Here's a hint:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=48&chapter=16&verse=18&version=9&context=verse
Please keep in mind that these people are absolutely sincere in their practice and honestly believe they are obeying God and his Word in the Bible. People I know who know snakehandlers say they are some of the most peace-filled people they know.
News footage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObhvOeNCKhs
Interview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDTMirLusdY
Eyewitness report:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ffs5OoUrT6c
Religious snakehandling has been banned in many states across the south EXCEPT for West Virginia. Are the other states engaging in religious discrimination?
2007-11-12 15:53:27 · 11 answers · asked by kriosalysia 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
David T: They CAN hold them in West Virginia. It's illegal in almost all other states across the rest of the US where snakehandling has occurred in the past. Snakehandling churches do exist in the states that have banned it, and they could potentially be arrested for it.
2007-11-12 16:09:54 · update #1
three things:
1) snakes seem to possess some curative powers such that the Prophet Moses used them to heal the various illnesses of his people while they were still wandering in the desert. It is also for the same reason that snakes are part of the 'caduceus' symbol in the Medical field.
2) according to folklore, exposure to snakes will make you immune to its venom.
3) again, according to folklore, exposure to them will make you a Master of Cunning.
my two cents' worth
cheers
:-)
2007-11-12 16:11:14 · answer #1 · answered by Bob V 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They handle snakes because they believe that the gifts given at Pentecost are still active today, along with speaking in tongues, shaking, throwing up, vibrating on the floor etc. This also accounts for why Pentecostals will be quite aggressive in their worship, thinking other (calmer) churches are "dead".
The problem with this behavior is that suppose someone new were to come into their church. Someone who is curious about Christ, who has no background or knowledge of Pentecostal practice.....this person would be very afraid, and never come back! Understandably!
2007-11-12 15:59:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
They do it based upon the Book of Mark. However they forget the part where we are told not to tempt God. I am Pentecostal but if I go into a church and they pull out snakes I am gone. Window, door, or if I have to make a door I don't care.
2007-11-12 15:58:02 · answer #3 · answered by Bible warrior 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well, Hindus charm snakes in India.
Why cant Christians hold them in West Virginia?
2007-11-12 16:01:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A person who would deliberately handle poisonous snakes or drink a deadly potion would be considered either very foolish or mentally deranged, even by a Pentecostal.
2007-11-12 15:58:07 · answer #5 · answered by conundrum 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
More power to what they believe, but I think snake handling is something taken out of context. If someone wants to "tempt" God, then let them. Don't make it illegal.
2007-11-12 15:56:37 · answer #6 · answered by Rod 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
my church doesn't do that. I was a sleep one night. and the Lord said if you believe nothing deadly will hurt you. and about that time something ran a cross my arm and I shake it off and to this day I don't know what it was
2007-11-12 16:08:12 · answer #7 · answered by esther9364622 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those folks are seriously delusional.
2007-11-12 16:09:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
so they actually think a snake can talk?
2007-11-12 15:56:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Can you say "Fanatics"?
2007-11-12 15:58:01 · answer #10 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋