I’m currently reading Salvation on Sand Mountain: Snake Handling and Redemption in Southern Appalachia by Dennis Covington.

Before you’re too quick to write off snake handling, read this passage in Mark:

He [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (Mark 16:15-18)

What are your thoughts on snake handling?  Is it really an expression of a closeness with the Holy Spirit, an unwavering commitment to the Great Commission, and a sign of the presence of Christ in a person’s life?

The way you answer that question says a lot about your hermeneutic.

Leave a comment below and I’ll send you a free, highly poisonous rattlesnake.