5 Secrets Of The Snake-Handling Churches On Sand Mountain

There's a fascinating, enigmatic, and somewhat controversial religious practice that takes place on Sand Mountain, Alabama, and parts of Appalachia - the snake-handling churches. Often cloaked in mystery and misunderstanding, these congregations hold beliefs and rituals that hark back to a time when religious fervor intertwined with the handling of deadly serpents, speaking in tongues, and healing with fire 🔥. This post delves into the five secrets that define these unique gatherings, revealing not only their practices but also the deep-seated faith and community ties.

The Faith Behind the Fangs 🐍

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The snake-handling tradition stems from a literal interpretation of the Bible, particularly Mark 16:17-18:

"And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 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."

This scripture is the bedrock of faith for these believers, who see snake handling not just as a test of faith but as a divine mandate.

Secret 1: A Covenant with God

The believers perceive their actions as a covenant with God, a physical manifestation of their unwavering faith. Here’s what this secret entails:

• Risk and Reward: Handling snakes is seen as an act of devotion, where the risk of harm symbolizes their trust in God's protection.

• No Fear: They strive to handle serpents fearlessly, believing that fear is the absence of faith.

Secret 2: A Practice of Purity

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The second secret lies in the purity of the handler:

• Holiness: Only those deemed spiritually pure and living a righteous life are considered for snake handling.

• Purity Test: The ability to handle snakes without harm is often seen as a sign of personal holiness.

Secret 3: The Unseen Bonding

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The third secret is the profound sense of community and bonding:

• Communal Faith: The act of handling snakes is often communal, reinforcing bonds of faith and trust among members.

• Mutual Dependence: This shared experience leads to a deep, often unbreakable, reliance on one another.

Secret 4: The Sacramental Experience

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The fourth secret is the sacramental nature of snake handling:

• Ritual and Worship: Handling snakes is not just an event but a sacred act of worship, akin to a sacrament.

• Healing and Faith: Miraculous healing is often associated with these services, seen as divine intervention.

Secret 5: Legal and Social Struggles

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The final secret is the legal and social context:

• Laws and Lawsuits: Handling venomous snakes has led to legal battles over animal rights, safety, and public health.

• Misunderstood Practices: These churches are often at odds with mainstream society, facing both fascination and criticism.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why do some Christian denominations practice snake-handling?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Snake-handling is practiced by some Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian groups as an expression of their faith in the biblical promise of divine protection.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is snake-handling safe?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While handlers have faith in divine protection, snake handling carries inherent risks, including snake bites, which can be fatal without immediate medical attention.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do these churches legally handle the practice of snake-handling?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Many snake-handling churches operate in areas where laws are more lenient or non-existent regarding the handling of poisonous snakes for religious purposes. However, legal battles persist in other regions.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>