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Mother Teresa: A Simple Path is in many ways true to its title. This is another book about the modest, simple-living woman of prayer and devotion to Jesus with whom the world is well-acquainted. The world does not, however, necessarily know what motivated Mother Teresa to begin and maintain a ministry helping the poorest of the poor around the world. This book attempts to show us this path. The steps in the path are simply: prayer, faith, love, service and peace. The practice of each step leads to the next.

Vardey uses a format of very short chapters which read quickly and easily. A good portion of the book is simply a compilation of testimonies from individuals who have served with the Missionaries of Charity both as sisters and as lay volunteers. These are stories from the hearts of people who have been changed because they have served the poor.

The one criticism which this book is likely to encounter among theologically conservative readers is that it is very Catholic, i.e. prayer to Mary is part of Mother Teresa's prayer life. More difficult is that Mother Teresa seems to be working to make her teachings acceptable to anyone. In some of her suggested prayers "You could replace `Jesus' by `God' if you are not a Christian<" (p. 35). She seems to see all people--Hindu, Muslim, or Christian, as His children (p. 59).

Despite her theological position, Mother Teresa is eloquent and passionate in her insights on prayer and the love and service which follow from it. Much can be learned from her example about prayerful obedience to God as well as the complete importance of service for God without prayer.

Edith Dyck lives in Winnipeg and attends St. Vital MB Church.

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