Summary

In "The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice," Christopher Hitchens presents a scathing critique of Mother Teresa, challenging her widely revered image as a selfless humanitarian. Hitchens meticulously dissects her actions, motives, and the impact of her work, arguing that her efforts were more about promoting a fundamentalist religious agenda than alleviating suffering.

Hitchens examines Mother Teresa's relationships with controversial figures, such as the Duvalier family in Haiti and Charles Keating, who was involved in the Savings and Loan scandal. He scrutinizes her acceptance of donations from questionable sources, suggesting that these associations reveal a willingness to compromise her professed values for financial gain and political influence. He questions her stance on abortion and contraception, arguing that her rigid adherence to Catholic dogma exacerbated the problems of poverty and overpopulation in the regions where she worked.

The book also delves into the quality of care provided in Mother Teresa's hospices and homes for the dying, citing reports of inadequate medical treatment, lack of pain management, and unsanitary conditions. Hitchens contrasts these observations with Mother Teresa's own access to advanced medical care, highlighting a disparity between the care she received and the care she provided to the poor. Further, Hitchens explores the political implications of Mother Teresa's actions, arguing that she often aligned herself with powerful and oppressive regimes, thereby reinforcing existing power structures rather than challenging them.

Hitchens contends that Mother Teresa's true mission was to spread a conservative religious ideology, prioritizing spiritual salvation over practical assistance. By questioning the motives and methods of such a revered figure, Hitchens prompts readers to critically examine the nature of charity, the role of religious institutions in addressing social problems, and the complexities of moral action in a world filled with political and economic inequalities. "The Missionary Position" is a controversial and provocative analysis that challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century.