# Would you have a priest for dinner? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [September 20, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344 "2010-09-20T00:23:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/41 "2010-09-20T13:31:55Z")
I have known a few nice priests, and I suppose I wouldn’t object to having one at my table, but I am not really friends with priests. It would be weird on many levels to me. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/42 "2010-09-20T13:32:01Z")
My pastor is a fascinating guy. He was a missionary for many years, and getting him going on stories about Africa is excellent entertainment. Or pretty much anything else - his undergraduate degree is in physics, and he picked up a Ph.D. in Islamic studies since his return to America. And my brother-in-law the bishop is one of my favorite in-laws. Also a cheerful and engaging fellow. So, would I have a priest over for dinner? Sure - it makes for a fun Thanksgiving. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/43 "2010-09-20T13:38:04Z")
My parents had priests for lunch and dinner in our home and we’ve had lunch at the house of priests who were friends of the family. We’ve also had a vegetarian cousin skip a meat-centric family meal and join us over coffee bringing a couple of friends, one of whom happened to be a priest (and classmate of my cousin’s from pre-K to 12th grade); the same priest who presided over that cousin’s funeral, actually. Dad loved a good debate. One of the Jehova’s Witnesses in my home town was an old acquaintance of his, ex co-worker; this JW liked a good cite-throwing as much as Dad did and was one of the local Elders or whatever they’re called, so when it was time for our house to get a visit he tried to arrange to come. Dad would invite them in and they had a grand time arguing theology over coffee while the other JW did his best to hide in the corner of the sofa, looking terrified. I’ve also had brunch with a pastor from a microchurch (a friend of mine was a parishioner and had invited me) and eaten meals with Jews of different stripes, including a Rabbi (not Orthodox, but back then I didn’t know enough to ask which branch). Forgot: it wasn’t in my house, but I’ve also broken bread with priests on camping trips (organized by my high school’s Mountaineering Club, the school’s name is San Francisco Javier, why yes it’s the SJ) and on parish-related shindings. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/44 "2010-09-20T13:42:23Z")
Sure I would. I have. I’ve had dinner at my pastor’s house, too. (And yes, she knows I’m technically an agnostic.) I’ve had dinner socially with at least half a dozen Christian Brothers and two nuns I can think of as well. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/45 "2010-09-20T13:42:45Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > > [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > > > No. > > > > I don’t hang out with people I wouldn’t be able to resist mocking. > > > > Though I did once overhear part of a luncheon discussion among Al Gore, a Roman Catholic Bishop, and the Dalai Lama. And I succeeded in not mocking them, because I would have been fired. > > Okay, so what’s the punchline? Surely there’s a joke in there–it’s too similar to preacher, rabbi, and priest jokes. Sorry, no punchline. It’s a true story. Al told the bishop that he had always admired the Catholic sacrament of confession, as it could wash away guilt. The bishop was unhappy with the concept of original sin, and thought Al was lucky that his religion didn’t have it (I dunno what religion Al Gore belongs to), and the Dalai Lama pretty much stood there smiling and nodding – I don’t remember any comments he made. Perhaps he clouded my mind. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Giles](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/giles/32/60_2.png) [@Giles](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Giles)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/46 "2010-09-20T13:45:36Z")
We once had neighbours who had lots of connections with the Anglican hierarchy – a brother was an archdeacon for a start. We were (and still are) very close friends, to the extent that we’d set up a gap in the fence between our homes, so that our children (and other neighbourhood children) could move freely between the homes. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there at the time, but my wife told me that while the neighbours were have a birthday party, the archbishop ([Peter Jensen](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Jensen_%28bishop%29)) wandered into our backyard looking for a glass of wine. I think she gave him one. So yes, I’d have no problems being friends with a priest, or with inviting him or her round for dinner. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/47 "2010-09-20T17:27:24Z")
Of course not. They’re not kosher! 😃 (off to read the rest of the thread now) ---
**Author:** ![Cunctator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/43a26b/32.png) [@Cunctator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cunctator)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/48 "2010-09-20T23:17:49Z")
I know lots of priests and have had many of them over for dinner. ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2010, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/49 "2010-09-20T23:25:09Z")
Sure, if I met a nice priest and wanted to hang out with them. It’s not a totally crazy idea. I’ve had dinner with a number of rabbis, and most of them were perfectly nice, although I wouldn’t invite them over in return, as I don’t keep kosher. ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/50 "2010-09-21T01:40:47Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > > [@WhyNot](#): > > > > I don’t think my grill is big enough to fit a fully grown priest… > > Plus, they tend to be older guys. Tough and stringy… I know. When I was a little kid even a little bit of priest in my mouth was enought to make me gag. ---
**Author:** ![Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superfluous_Parentheses)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/51 "2010-09-21T02:38:02Z")
Yeah sure, if he was a friend or someone with an interest in debate, I’d have a priest over for drinks and food. Especially if (s)he would be interested in debate. I’d be delighted. ---
**Author:** ![missred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/missred/32/14096_2.png) [@missred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missred)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/52 "2010-09-21T03:31:27Z")
Would he be served with red or white wine? 😛 Seriously, though, I not only would, but I have and still do. Interesting people are interesting people, regardless of their religion or lack thereof. Growing up, we usually had our parish priest in our home for dinner about once a year. I took piano lessons from a local minister’s wife and they were invited to dinner a couple of times. I still go back and have a meal with a couple of my elementary school teachers (nuns) when I go home to visit. A coordinator at one of my volunteer jobs is a RC priest and he’s eaten dinner (along with others, to avoid appearance issues) in my home several times. Good company and he is very food / wine savvy. Heathen that I am, I recognize that there are some good and interesting people out there whose worldview doesn’t match mine. They’re welcome at CasaRed. ---
**Author:** ![Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tastes_of_chocolate/32/3232_2.png) [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2010, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/53 "2010-09-21T22:39:01Z")
Let’s see. The last time was an African bishop, who I’ve known since I was in high school (friend of my parents). He was in town and had a free evening. I’ve known quite a few Lutheran pastors, a couple of bishops and a smattering of priests/pastors of other religious groups, sadly all Christian variants. They are regular people who tell bad jokes and funny stories just like everyone else. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2010, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/54 "2010-09-23T03:20:37Z")
Not only would I; I have. I have a lot of friends who are priests; a couple of whom I knew before they were priests, so I don’t even always remember they _are_ priests. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2010, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/55 "2010-09-23T06:47:37Z")
> [@AboutAsWeirdAsYouCanGet](#): > > Is your name Mrs Lovett by any chance? > (Sweeny Todd) The trouble with poet is how do you know it’s deceased? Try the priest!(Sweeny Todd) [Link.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gyl8a140Tc) ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2010, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/56 "2010-09-23T07:05:35Z")
I have dinner with a bishop twice a year. ---
**Author:** ![Perciful](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b38774/32.png) [@Perciful](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Perciful)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2010, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/57 "2010-09-23T14:08:59Z")
Any day. Priests are extremely interesting and usually well educated men. Just for the history lessons alone it would be worth it. I can’t have a priest for dinner because I am a single woman but I would if I was married. I love to catch them after mass and get their take on things. Sometimes I need the spiritual direction. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2010, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/58 "2010-09-23T14:21:34Z")
I would not. I would have no problem sharing a meal with someone who was religious, but someone whose life is centered around religion? Nope. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2010, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/59 "2010-09-23T14:36:35Z")
But what if he was really hungry? ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2010, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344/60 "2010-09-23T14:38:27Z")
> [@Perciful](#): > > I can’t have a priest for dinner because I am a single woman but I would if I was married. 😕 Why not? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-priest-for-dinner/554344.md?page=4)