The Missionary Position by Christopher Hitchens Summary
Overview of The Missionary Position
Hitchens' controversial expose dismantles Mother Teresa's saintly image, revealing questionable motives and practices behind her global charity empire. This fearless critique sparked worldwide debate about humanitarian ethics and accountability. What shocking truth about this beloved icon made Thomas Mallon acknowledge Hitchens' meticulous, unflinching analysis?
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The Saint Who Wasn't: When Icons Crumble
Picture this: Haiti, 1981. A tiny nun in a white sari embraces Michele Duvalier, wife of one of the Caribbean's most brutal dictators. Before national cameras, Mother Teresa praises the Duvaliers-the same couple who would soon flee with millions stolen from one of the world's poorest nations. This wasn't a photo ambush or diplomatic accident. It was a genuine alliance that reveals something unsettling: the woman the world revered as the ultimate servant of the poor was cozying up to those who oppressed them most. What happens when we place someone beyond criticism? When we decide certain figures are too virtuous, too selfless, too sacred to examine closely? Christopher Hitchens dared to ask these questions about one of the twentieth century's most untouchable icons, and what he uncovered challenges everything we thought we knew about charity, faith, and the machinery of sainthood itself.
Manufacturing Miracles: How a Nun Became a Superstar
Inside the Houses of Dying: Where Suffering Was Sacred
The Money Trail: Poverty's Profitable Business
Baptizing the Dying: Conversion Without Consent
The Political Saint: Strategic Silence and Selective Speaking
Rethinking Reverence: The Courage to Question
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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