As we know, Bill O'Reilly is quite the polymath: TV pundit, author, champion of traditional morality, scourge of evil doers, America's daddy who is "watching out for us," and great theologian. And as a dispenser of religious wisdom, we are occasionally treated to O'Reilly's deep thoughts about how the tides go in and out and how Jesus guided evolution. Last night, the Holy Ghost inspired Bill and the homophobic Pastor Robert Jeffress (who thinks Catholicism is a "fake religion that represents the genius of Satan") discussed the afterlife and what is necessary, in this life, to get on board the heavenly express which, for Bill, is all about accountability. Oh, the irony! And, as the saying goes, "be careful what you wish for."

After some discussion of after death experiences and Colton Burpo's celestial voyage, about which O'Reilly (unlike the gang on Fox & Friends) had some skepticism, Jeffress described who will get through the pearly gates: "Here's the good news, Bill, it doesn't matter if you're Catholic or Baptist, Jew, Muslim, atheist, anybody who trusts in Christ for forgiveness can be assured of a guaranteed reservation there [heaven]" O'Reilly didn't push back on the offensiveness of this comment which reflects the view that only Christians can achieve salvation, but responded that "even though you are trusting, you do have to follow a certain code of behavior." (This, from a man who makes millions engaging in personal attacks and lies?!)

The discussion got into faith vs. good works. Bill said that religious people, throughout history, "have done horrible things" and that he won't "be seeing them if I make it and that will be a long shot." He continued "you just can't be killing...look at these crazy Muslim people doing it in the name of Allah." He expressed his belief that "it's healthy to believe in a judgment day because there has to be, and that's why I do believe in an afterlife. You have to be held accountable in some ways and Christians believe in a just God...and if he isn't I'm gonna be so disappointed." Jeffress blithered about how, when we trust in God, he forgives.

If the afterlife is as O'Reilly believes it to be, I suspect that he will be going to the same hot place that Dr. George Tiller's murderer is destined for. Or maybe, using Dante's construct of the circles of hell, he will be with Limbaugh,, Hannity, and all the other hatemongers. Ya think?!