Snake Man of Appalachia [Reality show on Animal Planet] Saw it for the 1st time last night and am ambivalent about the who Christian snake handling thing. They practice 'old time religion,' which includes speaking in tongues and casting out demons (which many modern Charismatic/neo-Pentecostal churches also believe in as some of the "Gifts of the Holy Spirit" per NT scripture) and use the scripture as a basis for their snake handling: Mark 16: 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. The only example of the serpent in scripture (Acts 28:3) following the above words of Jesus is that of Paul, who while gathering firewood following the surviving of a cap-sized boat, was bitten by a deadly serpent. All those who saw it were waiting for him to die, but he did not (nor had any apparent reaction to the bite). I'm sure some will say that it was 'a dry bite,' but those watching didnt mention that option!! Now the way I see it (as in 'not tempting God' per scripture) is an accidental bite while out ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But these ppl dance & sing and then 'feel the move of God' and will handle (no gloves, tool, etc) strange & untamed poisonous rattlesnakes/copperheads, etc. without getting bitten! Pretty amazing to watch. Altho I'm sure that in this religious sect some do get bitten (but not publicized) , and is most likely blamed on their 'lack of faith.' I dont like to judge other Christians and their walks, but their 'child-like faith' may be honored by God who says 'not to doubt in your heart,' just as little children do not doubt---we 'mature' adults always have some skepticism & doubt which often inhibits us receiving from God: Mark 11:23 (NIV) "I (Jesus) tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him." Give it a look---it is 'old time religion' practiced by Appalchia rednecks tho...
This is one of those pagan cross overs. Snake cults were everywhere before Genesis.. Ouroboros... and the snake was consider a symbol for wisdom, fertility and rebirth. So the Snake is cast as the deceiver in Genesis.. (dueling religions) Later the snake shows up again when Moses throws down his staff in front of Pharaoh.. And again.. in Sinai when Moses makes a bronze snake for the people to look at when they are snake bit... It will save them.
As the Devil is cast as a serpent in scripture, they most likely believe that they have power over him and his demons, which does line up with NT scripture: Luke 10:19 "Behold, I (Jesus) give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you." It is interesting to watch...give it a look, Margot.
More than 'usual!'... Where's your faith? I see a lot of historical and archeological postings coming from you, but NOTHING in regards to 'faith." Is it more of a matter of mental assent, as in "seeing is believing?" Me, personally, am 'open' to all that God has for me as a follower of His, and am slow to poo-poo anything that has a valid scriptural basis..including the Baptism in the H.S....if you know what I mean...
Faith is something you are suppose to 'use' and not rest your laurels on! "Faith w/o works is dead," per scripture. All of us in the Christian walk need to regularly re-examine ourselves as to whether we are just 'treading water' in this life or are 'becoming conformed to the image of His dear Son" as we walk thru this life...'luke warm' is worse than being an unbeliever, for whom there is still hope.
How about walking across 'guarded intersections?' Lost a lady neighbor about a year ago who got hit while legally crossing at one where the rising sun blinded the motorist..and, BTW, the most dangerous place one can go is in a strip-mall parking lot along the front drive of the stores! Driving takes faith: 1) in your own driving skills & reactions, 2) faith in your car (good tires/brakes), and 3) 'blind' faith in other drivers! My dad raised me with this line as a new teen driver: "When you drive, you have to look at 1/2 the ppl on the road as being drunk; and the other half as being crazy."
Driving takes good eyesight. I have a driver now. Yes, I know I used to race the hill climb in NC.. and win.
Werent and didnt we all....want to compare scars?! (did motocross and hill climb on a dirt bike, snow skiing, long-distance cycling, etc.) Wisdom comes with age (and many bad experiences from the 'school of hard knocks')
Found a Youtube on the 1st show: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIY3H72rGpY"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIY3H72rGpY[/ame] He knows that they will normally bite him, unless he 'feels the move of God" and then handles with bare hands..
