There was a fierce yet friendly rivalry between the clergy members of a small town – a priest, a minister, and a rabbi.
Each was confident in their ability to spread their religious teachings and convert new followers.
One day, they decided to compare their skills by venturing into the deep woods to see who could convert the most unlikely of subjects – a wild bear.
After each had attempted to convert the bear, they reunited in a bar to share their incredible experiences.
I: The Priest and the Bear
The priest was first to speak of his experience.
He claimed he located the burly grizzly foraging for berries.
He approached the creature, holding up a crucifix:
“Great bear, I come to you with the Word of God and the teachings of the Holy Church,” he proclaimed.
The bear looked up, puzzled. Unphased, the priest continued reading passages from the Catechism while sprinkling the animal with holy water.
To his amazement, the bear seemed to listen intently.
“Next Sunday, you shall receive your first holy communion,” the priest proclaimed before departing.
II: The Minister and the Bear
Not long later, the minister stumbled upon a massive black bear fishing in a stream.
Seizing the opportunity, he waded into the water and began preaching fervently about the glory of God and the path to salvation.
The bear turned its head, seeming intrigued by the minister’s impassioned words.
Emboldened, the minister reached out and baptized the bear in the name of the Lord. The bear didn’t protest, and the minister walked away convinced of his success.
III: The Rabbi and the Bear
The Minister and Priest now turned to the Rabbi.
The rabbi slowly raised his head and uttered weakly:
“Looking back…maybe I shouldn’t have started with the circumcision.”
