Opus Dei, a personal prelature within the Catholic Church, remains a subject of significant interest and ongoing debate, often described as a controversial force within Catholicism. Throughout its history, controversies about Opus Dei have included historical opposition from Jesuits, concerns surrounding corporal mortification with practices like the use of a cilice and discipline, and serious allegations of aggressive recruiting methods, sometimes likened to cult-like 'love bombing'. The organisation has also faced allegations of being highly controlling and maintaining secrecy, which has led to the formation of groups like the Opus Dei Awareness Network. Furthermore, the swift canonisation of its founder, Josemaría Escrivá, a figure often described as 'polarising', has drawn criticism, with some questioning its reliability.

Beyond these points, Opus Dei has been scrutinised for its alleged independence and influence within the Roman Catholic Church despite statistics suggesting a limited number of its members hold high positions. Critics have also pointed to legal disputes involving the prelature and raised questions about its questionable business activities, leading some to label it the 'Santa Mafia'. The experiences of former members, such as María del Carmen Tapia, who chronicled her 'disenchantment' in 'Beyond the Threshold', offer valuable insider perspectives on the organisation's practices and the reasons behind criticisms related to control and the apparent uniformity of outlook among members. Understanding these multifaceted controversies requires a detailed analysis of historical context, insider perspectives, and the opinions surrounding this influential personal prelature.