snake handling

A detailed Summary of snake handling

The term snake handling refers to the practice in a few revivalistic rural churches of a few leaders and parishioners picking up poisonous snakes from a container usually a small cage during an emotional worship service. The snakes are held for a while, as the person moves about praying and sometimes singing. Those who handle the poisonous snakes are usually not bitten, and those who are bitten usually survive.

Snakes have been a part of our culture, religion, and beliefs throughout our existence. Although most people have a strong fear of them, they have always fascinated us and scared us. The Book of Numbers 21:6-9 states "Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived. (Holy Bible)

The practice of snake handling is based on two verses in the New T

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sensation of handing a poisonous serpent is described as "fading into the white"; not being aware of where you are or what you are doing; the most incredible high. It is said that handling serpents and drinking poison provides joy unspeakable. Following this incredible sensation the handler drifts back into his surroundings. The church, fellow members, and the music become recognizable as he passes the serpent to the next believer. By this time, most everyone in the church is standing, dancing, clapping their hands, or singing. The dancing, singing, and praying made up the rest of the service.

Errickson, Eve. "Snake handlers: more than meets the eye." The University Echo 7 March. 1996: 10.

Hensley went to Southeastern Kentucky in 1932. There he preached to people who had been forced off their land due to rapid industrialization. Hensley's "fiery messages" emphasized the power of God's signs and miracles. With Hensley's help the converts found a way to reshape their lives. David Kimbrough, the author of a book called "Taking Up Serpents" says, "it just crystallized", although the practice of snake handling was not taken well by most people in Kentucky. In 1940 Kentucky became the first state to outlaw snake handling. (Estep)

th in God is incredible, letting God know that you believe in him and you believe he will protect you by putting your life on the line to show just how much you believe. That is an incredible relationship with God.

Estep, Bill. "Reptiles raised to heavens a

Some common words found in the essay are:
Estep Sewell, Snake Handling, Holy Bible, George Hensley, Southeastern Kentucky, Ooltewah Tennessee, Taking Serpents, Lord Moses, James Coots, Handling Hensley, snake handling, practice snake, practice snake handling, holy bible, people crazy idiots, pole bitten, bronze snake, mark 1618, george hensley, crazy idiots, people crazy, snake pole bitten, hensley bitten,

Approximate Word count = 1061
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion