Introduction
Christopher Hitchens' "The Missionary Position" offers a provocative and critical examination of one of the most revered figures of the 20th century: Mother Teresa. Known worldwide for her charitable work and devotion to the poor, Mother Teresa's legacy has long been considered beyond reproach. However, Hitchens challenges this notion, presenting a compelling case that the reality of her work and impact was far more complex and, at times, troubling than her public image suggests.
This book summary delves into the key arguments and revelations presented by Hitchens, offering a fresh perspective on Mother Teresa's life, work, and the mythology that surrounded her. It's important to note that this summary aims to present Hitchens' viewpoint and findings, which may be controversial and challenge long-held beliefs about Mother Teresa.
The Making of a Media Saint
A Flawed Foundation
Mother Teresa's rise to international fame began with a 1969 BBC documentary about her work in Calcutta. However, Hitchens argues that this documentary was based on a fundamental misrepresentation of the city itself. Calcutta was portrayed as a hellish landscape of extreme poverty and suffering, when in reality, it was no worse than other large cities in developing nations. This mischaracterization served to elevate Mother Teresa's work, making it appear more heroic and necessary than it may have been in reality.
The "Miracle" of Kodak Film
The documentary also featured what was described as a miraculous event: a mysterious light appearing in a darkened room at Mother Teresa's "House for the Dying." This supposed miracle was widely reported and contributed significantly to Mother Teresa's growing fame. However, years later, the cameraman revealed that the light was simply the result of new Kodak film, not a divine occurrence. By then, the story of the miracle had already become firmly entrenched in public consciousness, further solidifying Mother Teresa's saintly image.
The Reality of Mother Teresa's Work
Substandard Medical Care
Hitchens presents evidence that the quality of care in Mother Teresa's facilities was far below what one might expect from an organization with her resources and reputation. He cites accounts from medical professionals who visited her centers, describing conditions more akin to makeshift wartime clinics than established medical facilities.
Key issues included:
- Lack of proper medication and treatments
- Unqualified staff making medical diagnoses
- Poor hygiene and sterilization practices
- Overcrowded and uncomfortable living conditions for patients
The Fetishization of Poverty
Hitchens argues that Mother Teresa's approach to charity work was more focused on glorifying suffering than on actually alleviating it. He suggests that her centers were designed to maintain a state of austerity and deprivation, even when resources were available to improve conditions.
This approach, according to Hitchens, stemmed from Mother Teresa's personal beliefs about the spiritual value of suffering. He contends that she saw poverty and pain as means of emulating Christ's suffering, rather than as problems to be solved.
Financial Discrepancies
One of the most striking revelations in Hitchens' book is the apparent disconnect between the vast sums of money donated to Mother Teresa's organization and the continued poor conditions in her facilities. He cites reports of millions of dollars in bank accounts, yet little evidence of this money being used to improve the lives of those in her care.
This raises questions about the true purpose of Mother Teresa's work and the allocation of funds donated by well-meaning supporters around the world.
Beyond Calcutta: Mother Teresa's Global Impact
Austerity in America
Hitchens extends his critique beyond Mother Teresa's work in India, examining her activities in the United States. He presents accounts of her insistence on austere conditions in new facilities, even when such measures were unnecessary or potentially harmful.
For example:
- Removing comfortable furnishings from a new center in San Francisco
- Refusing to install an elevator in a Bronx facility, despite it being required for accessibility
- Maintaining unheated living quarters for nuns, leading to health issues
These actions, Hitchens argues, demonstrate that Mother Teresa's priorities were more aligned with her personal ideology than with the practical needs of those she claimed to serve.
Political Entanglements and Controversial Associations
Support for Dictators
Despite her claims of being apolitical, Hitchens presents evidence of Mother Teresa's associations with various authoritarian regimes and controversial political figures. These include:
- Praising the Duvalier regime in Haiti, known for its brutality and corruption
- Laying flowers at the grave of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha
- Supporting conservative political causes in Spain and the UK
Hitchens argues that these actions not only contradicted her claimed neutrality but also lent credibility to oppressive regimes and policies that caused suffering to the very people she purported to help.
Conservative Political Activism
The book details instances where Mother Teresa actively engaged in political causes, particularly those aligned with conservative Catholic values. Examples include:
- Protesting changes to divorce and abortion laws in Spain
- Timing visits to coincide with political debates on abortion in the UK
- Supporting Reagan administration policies in Ethiopia, despite humanitarian concerns
These activities, Hitchens contends, reveal a figure far more politically engaged and ideologically driven than her public image suggested.
The Cult of Suffering
Glorification of Pain
A central theme in Hitchens' critique is Mother Teresa's apparent glorification of suffering. He argues that rather than working to alleviate pain and improve living conditions, she often seemed to celebrate poverty and illness as spiritual experiences.
This perspective manifested in various ways:
- Maintaining unnecessarily austere conditions in her facilities
- Emphasizing spiritual care over medical treatment
- Describing suffering as a way to be closer to Christ
Hitchens suggests that this approach not only failed to address the root causes of poverty but also potentially prolonged the suffering of those in her care.
The Power of Myth
The book explores how the mythology surrounding Mother Teresa became self-perpetuating, making it difficult to critically examine her work and impact. Hitchens argues that her reputation for selflessness and holiness created a protective shield against criticism, even when evidence suggested problems with her approach.
This mythologizing process involved:
- Media portrayal of her as a living saint
- Uncritical acceptance of miracle claims
- Reluctance of public figures to question her methods or motives
The result, according to Hitchens, was a distorted public perception that obscured the realities of her work and its consequences.
The Question of Legacy
Impact on Public Perception of Charity
Hitchens raises important questions about the long-term impact of Mother Teresa's approach to charity. He suggests that her emphasis on individual acts of kindness and spiritual salvation, rather than systemic change, may have reinforced harmful stereotypes about poverty and hindered more effective approaches to development.
The Ethics of Sainthood
The book was written before Mother Teresa's canonization, but Hitchens' arguments raise pertinent questions about the process of declaring sainthood and the standards by which such figures are judged. He challenges readers to consider whether unquestioning reverence for religious figures can sometimes impede honest assessment of their actions and impact.
Conclusion: Reassessing an Icon
Christopher Hitchens' "The Missionary Position" presents a challenging and controversial reassessment of Mother Teresa's life and work. While many readers may find his critique uncomfortable or even offensive, the book raises important questions about how we evaluate public figures, especially those associated with charitable or religious work.
Key takeaways from Hitchens' analysis include:
- The power of media in shaping public perception of historical figures
- The potential gap between charitable intentions and practical outcomes
- The complex relationship between religion, politics, and humanitarian work
- The importance of critical examination, even of widely revered individuals
Ultimately, "The Missionary Position" invites readers to look beyond the surface of Mother Teresa's public image and consider the broader implications of her work and legacy. Whether one agrees with Hitchens' conclusions or not, the book serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and the need to examine even our most cherished beliefs and icons.
By challenging the narrative surrounding Mother Teresa, Hitchens encourages a more nuanced understanding of charity, sainthood, and the complexities of addressing global poverty. His work reminds us that even figures held in the highest esteem should be subject to scrutiny and that true progress often requires looking beyond simple narratives of heroism and saintliness.
In an age where information is readily available but often filtered through ideological lenses, "The Missionary Position" stands as a call for intellectual honesty and rigorous examination of our cultural icons. It challenges readers to question their assumptions, seek out multiple perspectives, and consider the broader context and consequences of actions taken in the name of charity and faith.
While the book's arguments may be controversial, they serve an important purpose in stimulating dialogue about the nature of charity, the role of religious figures in public life, and the standards by which we judge those who claim to serve the greater good. In doing so, Hitchens contributes to a more robust and thoughtful discourse on these critical issues, encouraging readers to think critically about even the most widely accepted narratives of modern sainthood.