The Missionary Position by Christopher Hitchens Summary

Christopher Hitchens’ The Missionary Position is a critical examination of Mother Teresa’s legacy, challenging her saintly public image. The book investigates her missionary work in Kolkata, financial dealings with controversial figures, and the disconnect between her idealized persona and documented actions. Hitchens argues her efforts prioritized expanding Catholicism over alleviating poverty, supported by analysis of her relationships with dictators and wealthy donors.

This book appeals to readers interested in critical biographies, religious skepticism, or investigative journalism. Atheists, secular thinkers, and those questioning institutionalized religion will find Hitchens’ arguments compelling. It’s also relevant for biography enthusiasts seeking an unvarnished look at Mother Teresa’s complex legacy.

Yes, for its provocative critique of a cultural icon. At under 100 pages, Hitchens delivers a concise yet well-researched polemic, blending sardonic wit with investigative rigor. While biased against religious institutions, the book raises valid questions about idolization and ethical accountability, making it essential for readers valuing critical analysis over hagiography.

Hitchens contends Mother Teresa’s missions focused on proselytization, not poverty relief, and alleges financial opacity in her operations. He criticizes her ties to dictators like Haiti’s Duvalier and fraudster Charles Keating, while questioning her acceptance of suffering as a “gift” to the poor. The book argues her Nobel Prize and sainthood stemmed more from myth than measurable impact.

Hitchens famously labels Mother Teresa a “thieving, fanatical Albanian dwarf” to critique her authoritarian approach. Another pivotal quote from Teresa herself—“I’m not a social worker. I do it for God”—underscores Hitchens’ argument that her work prioritized religious conversion over humanitarian goals.

The book alleges Teresa’s missions accepted millions from corrupt sources, including $1.25 million from Charles Keating of the Lincoln Savings scandal, without returning funds to victims. Hitchens also notes her refusal to disclose financial records, raising questions about fund allocation and ethical accountability.

Critics argue Hitchens’ anti-theist bias overshadows objectivity, with some calling the tone overly harsh. However, supporters praise his factual rigor, including verified accounts of Teresa’s collaborations with oppressive regimes and her opposition to abortion even for rape victims.

This book shares the polemical style of God Is Not Great but focuses narrowly on debunking a single figure. While shorter than his broader critiques of religion, it exemplifies Hitchens’ trademark blend of wit, investigative depth, and unapologetic skepticism.

Key themes include the dangers of uncritical idolization, the intersection of religion and power, and the ethics of charitable work. Hitchens frames Teresa as a symbol of how public figures can manipulate narratives to serve ideological or institutional agendas.

The book remains a cautionary tale about separating reputation from reality, particularly amid modern debates over “cancel culture” and institutional accountability. Its critique of Teresa’s alignment with authoritarian leaders resonates in discussions about ethical compromises in philanthropy.

Unlike hagiographies, Hitchens’ work avoids sentimentalism, using primary sources to challenge claims of Teresa’s altruism. It contrasts sharply with narratives emphasizing her compassion, instead highlighting her opposition to systemic poverty solutions like contraception and wealth redistribution.

Hitchens draws on interviews with Teresa, financial records, and testimonies from Kolkata volunteers. He also references her public statements, such as her Nobel Prize acceptance speech, to contrast her rhetoric with her affiliations and policy stances.