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Brother, you know I'd go, my only concern is that I hear they're sorta Arminian. Otherwise, I would SO be there!
But I've always been curious what type of boys home would do something like that...
Most all pastors handle snakes at one time or another in their ministry
I had a seminary professor who has done research on snake handling cults. He read a book by a reporter who invested some groups. This seminary professor actually attended one of these groups simply to observe. It is quite interesting to hear what he tells. I would not even classify these groups as Arminian. There are not many snake handling groups around and they are primarily found in the hills of Tennesse, Kentucy, & W. Virginia. They are not part of the holiness movement or any Pentecostal group. They are independent of any Christian group and are a cult. They are a classic example of how people can destort Scripture for their own purpose.
Snakes are actually a "circumstance" of worship and the regulative principle only concerns "elements" so its OK.
Snakes are actually a "circumstance" of worship and the regulative principle only concerns "elements" so its OK.
I had a seminary professor who has done research on snake handling cults. He read a book by a reporter who invested some groups. This seminary professor actually attended one of these groups simply to observe. It is quite interesting to hear what he tells. I would not even classify these groups as Arminian. There are not many snake handling groups around and they are primarily found in the hills of Tennesse, Kentucy, & W. Virginia. They are not part of the holiness movement or any Pentecostal group. They are independent of any Christian group and are a cult. They are a classic example of how people can destort Scripture for their own purpose.
The book is "Salvation on Sand Mountain". It is by a NYTimes reporter, whose name escapes me right now.
I lived very near these people for several years. In fact a good friend of mine was a pastor in the same denomination, although his congregation did NOT practice snake handling.
They are a branch of the "Holiness Movement". The local chuch will normally have "holiness" in the name. Not all congregations practice snake handling, and the ones that do are often looked down on by others (in the group) for being "backward".
The group shares the visual distinctions of other pentecostal groups such as "Oneness" groups such as long hair worn in a bun, long dresses, etc.
One of their ministers was charged with atempted murder for trying to kill his wife by exposing her to repeated snake bites. He held her arm in the snake pit at his house (hey, someone has to raise these things). She passed out from the venom and was an the verge of death when he went in the house and got drunk and passed out. A church member stopped by and saved her life by calling 911.
This split the local congregation. One faction supporting the "Reverend" and his mistress, the other supporting his victim (and ex-wife).
The trial was moved to Chattanooga TN and was a major local story at the time. Dade Co. (GA) sheriff was then Jeff Sommers. I recall him saying at the time "that boy weren't nothing but a con man afore we sent him to jail, he were a con man in jail, and I always figgered that this preacher thing weren't nothin but a con when he got out."
Or words to that effect.
It is a very interesting group. I knew (to verying degrees) 3 ministers in the group and of the three not one was high school graduate. None had any theological training at all. This seemed to be typical.
Do not think however that these were dumb or ignorant men. The one I knew best was elected to the Georgia state senate, and re-elected. He was a very conscientious pastor to his flock and visited them all on a regular (monthly, most of the time) basis. He was burdened for the lost and would often say in political meetings, including senate comtee meetings, things like; "they just need to meet Jesus." Or "They aint got no problem that my Saviour can't solve".
Everyone knew and loved him. No one, not in any other church, or among non-church people had anything negative to say about him.
As was common among pentecostals in the South, they were all teetotal and almost to a man (or woman) smoked like the proverbial chimney.
Snakes are actually a "circumstance" of worship and the regulative principle only concerns "elements" so its OK.