16 DEC 2011 by ideonexus
Mother Teresa as Campaigner
Mother Teresa has a theory of poverty, which is also a
theory of submission and gratitude. She has also a theory
of power, which derives from St Paul's neglected words
about 'the powers that be', which 'are ordained of God'.
She is, finally, the emissary of a very determined and very
politicized papacy. Her world travels are not the wanderings of a pilgrim but a campaign which accords with the
requirements of power. Mother Teresa has a theory of
morality too. It is not a difficult theory to c...Hitchens outlines his perspective on the future saint.
17 JUN 2011 by ideonexus
Jesus Used Political Language
Is there anything, for example, more dexterous than the manner in which he treated the subject of the woman taken in adultery? (St. John, c. viii.) The Jews having asked if they should stone this unfortunate, instead of replying definitely, yes or no, by which he would fall in the trap set by his enemies: the negative being directly against the law, and the affirmative proving him severe and cruel, which would have alienated the saints. Instead of replying as any ordinary person but him would...He avoided controversy by speaking in parables and not answering directly, just as politicians do today.