How should we respond to the news of the recent death of another snake-handling Christian? I can tell you a few ways that have been tried: condescension; amusement; disbelief; mockery; advocacy; and rational assessment of the textual place of the snake-handling verses in the Bible. Some who would never engage in the practice admire the deep faith of these snake-handlers, including Professor Ralph Hood of the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga who has documented over 100 deaths from snake bites and the drinking of poison. The Chattanooga Times Free Press has a thorough overview of the practice among some churches in Appalachia. I have not found a response, though, that deals with the relationship of the snake-handlers to their fellow Christians, that is, how are fellow Christians expected to respond to this sort of death and to the very practice of snake-handling? For snake-handling has everything to do with interpretation of the Bible and with faith in the Bible as the literal word of God.
The significant verses for this practice are found in the Gospel of Mark 16:15-18:
Read Full Article »