The Missionary Position by Christopher Hitchens (1997, Paperback, Reprint)

I saw mention of this book in another book review, by this author, in the New York Times. One always hears of the good work of Mother Teresa and this book sheds some light on other aspects of her religious career. While it is obvious that the author has a negative view of her work, from the very start, he brings out aspects of her life that are not in keeping with her general image. One of her main beliefs is said to have been that "while Christ suffered it was not wrong for those under her care to also suffer and this, in someway contributed to their holiness." Thus, it is said that she maintained primitive health clinics, with little modern medications and equipment, although she was receiving vast amounts of money and could have opened Teaching Hospitals that would contribute to the wellbeing of vast numbers of the poor in India and elsewhere. Her relationships with many criminal types who are said to have used her to advance their own ends, is also spelled out in some detail. The author has an axe to grind here, but the short book does reveal much to ponder about this well known church figure and her work.