Lost in Translation

A priest was almost done with his missionary work with the local tribes in the jungle, and several of the members of the tribe had been taught and converted to Christianity from his work. He never got around to teaching the people how to read, however, so he was concerned on the effect his departure would have on their community. Eager to give them something, he set about teaching the king a few rudimentary words.

The chief took the priest on a walk through the jungle, then, while pointing to a tree, "This is a tree." So the chief repeated ''tree,'' and nodded.

Buoyed, the priest pointed at a rock. The chief nodded, ''Rock.'' The priest was delighted

At last, he sensed that teaching had a payoff. When there was some distance away, they heard a noise from the brushwood. Curiosity induced them to look closer for a moment, and they were horrified to observe two natives crouched together.

The priest, with nothing to say, blurts out, ''It's a man riding a bicycle!''

Without pause, the chief drew his gun and shot the couple. The priest was horrified and said, ''What have you done? I taught you for years how to be kind, compassionate, and you do this?''

The chief met him with an air of calm, as was his wont, and said, ''My cycle.''