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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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) 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.