Allegations like this from within well-regarded ecclesiastical circles ("the opposition by good people," as Escrivá called it), were interpreted by Escrivá as misunderstandings or jealousies, and defenders of Opus Dei today claim that present-day criticisms are merely vestiges of this old prejudice. Specifically, they argue that criticism of Opus Dei by members of the Society of Jesus was caused by these Jesuits' not understanding the difference between Opus Dei and religious orders, and that this misunderstanding continues among people with a "clerical" or "religious" mentality. For Opus Dei officially describes itself in contrast to "religious" (monastic) life: ordinary lay Christians living out their baptismal call to holiness without being externally distinguished from other citizens.