The Missionary Position

Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice

By: Christopher Hitchens, Thomas Mallon - foreword

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 2 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

"A religious fundamentalist, a political operative, a primitive sermonizer, and an accomplice of worldly secular powers. Her mission has always been of this kind. The irony is that she has never been able to induce anybody to believe her. It is past time that she was duly honored and taken at her word."

Among his many books, perhaps none have sparked more outrage than The Missionary Position, Christopher Hitchens's meticulous study of the life and deeds of Mother Teresa. A Nobel Peace Prize recipient beatified by the Catholic Church in 2003, Mother Teresa of Calcutta was celebrated by heads of state and adored by millions for her work on behalf of the poor. In his measured critique, Hitchens asks only that Mother Teresa's reputation be judged by her actions - not the other way around.

With characteristic élan and rhetorical dexterity, Hitchens eviscerates the fawning cult of Teresa, recasting the Albanian missionary as a spurious, despotic, and megalomaniacal operative of the wealthy who long opposed measures to end poverty, and fraternized, for financial gain, with tyrants and white-collar criminals throughout the world.

©1995 Christopher Hitchens (P)2012 Hachette Audio

Hitchens at his best!

Excellent, albeit relatively brief, analysis of the phenomenon that is Mother Teresa. Glad I purchased it. My only reservation was the production quality of the narration. It sounded as though it had been recorded once, and then edits inserted that were recorded under different conditions resulting in often times jarring changes in ambiance and tone. And while Simon Prebble is a laudable narrator, I would have preferred Mr. Hitchens himself.

Good, a little short though.

Very good, but would have liked a little more detail on day to day operations of various "charity" locations.

The world needs to hear this.

Religion has been used for thousands of years to manipulate the mASSes by others who don’t even believe what they are preaching. This sick and twisted woman was just one of probably millions that got away with it. Rest in peace Hitch. You’re greatly missed.

all in all worthy book

Didn't liked non english interpolations in the book, I understand the wish to sound eloquent but english is not my first language and it is hard sometimes by itself without this french.

icon slaying

He definitely sheds, well deserved it seems, hardh light on an icon. An important reads for lovers of facts

She was an awful human being

This is a well researched and sharply put critique of an awful human being. Be warned, it's a really depressing read. Still, I say it should be mandatory high school reading. Religious frauds like her must not be allowed to torture the impoverished.

An absolutely fascinating "must read"

A most compelling, thoroughly researched and well presented accurate account of the institution of religion. Well done!

Theresa was a monster.

She was a woman so desperate to find her lost faith, she forced untold poor, sick and orphaned suffer needlesy.

Good book to listen and read

The author has provided many convincing evidence in the book that the mother teresa is not what she portrayed herself. The foundation in Kolkata still exists and there are many girls joining the foundation even today.

It’s a pity no one disputed her or her foundation in court or taken up politically to shut down the organization, except a TV discussion disputing the sainthood awarded to her. After all, she was close to Vatican which has reach beyond countries and religions.

Setting the record straight

Only 2 hours and 11 minutes. I think a 20-hour detailed laundry list of all of this creature's crimes against humanity would be too short. My biggest regret when I listen to a book like this is that we can't dig her up, reanimate her, and hold her accountable for her crimes. These crimes and hypocrisies should have been addressed to her face with criminal consequences. She should have been forced to reveal her truth ... forced to stop talking in quips and platitudes... forced to reveal to the world the complete evil behind her veneer. BTW, EXCELLENT BOOK!