S/O of previous Muslim topic

J-man

J-man

Let's Go Brandon!!!
Staff member
Now that we've spent most of the day on Muslims let's discuss those who handle snakes in their religious practices.

I'm sitting here watching "Snake Salvation" on NGC, one person just got bite twice on the arm by a moccasin. Their religious beliefs don't allow them to seek medical attention, they rely on prayer for their healing. He called his wife and of course she flips out while his father is with him and stays by his side while the they contact the church members for prayer. Their main belief rests in Mark 16:16-18 which, oddly enough, follows the "Great Commission" in verse 15.

Mark 16:16-18 (NKJV)

The Great Commission

14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

I've read those passages numerous times and I don't recall ever being led to go grab a snake. Can only wonder if that is a sign that my spiritual health is weak. Interesting topic to me.
 
It is interesting. I do not see it as your spiritually health being weak, but a sign of you being of sane mind. :)) Seriously is there any other interpretation of that passage that is not so literal that people die because they handled poisonous snakes? Or are the snakes not poisonous? I know nothing of these people. What is their faith?
 
The way I see it, snake handlers have always used the practice for demonstrating or proving one's faith in God. It seems almost like a show at times. I have an issue with that. Other than the specific areas where the Bible authorizes the church to "test" a member; one's faith is between him and God.
 
No desire whatsoever to handle a snake. I don't think God requires or expects it. And, no, I don't take the passage literally.
 
I take the passage literally, and Acts 28 illustrates its accuracy. Paul was bitten by a viper and shook it off; everyone expected him to fall over dead and they were amazed when he didn't.

The passage doesn't command Christians to take up snakes, and I think the whole practice is just stupid. It's actually tempting God, or forcing His hand, if you will. It would be like stepping off a busy street corner into oncoming traffic and saying hey, God - You said You're all-powerful, so save me. It's just another tradition of men, which Jesus completely condemns in Mark 7.

Bottom line - until God is finished with us here on this earth, nothing can harm us.
 
I went to a snake handling church by mistake one time.
When I realized what was going on and that the preacher was coming at me with a rattlesnake, I turned to my buddy, who had brought me, and asked where the back door was.
He replied they didn't have a back door.
I asked. "Reckon where they want one?"
 
J-man said:
ShoeDiva said:
It is interesting. I do not see it as your spiritually health being weak, but a sign of you being of sane mind. :)) Seriously is there any other interpretation of that passage that is not so literal that people die because they handled poisonous snakes? Or are the snakes not poisonous? I know nothing of these people. What is their faith?
Click to expand...

http://tvblogs.nationalgeographic.com/2013/09/09/new-series-snake-salvation-premieres-tomorrow/
Click to expand...

Financially strapped, food stamps, illegally transporting snakes, members of the congregation bit. Wow, interesting.
 
mei lan said:
I take the passage literally, and Acts 28 illustrates its accuracy. Paul was bitten by a viper and shook it off; everyone expected him to fall over dead and they were amazed when he didn't.

The passage doesn't command Christians to take up snakes, and I think the whole practice is just stupid. It's actually tempting God, or forcing His hand, if you will. It would be like stepping off a busy street corner into oncoming traffic and saying hey, God - You said You're all-powerful, so save me. It's just another tradition of men, which Jesus completely condemns in Mark 7.

Bottom line - until God is finished with us here on this earth, nothing can harm us.
Click to expand...

^^^This.
 
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