Serpent Handling as Sacrament

Serpent-Handling as Sacrament : 

Serpent-Handling as Sacrament A presentation by Ken Mills

Introduction : 

Introduction VIDEO HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUdc5h10zTo

History : 

History Serpent Handling began to thrive shortly after the people of Appalachia lost the mineral rights that were within their land Extends back to the early 1900s in East Tennessee Founded by George W. Hensley as Church of God with Signs Following in 1920s

Cultural Link to Religion : 

Cultural Link to Religion In the early 20th century, snake-handlers of West-Virginia were poor, simple, white people Men worked in dangerous coal mines (with poor working conditions) and no union for very little compensation; hundreds have died in the mines Unemployment, oppression, welfare and a lack of education plagued the lands

Cultural Link to Religion (cont’d) : 

Cultural Link to Religion (cont’d) Economically, life in West Virginia today is significantly better Many persons own expensive mobile homes, cars and modern appliances Men earn from $12,000 to $18,000 annually Many young persons are graduating from high school and some go to college

Cultural Link to Religion (cont’d) : 

Cultural Link to Religion (cont’d) Cultural isolation is still very real; awareness of other religions is minimal Few have traveled more than a few miles from home; television is frowned upon; movies are infrequently attended Little more than the Bible is read (usually at home or orally at thrice weekly church services Life revolves around the church

Why Serpent-Handling? : 

Why Serpent-Handling? The danger of serpent-handling is an act of faith parallel to that of the environment and life in West Virginia: rugged and dangerous. Serpent-handling is a way of confronting the fears and severity of their everyday life ; it is unique, distinguishing them and returning the power lost in times of oppression. Unlike their personal lives, there is a great freedom and strength in the Holy Ghost and serpent-handling. It satisfies their deep longing for holiness and offers meaning, encouragement and assurance of self-worth from God (unlike the outside world). Gives poor people an arena to air frustrations where everyone is on even footing. Being in the Holy Ghost is the only ranking.

Scriptural Interpretations : 

Scriptural Interpretations "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover," (Mark 16:17-18). Picking up snakes is a demonstration of the power of one’s faith in God.

Scriptural Interpretations (cont’d) : 

Scriptural Interpretations (cont’d) Few seek medical attention after being bitten If a worshipper is bitten, poisoned, or burned during the services it is believed to be because: that individual was not in the Holy Ghost, OR the person has sin(s) unrepented for in his/her life, OR it was a message from God, either to teach them suffering or to demonstrate to those lacking faith in the ceremony that the poison is real.

Beliefs and Practices : 

Beliefs and Practices Laying hands on the sick Speaking in tongues Testimonials of miracles Poison consumption Snake handling Touching kerosene-soaked rags that have been placed in jars and ignited Strict dress codes; little to no jewelry Uncut hair, no cosmetics and ankle length dresses for women; short hair, long-sleeved shirts for men No alcohol and tobacco No professional medical treatment; It is a sign of a lack of faith in God’s healing ability

The Church Service : 

The Church Service Church names indicate they belong to Jesus: such as “The Jesus Church” Services occur 3 to 4 times a week for about 3 to 5 hours The Bible remains closed on the pulpit (since the older men cannot read very well) The service begins with singing (for 30-45 minutes), then testifying and preaching by anyone who feels God’s spirit “True believers” sit together at the front Snakes are then handled two or three times in one service, followed by a thanksgiving dance No one is forced to handle snakes, touch fire or consume poisonous liquids The service ends with members greeting each other, embracing and giving the holy kiss

Snake Symbolism : 

Snake Symbolism Serpents represent both good and evil; throughout the world it symbolizes opposing qualities, such as life and death and mortality and immortality Snakes convey transcendence and eternal life Serpents are biblically associated with Adam and Eve and Moses and Aaron

Risks and Legality : 

Risks and Legality Physical deformities due to snake bites Several followers and leaders have died (including the founder) Approximately 80 known deaths Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee have passed laws against the use of venomous snakes and/or other reptiles in a place that endangers the lives of others, or without a permit.