A theological discussion from the groaners listserv.

A priest, a minister and a rabbi all died at the same time and met at the Pearly Gates.

St. Peter stood before the locked gates and looked upon them sternly. “I have been reviewing your lives,” St. Peter began, “You’ve all done a remarkable job leading exemplary lives. However, before I can allow any of you to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, you each must answer one question.”

Peter turned towards the priest, “Father, when does life begin?”

The priest proudly replied, “At the moment of conception!”

Consulting his answer sheet, St. Peter said, “You’ve answered according to your faith. You may now enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

As the priest disappeared through the Pearly Gates, St. Peter turned to the minister. “When does life begin?”

The minister, without hesitation proclaimed, “When the head leaves the birth canal!”

Peter once again checked his list, saying, “You’ve answered according to your faith. You may now enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

As the minister disappeared through the Pearly Gates, St. Peter turned to the rabbi.

“So, Rabbi, when does life begin?”

The rabbi thought carefully, stroked his beard, and replied, “When the dog dies and the kids leave home.”