008 - I tweaked my answer to Question 43

Author's Note:

Since it was first published, Matt's Opus Dei FAQ has become one of the major sources for balanced information about Opus Dei on the internet. With the move of The InterBit Computer Group's web site to a new server, I took the opportunity to reformat the FAQ and break it into separate questions for quicker download.  Click the "Questions" link in the menu on the left to see the questions.

 

Introduction

I've come across a lot of posts on the internet regarding Opus Dei. Many of them reflect a good understanding of the organization and its mission. Others less so. It's my intention to offer a clear explanation of Opus Dei and to clarify many misconceptions that exist about its nature, structure, mission and methods. I don't intend to engage in debate on these matters. I'll simply offer explanations to the best of my ability.

This FAQ contains both fact and opinion. Where I believe the facts don't give the whole story I've tried to include a context in which to interpret them. You may or may not agree with my interpretation. That's where the opinion part comes in.

I've also written two articles on the lay vocation. These articles are: On a Mission from God: Discovering Our Vocation and An Action Plan for the Laity. The articles discuss how EVERYONE is called to a life of holiness, and how the laity can pursue holiness in the middle of their everyday activities.

I'm willing to answer any sincere question you have. To ask a question, just email me and I'll respond as soon as I can. If I think your question would be of general interest I'll post my answer on this page.

This FAQ was originally published on my blog, Trust the Truth, on October 18, 2002. I wrote and published it without the knowledge, much less the approval or involvement, of anyone in Opus Dei. Since that time, it has been read by thousands of people from all over the world, including members of Opus Dei whose job it is to provide accurate information about Opus Dei in the media. I have not received any significant objections to what I have written. Rather, both those who are friendly toward Opus Dei and those who are opposed have written to express their thanks for presenting a balanced portrait of the organization. I have tried to respond to the constructive comments I've received by noting the different perspectives they represent throughout the FAQ.

I continue to update the FAQ as people ask questions and make suggestions, and I have maintained complete editorial control over it.

Disclaimers (The legal mumbo jumbo)

I'm speaking for myself in this FAQ. I don't now, and never have represented Opus Dei in any capacity. I have not sought, nor have I received, any official endorsement, approval, sanction, encouragement, support or authorization from Opus Dei. I simply want to provide accurate and useful information to those who want to know more about about the organization.

This is a work in progress. You can contribute by asking me a question via email and I'll respond as soon as I can.

Claimers

All opinions and any errors or omissions are solely my responsibility.

You are free to quote from this page under the following conditions:

1. You give proper attribution;
2. You do not modify my statements in any way;
3. You present them in the proper context;
4. You do not attempt in any way to change their evident meaning; and
5. You must not, under any circumstance, represent this FAQ or any part of this FAQ as:
   i.  the "official" position or work of Opus Dei; or
   ii.  having been produced with the official approval of Opus Dei; or
   iii.  otherwise having received any official endorsement, approval, sanction, encouragement, support or authorization from Opus Dei.
   

You can view a list of the questions in the FAQ by clicking here or by clicking on the "Questions" menu item on the left.

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