Doing the missionary position

Is nothing ever sacred with Christopher Hitchens? Apparently not, as even Mother Teresa isn't spared by Hitchens. I must admit that this is quite a difficult read, one that I approach with trepidation, being Catholic myself.

Christopher Hitchens was known for his bias against organized religion, blaming it for its indifference or inaction to the solutions of some of the world's problems. His god Is Not Great (lowercase on the 'god', please) is a wonderful read regardless whether you're an atheist or not. I 'read' the audiobook format, with Hitchens narrating. It was a fascinating experience.

The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice is an earlier work than gING, as it was published in 1995. But it still rings fresh, especially after Mother Teresa's beatification in 2003 and her seemingly inevitable canonization. And Hitchens doesn't hold out. He's here to present the case against Mother Teresa. Such chutzpah, no? To think that Mother Teresa was even alive at the time the book was published.

So what comprises Hitchens's case against Mother Teresa? First is Mother Teresa's attitude toward poverty. Hitchens feels that she seems to encourage it, telling people that their poverty and suffering bring them closer to God. Even the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity, the group founded by Mother Teresa, appear to be content with this poverty.

Second is the fact that Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity may not even be poor. They've received hundreds of thousands of dollars in aid, and Mother Teresa has been the recipient of several prizes from organizations. Surely, that would bring in the money, right? But no, the centers where they care for children and the dying still appear to be rundown, with hardly any medical facilities. Also, Mother Teresa has been seen together with political despots and tyrants simply because these persons have generously donated to her cause.

Third is Mother Teresa's stance against abortion and contraceptives. We know that all Catholics should be against these unnatural methods, but Mother Teresa was always vehemently opposed to it. She believed that God always provides for everyone. Here is where Hitchens makes a good point. If God always provides, then there wouldn't be any need for the efforts of Mother Teresa and her organization, would it? Also, Hitchens points out that Mother Teresa's initiatives aren't even a drop in the bucket in the whole scheme of things.

So does The Missionary Position have a good case? Yes, I believe so. It does present Mother Teresa in a very unflattering light. But the true Catholic, or any rational person for that matter, would explore further. Hitchens was our devil's advocate, and we loved him for it.

Read this book if:

1. You'll read anything by Christopher Hitchens.
2. You've always been curious about this little lady.
3. You love controversial books.