<p>If you've read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, you'll know the dark enigma that surrounds this Catholic chapter. Opus Dei is viewed by many as a religious cult, by others as a secretive sect. With its violent practices and its controverisial history, there is scathing criticism of the Opus Dei. The group's strict teachings of self-denial, its followers who practice daily self-flagation, and its political ties to former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco all serious raise questions. </p>
<p>Today, the Daily Princetonian writes about Princeton's affiliation with this religious group. Opus Dei recruits college students heavily, has a physical presence on campus and regularly holds meetings and hosts conference dinners for professors and students at Mercer House (the building behind the U store). Furthermore, Princeton has strong financial links to the group, and several donations to the school seem to have their source in the Opus Dei.</p>
<p>What does all this mean about Princeton and how big an influence does the Opus Dei actually have in the running of the school?</p>
<p>isn't that in angels and demons not da vinci code? i think it is...</p>
<p>also i doubt that it really has that much of an influence. there is a jewish and multiple christian organizations on campus. they hold meetings. they even have their own chapels/synagogues on campus i believe. they probably have as much of an influence on the running of the campus as opus dei (which isn't all that much). i wouldn't worry about that too much.</p>
<p>I read the da vinci code in 3 hours the night before finals, it was a big page turner..... as for the rumors... there are always accusations flying around groups that are secretive... It doesnt affect my love of princeton</p>
<pre><code>* The Fascist ideology in Escriva's teachings. The fundamentalism. The
* Intolerance towards other religions.
* The dishonesty.
* The danger inherent in the undemocratic structure of blindly following orders.
* The danger inherent in the psychological control they have of their members due to the ``weekly chat'' where they have to tell the innermost details of their souls to their spiritual leaders.
* The aggressive and manipulative way in which they try to catch new members.
* The evil character of the founder.
* The fact that they do not reveal their true goals and keep a lot of material secret from the public.
* The smug thinking of belonging to an elite.
</code></pre>
<p>I had no idea Princeton was in any way related to Opus Dei. This thread surprised me, actually. All I can say is that many things that The Da Vinci Code mentions are false.</p>
<p>^Agree, so I don't think we should make any conclusions yet.</p>
<p>Personally, I'm unbelieving (not disbelieving) every claim in the Da Vinci Code (and I'm agnostic even). I know a couple or so Opus Deists and they seem to be good and tolerant people.</p>
<p>The OP was more about Princeton's affiliation with this group than it was about the Da Vinci Code. I just mentioned the book because it happens to be widely read at the moment and it mentions much about the Opus Dei, fact or fiction....</p>
<p>Well, I'm Roman Catholic, and one of the priests at Princeton introduced me to the director of Princeton's Opus Dei house after mass. He was really nice, so I can't imagine they would be so "fascist," though I don't know enough to say for sure. My mom later said that, in her opinion, Opus Dei is an elitist organization. However, she shares those views about Ivy League schools as well.</p>