Mother Teresa Did Not Feel Christ's Presence for Last Half of Her Life, Letters Reveal

Fox News ^ | 08/24/2007 | Unknown

[HarleyD]

Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who has been put on the “fast track” to sainthood, was so tormented by doubts about her faith that she felt “a hypocrite,” it has emerged from a book of her letters to friends and confessors. Shortly after beginning her work in the slums of Calcutta, she wrote: “Where is my faith? Even deep down there is nothing but emptiness and darkness. If there be a God — please forgive me.” In letters eight years later she was still expressing “such deep longing for God,” adding that she felt “repulsed, empty, no faith, no love, no zeal.” Her smile to the world from her familiar weather-beaten face was a “mask” or a “cloak,” she said. “What do I labor for? If there be no God, there can be no soul. If there be no soul then, Jesus, You also are not true.” Mother Teresa, who died in 1997 and was beatified in record time only six years later, felt abandoned by God from the very start of the work that made her a global figure, in her sandals and blue and white sari. The doubts persisted until her death.

[SaintDismas]

I do not claim to be “saved”, but I think I know what Jesus would say to Mother Theresa, “Well done.” The idea that God would condemn Mother Theresa to eternal hell because of her struggle with faith is blasphemous - it turns God into the devil.>>>>>>>>

Amen, Steve

I wonder if anyone here has ever heard the Catholic “joke”, wherein you have died at the time of the white throne judgement and are standing directly in line behind Mother Teresa. When it is her turn to be judged in front of everybody, a voice from on high says gently, “Yes, my daughter, but you really could have done more”

I’m not sure that’s really funny

[Steve_Seattle]

"Discuss the issues all you want, but do NOT make it personal."

I find your comment hard to believe, to the point of being offensive. This issue has been extremely personalized by several persons already, including those to whom I am responding. If you have the courage and integrity to discuss this, I would like the opportunity to do so. I can honestly say I don't know what line I've crossed.

[Steve_Seattle]

Ok, let me clarify - what specific questions did "Catholics" fail to respond to. I will respond. And what is YOUR answer to the question about how God could feel forsaken by God?

I have a tendency in these threads to think that all questions are open questions, to the forum, and not just to one individual. Maybe that's the wrong approach. But I think your remarks about Catholics and Mother Theresa are bigoted and offensive, and apparently you have the "moderator" on your side. The "moderator" never questioned your offensiveness and your bigotry.

[Steve_Seattle]

"When JESUS took on the sins of the world was he still connected to God the Father?"

It's not clear to me why Jesus would have had to take on the sins of the world. In my view, God is all powerful and can forgive sins without the necessity of Jesus or anyone else dying for the sins of the world. Your theology seems to imply a view that God is limited by concepts of human jurisprudence. I do not share that view.

The Lord's Prayer, for example, implies the idea of divine forgiveness without the idea of a sacrificial death by a God-man.

[P-Marlowe]

But I think your remarks about Catholics and Mother Theresa are bigoted and offensive, and apparently you have the "moderator" on your side. The "moderator" never questioned your offensiveness and your bigotry.

Sorry Steve. You questioned my honesty and called me a liar when, in fact, it was you who was wrong and it was you who misrepresented what I posted. When I called you on it you refused to retract it. You have once again taken the opportunity to insult me and to call me bigoted and chastised the moderator (who is imminently even handed) because he did not question my alleged bigotry.

So, since you cannot seem to post to me without personally accusing me of lying or being a bigot, I will not converse with you anymore on this forum.

Do not ping to me or post to me again.

[IslandJeff]

You were doing fine, even laudatory, until you started personally attacking other posters. I agree with most of what you said, in fact, except for calling people “liars” and “Pharisees”.

Stick around, just let off the gas a little.

[Steve_Seattle]

The inquisitor (”moderator”) sides with you. I guess i’ve been ejected.

[IslandJeff]

The inquisitor (”moderator”) sides with you

Not the way to Make Friends and Influence (the right) People. Show a little contrition and take a few minutes away.

[IslandJeff]

I’ve followed the thread. If you aren’t suspended/banned, we can continue the discussion via FR mail, but understand I really have no dog in this fight except for the defense of Mother T, and cannot objectively speak for others.

[Steve_Seattle]

People who know me - whether they agree or not - say I am fair and objective. If I get booted from this site, which I seem on the verge of because I question evangelical arrogance - it will be a black mark for this site.

[IslandJeff]

Well, I’m on the evangelical Protestant side of most things theological. Freepmail me your complaints, and I’ll give you my perceived doctrine of the RCC and, as a bonus, my own Reformed Theology. I think I even understand the onus of Catholicism, but you’ll have to bear with me and slipping, unintended prejudices.

[Religion Moderator]

Calling another poster a liar as you did in post 217 is "making it personal." It is in fact a personal attack which is not allowed on any forum here.

On the Religion Forum, discuss the issues all you want, but do not make it personal.

Also, do not post to or about P-Marlowe.

[Steve_Seattle]

We differ theologically, but I respect you. You are a good man, so far as I can tell. I am surer of your salvation than my own, in fact.

[IslandJeff]

Don’t be unsure of your own. John 3:16. Let His body and blood light the fire inside of you to proclaim your salvation to others, and encourage (without calumny) others to read the Word and embrace it. Just being there is usually tonic enough. Of course, you live your life as an example of your forgiveness and faith, which makes anyone who thirsts seek the water fountain.

[Steve_Seattle]

I am still defending myself against the "moderator," who defends Marlowe's arrogance against my efforts for a non-bigoted approach to religion. Clearly the moderator agrees with Marlowe; I'm on the defensive, so I'm toast, I'm done as far as FR is concerned. I have to explain myself, Marlowe doesn't; it's that simple. And the moderator pretends - pretends - that it is me who's gone over the line.

FR again prunes itself into irrelevancy. I've offended the tender sensibilities of Marlowe, yet he can question the sanctity of Mother Theresa. Clearly, FR is more in tune with Marlowe than a saint. I guess I am excommunicated, so to speak.