In 1994, when Mother Teresa was being revered globally for her compassionate and heroic work, Christopher Hitchens stirred controversy with his British TV documentary ‘Hell’s Angel, produced by BBC, igniting an international debate. For the first time, there was widespread questioning about this noble literate iconic figure, prompting pondering on whether she was a Saint or a Savage.
Hitchens’ criticism of Mother Teresa was a part of his larger body of work, where he often challenged the conventional narratives surrounding religious figures and institutions. His confrontational approach to such subjects sparked debate and encouraged people to reexamine their perceptions of revered figures in society.
Who was Christopher Hitchens?
Christopher Hitchens was a prolific British-American author, journalist, and public intellectual known for his sharp wit, eloquence, and fierce critique of politics, religion, and societal norms. Born on April 13, 1949, in Portsmouth, England, Hitchens attended Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics, and economics.
Hitchens was a vocal atheist and a prominent critic of organised religion. His book “God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything” was a notable work where he argued against the concept of religion and its societal impact. His other notable work is the book “The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice,” published in 1995. In this book, Hitchens presented a scathing critique of Mother Teresa’s image as a saintly figure and questioned the practices of her Missionaries of Charity.
Hell’s Angel
“Hell’s Angel” is a thought-provoking documentary that challenges the saintly image of Mother Teresa, the revered humanitarian figure. The documentary scrutinizes the widely held perceptions of her as an unwavering symbol of compassion and selflessness.
Hitchens delves into his skepticism, presenting a compelling argument that questions the authenticity of Mother Teresa’s saintly persona. He highlights various contradictions and criticisms surrounding her charitable organisation, the Missionaries of Charity. The film sheds light on allegations of accepting donations from questionable sources and scrutinizes the conditions within her clinics, suggesting they might not have been adequate for the care of the sick and dying.
Through interviews, archival footage, and investigative journalism, “Hell’s Angel” challenges the idealized image of Mother Teresa, raising ethical and moral questions about the practices of revered figures in the realm of humanitarian work. The documentary invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of celebrated figures and encourages a critical examination of the complexities behind the facade of saintliness and charity.
The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice
“The Missionary Position: Mother Teresa in Theory and Practice” is a critical examination of the life and work of Mother Teresa, penned by the sharp-tongued intellectual Christopher Hitchens. Published in 1995, the book challenges the widely accepted, saintly image of Mother Teresa and scrutinizes the practices of her charitable organization, the Missionaries of Charity.
Hitchens presents a compelling argument that questions the authenticity of Mother Teresa’s altruism and portrays her as a complex figure, far removed from the saintly aura often attributed to her. He delves into the contradictions between her public image and the reality of her actions, highlighting instances where she aligned herself with political figures known for questionable ethics and accepted donations from controversial sources.
The book also critiques the conditions within the facilities run by the Missionaries of Charity, suggesting that the medical care provided might not have been of the highest standard. Hitchens challenges the glorified perception of Mother Teresa’s work with the poor and sick, urging readers to reexamine their views of this revered figure.
“The Missionary Position” acts as a thought-provoking exposé, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of charitable work, the ethics of receiving donations, and the blurred lines between genuine altruism and the public perception of benevolence. Hitchens’ critique sparked intense debate and encouraged a reassessment of the legacy of one of the most iconic figures in modern humanitarianism.
Key allegations on Mother Teresa
Questionable Motives: Hitchens suggested that Mother Teresa was more concerned with promoting her religious agenda than providing effective aid. He criticised her for advocating against contraception and abortion, believing she prioritized religious ideology over the health and well-being of the people she purportedly served.
Contrary to the image of Mother Teresa as a compassionate figure alleviating the suffering of the poor and sick, Hitchens argued that she had a questionable approach to suffering. He suggested that she viewed suffering as a virtue and a way to bring people closer to God, which, according to Hitchens, might have compromised the dignity and well-being of the individuals in her care.
Quality of Medical Care: Hitchens questioned the quality of medical care provided in the facilities run by the Missionaries of Charity. He cited reports and firsthand accounts suggesting that the conditions in some of these facilities were substandard, lacking adequate medical resources and proper sanitation for patients.
Mismanagement of Funds: Hitchens criticized Mother Teresa for accepting donations from controversial figures, including dictators and fraudsters, without proper scrutiny of the sources of these funds. He highlighted instances where she accepted donations from figures like Charles Keating, a convicted fraudster involved in the savings and loan scandal in the United States.
Alignment with Questionable Figures:: Hitchens criticized Mother Teresa for accepting donations from morally questionable figures and institutions. He argued that she was willing to receive contributions from individuals with less-than-savory reputations, including corrupt political leaders and wealthy individuals of dubious ethics. This raised questions about the ethical implications of accepting money from sources that might contradict the principles of charity and morality.
He highlighted instances where she accepted donations from figures like Charles Keating, a convicted fraudster involved in the savings and loan scandal in the United States.
He pointed out her friendships with figures like Jean-Claude Duvalier, the dictator of Haiti, and other political leaders who had questionable records on human rights and governance.
Conclusion
Christopher Hitchens’ work serves as a crucial reminder that even the most revered figures in history should not be exempt from scrutiny. By delving into the complexities and potential contradictions surrounding such individuals, his work compels us to critically examine the nature of charity and the role religious organisations play in humanitarian efforts. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in these endeavours, challenging the notion that anyone, regardless of their status or reputation, is beyond question. Above all, Hitchens’ investigations emphasise that no one should be placed on a pedestal so high that they escape critical examination, reinforcing the principle that every individual and institution must be held accountable for their actions and the impact they have on society.