The Missionary Position audiobook cover - Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice

The Missionary Position

Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice

Christopher Hitchens

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The Missionary Position
Media Stardom Based on Myth+
Appalling Medical Practices+
Harmful Austerity in the West+
Endorsing Brutal Dictators+
Covert Political Agendas+
The Real Legacy+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 6
How did the 1969 BBC documentary primarily contribute to Mother Teresa's international fame?
  • A. It showcased her advanced medical techniques in treating tropical diseases in Calcutta.
  • B. It broadcasted a supposed 'divine light' miracle that was actually just an effect of new Kodak film.
  • C. It revealed her secret negotiations with the Indian government to build new, modern hospitals.
  • D. It highlighted her political activism advocating for government aid in developing nations.
Question 2 of 6
According to the observations of Dr. Robin Fox and Mary Loudon, what was the primary issue with Mother Teresa's medical centers in Calcutta?
  • A. They were severely underfunded and lacked basic monetary donations to operate properly.
  • B. They were overly reliant on modern, expensive medical technology that the staff could not use.
  • C. They provided low-quality, primitive care despite the organization taking in massive financial donations.
  • D. They turned away the sickest patients to focus only on those with minor, easily treatable injuries.
Question 3 of 6
Based on the text, what was the underlying motivation for the harsh conditions maintained in Mother Teresa's facilities?
  • A. A lack of available medical supplies and infrastructure in the countries where she operated.
  • B. Strict government regulations that prevented charitable organizations from upgrading their facilities.
  • C. A desire to emulate the suffering of Jesus and a cult-like obsession with the pain of poverty.
  • D. An attempt to save as much money as possible to build hundreds of more centers across the globe.
Question 4 of 6
Why did Mother Teresa's planned center for the poor in the Bronx ultimately fail to open?
  • A. The local community protested the opening of a religious institution in their neighborhood.
  • B. She refused to allow the installation of a mandatory elevator, viewing it as a modern luxury.
  • C. The city refused to offer any financial assistance for the building's necessary renovations.
  • D. She decided to redirect the project's funds to her existing centers in Calcutta instead.
Question 5 of 6
How did Mother Teresa interact with authoritarian regimes, such as the Duvalier family in Haiti and the legacy of Enver Hoxha in Albania?
  • A. She used her international platform to publicly condemn their human rights abuses.
  • B. She secretly funded underground democratic resistance movements in those countries.
  • C. She refused to visit those countries until democratic elections were officially held.
  • D. She lent them credibility by accepting honors, praising them, or paying respects at their graves.
Question 6 of 6
Although Mother Teresa claimed to be apolitical, the text argues she actively engaged in politics by doing which of the following?
  • A. Campaigning for universal healthcare in the United States and the United Kingdom.
  • B. Supporting conservative legislation regarding abortion and divorce in Spain and the UK.
  • C. Lobbying the United Nations to peacefully intervene in the Ethiopian famine.
  • D. Endorsing left-wing political candidates in India to secure funding for her hospices.

The Missionary Position — Full Chapter Overview

The Missionary Position Summary & Overview

The Missionary Position (1995) tells the true story of the famous nun known as Mother Teresa. These blinks explain how a convincing yet false myth formed around this historic icon whose work and motivations weren’t as noble as we’ve been led to believe.

Who Should Listen to The Missionary Position?

  • People interested in Catholicism
  • Students of religion or modern history
  • All readers interested in the story the mainstream isn’t telling

About the Author: Christopher Hitchens

Christopher Hitchens was an English author, debater and journalist. A self-proclaimed socialist, Hitchens often took controversial positions on famous public figures. In his later years, he became famous for his anti-religious writing and strong support for the Iraq War, before passing away in 2011.

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