From Publishers Weekly
Few people knew the real Mother Teresa, argues Scott in this readable, delightful volume on the complexity of this contemporary saint. Scott succeeds at painting an original picture of Teresa of Calcutta based on her own sound bites as well as statements by people who knew or interviewed her. Scott's research allows for a surprising perspective; however, sometimes his opinions seem unfounded and could use more documentation. He dares to ask some bold questions: Was she completely sincere? Did she manipulate the media? Did her powerful presence in public life add to or subtract from her mission? In simple yet poetic prose, he ambitiously covers much ground, though at times his forays become digressions. For example, his comparisons of the saint to other figures like Gandhi, Augustine and Thérèse of Lisieux and his discussion of the process of canonization are absorbing, but need more pages to contribute properly to his portrait. Overall, however, he skillfully and seamlessly guides the reader through an impressive array of topics, such as Mother Teresa's decision to start the Missionaries of Charity, her approach to scripture and her relationship to politics and media. On the whole, Scott should be applauded for thinking outside the box and adding to the intrigue of an important modern religious figure. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Book Description
This insightful examination of the most beloved saint of modern times reveals the real woman behind the sentimental stereotypes. The glitter of Mother Teresaís celebrity obscures the full splendor of her saintliness, argues David Scott in this inspiring yet unsentimental look at the life of the first truly global saint. AUTHOR BIO: David Scottís essays and reporting have appeared in LíOsservatore Romano, National Review, Commonweal, beliefnet.com, and elsewhere. He holds an advanced degree in religion and the Bible, and he was formerly editor of Our Sunday Visitor. Currently, he is editorial director for The St.He resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A Revolution of Love: The Meaning of Mother Teresa FROM THE PUBLISHER
"In this inspiring yet unsentimental look at the life of the first truly global saint, author David Scott argues that the glitter of Mother Teresa's celebrity often obscured the full splendor of this beloved and holy woman." Moving photographs and unforgettable television images showed Mother Teresa as an unflappable, single-minded advocate for the poor. In reality, she was a complex figure. She found her life's work only after years and years of false starts and by overcoming great practical difficulties. Her love for the poor was accompanied by a stern critique of the rich and powerful. Most amazing, she lived much of her life in an anguished dark night of the soul.
SYNOPSIS
This insightful examination of the most beloved saint of modern times reveals the real woman behind the sentimental stereotypes.
The glitter of Mother Teresaﾽs celebrity obscures the full splendor of her saintliness, argues David Scott in this inspiring yet unsentimental look at the life of the first truly global saint.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Few people knew the real Mother Teresa, argues Scott in this readable, delightful volume on the complexity of this contemporary saint. Scott succeeds at painting an original picture of Teresa of Calcutta based on her own sound bites as well as statements by people who knew or interviewed her. Scott's research allows for a surprising perspective; however, sometimes his opinions seem unfounded and could use more documentation. He dares to ask some bold questions: Was she completely sincere? Did she manipulate the media? Did her powerful presence in public life add to or subtract from her mission? In simple yet poetic prose, he ambitiously covers much ground, though at times his forays become digressions. For example, his comparisons of the saint to other figures like Gandhi, Augustine and Therese of Lisieux and his discussion of the process of canonization are absorbing, but need more pages to contribute properly to his portrait. Overall, however, he skillfully and seamlessly guides the reader through an impressive array of topics, such as Mother Teresa's decision to start the Missionaries of Charity, her approach to scripture and her relationship to politics and media. On the whole, Scott should be applauded for thinking outside the box and adding to the intrigue of an important modern religious figure. (Feb.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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