Hunting The Muse

Opus Dei. So, what is

Opus Dei. So, what is a cult, anyway? It's a slippery definition. Sometimes it can be made to mean "whatever spiritual practice I think is kind of creepy". Does it require an induction ceremony? Recruitment efforts? Tithing? And "us versus them" mentality? There are plenty of legitimate organizations that fit all four of those criteria. Maybe it's a complicated point-scoring system. Personally, I think any practice that de-emphasizes or preaches against free will is one that raises flags on the cult-o-meter. But even that has exceptions.

Now, here is something weird. Reading this article reminded me of an introduction I had to some sort of "club" in junior high. I don't know how they got hold of me or picked me, but I was invited to an introductory meeting. They talked about this and that, seemed like pretty cool guys, if a big geeky, they mentioned how they had a long history of famous members including Leonarda da Vinci, then said they were going to show us one of their most serious ceremonies, and proceeded to go into a room that was like a churchy sort of atrium, light a bunch of candles, put on some robes, and chant. It was pretty freaky. I went home, my parents asked how it went, and I said that I didn't think it was for me and promptly forgot all about it.

So, I just did a google search on "Leonardo da Vinci Secret Society" and the first page I checked out links the society, which they say is named "The Priory of Sion", with Opus Dei, the article I just read.

Dunh dunh dunh. How's that for a fairly creepy coincidence? Posted by Curt at October 7, 2002 01:03 AM