In this discussion, investigative journalist Gareth Gore, author of "Opus," dives into his riveting findings on Opus Dei and its intricate web of financial manipulation. Gore reveals how Opus Dei exploited Banco Popular’s collapse to amass wealth and influence, tying the organization to far-right movements and controversial political agendas, such as overturning Roe v. Wade. He sheds light on the darker aspects of recruitment practices, child labor, and the complex control mechanisms Opus Dei wields, raising critical questions about its impact on society.
58:36
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Da Vinci Code Advantage
Opus Dei leveraged the fictional Da Vinci Code to their advantage.
They presented it as inaccurate and offered the "real story," controlling the narrative.
insights INSIGHT
Opus Dei's True Nature
Opus Dei, founded in 1928 by José María Escrivá, initially presented a benign philosophy of striving for perfection.
However, it evolved into a hidden militia, infiltrating society to gather information on "enemies of Christ."
question_answer ANECDOTE
Recruitment Tactics
Escrivá developed manipulative techniques to recruit vulnerable young men, avoiding those over 25.
Opus Dei still uses these cult-like tactics, even targeting children in schools.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
The book, written by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln, presents a controversial hypothesis that Jesus Christ did not die on the cross but lived to marry Mary Magdalene and father children. These children, according to the authors, became part of the Merovingian bloodline in southern France. The book delves into the history of the Knights Templar, the Priory of Sion, and other secret societies, suggesting they were involved in protecting and promoting this bloodline. Despite its provocative claims, the book has been criticized by scholars for lacking historical evidence and being classified as pseudohistory[2][5][5].
Going Clear
Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief
Lawrence Wright
In 'Going Clear: Scientology, Hollywood, and the Prison of Belief,' Lawrence Wright delves into the inner workings of the Church of Scientology. The book provides a comprehensive history of the church, from its founding by L. Ron Hubbard to its current status as a global organization. Wright examines the church's practices, its treatment of members, and its significant influence on Hollywood through high-profile adherents like Tom Cruise and John Travolta. The book is based on extensive research and interviews with former Scientologists, offering a critical look at the church's beliefs and operations.
The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown
In 'The Da Vinci Code', Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum in Paris after the murder of the curator, Jacques Saunière. Along with French cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Langdon embarks on a perilous journey to decipher cryptic clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci. The plot revolves around an alternative religious history, suggesting that Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene had a child, and their descendants are protected by the Priory of Sion. The novel is a blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the astonishing conclusion.
Opus, The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking And Right-Wing Conspiracy Inside the Catholic Church
Gareth Gore
Banco Popular, once a top global bank, collapsed unexpectedly in 2017. Investigative journalist Gareth Gore initially expected to find another case of capitalist greed, but instead uncovered a web of deception orchestrated by men linked to Opus Dei. Gore’s investigation revealed decades of hidden corruption, with Opus Dei using its control over the bank to amass wealth and spread its influence.
Using access to insider accounts and bank records, Gore exposed how Opus Dei recruited vulnerable individuals—often children—into lives of servitude. His findings also unveiled Opus Dei’s financial ties to far-right movements, including its role in overturning Roe v. Wade, raising important questions about the forces shaping modern society.
Shermer and Gore discuss Opus Dei’s role in the collapse of Banco Popular, its influence in politics, and the group’s history. They explore Opus Dei’s abusive practices, financial power, and efforts to spread its agenda, including through human trafficking and infiltration of institutions. Gore also explains its ties to the erosion of democracy and its influence on U.S. policies, from reproductive rights to LGBTQ+ issues.
The Michael Shermer Show 
