Christian or cult: Did you know that the Church of God (Pentecostal holiness) practiced snake handling and?

Question

drinking poison in their worship? Snake handling is based on Mark 16:17-18. Did you know that 60 cases of death was documented in the U.S.?

Source: Wikipedia

Always know what you believe, ask questions!!! That is the point

To be fair, this particular group did split from the conventional Church of God. Not bashing, just educated.

Answer 1

Yes, I know. I think that is a cult because not all Pentecostal churches are like do those sort of things. The Pentecostals that do this are fundamentalist fanatics who really need therapy and a doctor if they ever get bitten.

Answer 2

You'd better get the correct Church of God, dear!
The one I belong to, based in Cleveland, TN does no such kind of foolishness.
There's another one, the Church of God of Prophecy, and they don't fool around with that stuff either; never did.
Both of those are strong, sensible, practical Church groups founded on the Bible.
I've been to several Pentecostal Holiness churches and none of them did any of the stuff you mention either!
You must be talking about a tiny little group of crazy people.
I've been a "holy roller" Pentecostal over 30 years and, although I heard about some goofy people doing that stuff, I've never seen it in any of those churches.
Those Churches of God ROCK! Great music, preaching and worship. They are as far from a cult as you can get!

Answer 3

They preserve snakes by fact they have faith that the presents given at Pentecost are nonetheless lively at present, alongside with speaking in tongues, shaking, throwing up, vibrating on the floor etc. This additionally debts for why Pentecostals would be somewhat aggressive of their worship, thinking different (calmer) church homes are "ineffective". the difficulty with this habit is that assume somebody new have been to return into their church. somebody who's fascinated in Christ, who has no history or awareness of Pentecostal prepare.....this individual could be very afraid, and in no way come again! Understandably!

Answer 4

If they insisted that you had to handle snakes to be a Christian, I'd consider that a cult.

I'd be more concerned about whether they loved God and loved their neighbors as themselves. Love is the true test of who is really a Christian.

Answer 5

the scripture quoted out of context goes on about the original gifts of the holy spirit like speaking in tongues expelling demons etc. Gifts that were prophesied to cease by the Apostle Paul later in the bible. But I might add that there is some doubt about the authentcity of this scripture in the bible canon as verses 9 to 20 are omitted from the main dead sea scrolls but are included in some others. I find in this case it is good to cross reference the scripture with what is not questioned as authentic

Answer 6

The passage in Mark 16:17-18 is not meant to be taken that way. It is figurative and not meant to be taken literarly. I say that the Holiness movement that teaches otherwise is a dangerous belief and should not be followed.

Answer 7

Yes! It's common knowledge. There are many strange practices that actually dishonor Jehovah.

Answer 8

When you are on a Mission, to Preach the Gospel, from JESUS (for real!), if somebody slips you a mickey, GOD takes care of it for you.
What they are doing is fanaticism. They could be Children of GOD, but there getting into fanaticism.
GOD might just protect them for a while!
GOD is Mercyful.
They need to get outta this stuff, and quit handling those snakes and drinking poison.

satan is 24-7, will decieve Whom Ever he can.
Ditto..............

Answer 9

personally,i dont want to tempt God and dont care to handle a snake,i dont practice a religion Jesus didnt

Answer 10

What is interesting is that there were ONLY 60 cases. What kept the rest of them safe??????