I’m from Logan WV. I used to work in Jolo back in the 90’s. These are the greatest people on Earth. The most honest and hardworking people you’ll ever meet. I recently moved to the state of New Jersey. I’d feel a million times safer in a church full of snakes with these people than in any public place in NJ. That’s the TRUTH.
Sounds like that what they did, was replace the words"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thine house," with the words:"Why...if'n you don't pick up the Serpent, in order to prove your Faith," then yer a'gonna go to Hell and burn, because of your "Lack of Faith" in God. What a Diabolical, and a very Satanic thing to do to people! Haven't we, as a people, been warned enough, not to change the Word of God? We've been warned not to listen to those who preach "Another Jesus, Another Gospel, or Another Spirit!" When are people gonna learn to listen?
I sure miss going to church . Hopefully God will make a way for me to get to a church . My situation was s keeping me from going. Please remember me in your prayers.
@@lowelljohnson2082 those churches are no joke . There’s been a lot of men die because of snake bites . They believe if your truly living in Gods will nothing will harm you . But if you get bit by the snake and die then your living out of Gods will . So that’s why it is so important to know better when picking up a snake .
Thanks for the upload. Just love the look and feel of this documentary. Ya know that 70’s thing. But ya know these people are crazy, God bless’em. And they’re still at it. Still at it in Appalachia. Just crazy.
I love these people and miss them terribly! They were wonderful and loving, Godly people with a heart of gold. They were the best folks to know! They were the salt of the earth! Most all of them are gone now including my grandparents. I sure miss them something awful.
That's all great and wonderful, it really is, but their interpretation of Mark 16:18 is dead wrong. Their error has led to injury, death, and suffering for family & friends left behind. Anyone who believes Mark 16 permits snake handling is in bondage.
I live not to far from this area. I don't really have a problem with what they do but to me in does fall into the do not temp the lord thy God category.
Snake handling is a wrong interpretation of Mark 16:18. Christians who purposefully and literally handle venomous snakes are in _disobedience to God's word._ This man has been bitten 68 times in 20 years. It should take only one snake bite to prove they are wrong about these verses, which say "it will not hurt them at all." Yet they have been hurt. Why aren't they also drinking deadly poison in church as verse 18 says? These verses are _metaphors_ promising God's protection in difficult circumstances. This church's approach to these verses is wrong on many levels. Verse 18 doesn't _ask_ or _command_ anyone to purposefully pick up "deadly serpents," it only says "and when they do." These people are deceived.
They focus on Mark 16 but don't follow what Jesus said. "Do not tempt the Lord your God". This is indeed a metaphor and God will hold you and protect you.
bruh theres also churches where they do the snake stuff and also drink strychnine which makes them speak in tounges because of the "high" the poison gives them lmao
The oldest existent texts of Mark don’t contain 16:18. The passage was added later, likely by a scribe. Scholars note that even the language is different.
@@ericlewis4674 Correct, yet it is controversial among those much smarter & more learned than me about these verses being written & included. Their genuineness is really not vitally important to this matter anyway, as this practice is wrong on so many levels. I pity that I have brothers & sisters in Jesus who are so deceived, but I too have been deceived about many things.
These people are nuts. None of this stuff they’re doing is of God. Also that passage about speaking in different tongues, I’m pretty sure the bible meant spreading the gospel in other legit languages, not just blah blah rah rah jah jah…
Because they all were in the 90's and 100's. No one lives forever but God and those who enter heaven with him. Those who enter hell are alive forever but in a different way and in torment forever.
I doubt that any of these folks ever knew that the 16th chapter of Mark was ADDED at least 2 centuries after the original gospel was written. They are taking something literally that was never a part of the original gospel
They all say ... I quit drankin I quit cocaine. But this adrenaline i get with the snkaes and the local fame of being a "godly man/woman" is way better and people dont judge me cause im not drankin or doing my cocaine.
The Bible tells us a lot of things, but most are period or region specific. You don’t see any of the fundamentalists sacrificing lambs on an altar. God gave us common sense for a reason. He never said, I will protect you against every single threat. He gave us a working brain so we could protect ourselves. Stand on the tracks facing a train, see if your faith is strong. Nope, I will save myself.
And you have to understand although they are sincere in their beliefs, they can be sincerely wrong. The people in these communities are not well educated, and believe the pastors. They live in their sheltered lives, and have very little outside opinions about the Bible. It's like the people in Africa, who believe in witch doctors. They truly believe in this practice, but have no education to question the practices they see in their everyday life. If everyone around you practices a certain way, and you know nothing else, you will continue to live in this lifestyle. It's sad. They think if they question this practice, their salvation is in question.
Old woman line dancing while the snake is mesmerized, enjoying and confused at the same time. It’s alot for a reptile to process. I was waiting on the kool aid to come out.
I know where Jolo is! Think they’d let me visit to observe? I’m a Traditional Catholic. I won’t be handling any snakes or drinking poison! I’ve got no problem praying for the sick, singing the old timey hymns, or shouting, but I wouldn’t be falling over and having convulsions! Their concept of worship is very different from the Catholic meaning, so dancing wouldn’t be a problem for me, either.
You would have to have an "in". They don't really utilize a central house of worship anymore because of unwanted attention. Instead they hold services in people's homes
Before, and many years after the KJV was printed, the GENEVA BIBLE was the People's Choice, but an ungodly King (James) made it illegal to publish it any longer. These poor people are so misled. They should search the scriptures, starting with the English translation of the Bible that preceded King James.....the Geneva Bible, which was not influenced by Catholicism. Mark 16:18 "and they shall TAKE AWAY serpents"....Geneva Bible. How sad that many of their loved ones and friends have died because of the mistranslation of one word.
Im pentecostal. Im glad we dont believe in handling snakes and burning ourselves.i have witnessed ppl being healed and miracles even devils cast out..but we do not handle snakes..i think these ppl are good ppl tht love God..but dont understand God does not require anyone to play with snakes.
So when the Germans , Italians, Blacks & others lived in the segregated coal camp the immigrants heard the blacks praising on Sundays and thats why this church service resembles a black church and why my mother a black mother makes corned beef and cabbage to this day. We all picked up culture from each other while living in segregated coal camps.
Does anyone notice in 3:00 in the video there a guy is gay im very surprised the church except being gay back then i know because im gay back then it was taboo 😂😂
They defy logic on several levels. The passage says they shall take up serpents and... it will not hurt them. But in every single instance of a bite, they ARE hurt - often to the point of death. It doesn't say they'll get better if they get bitten - it says they won't be hurt. The passage says it's a SIGN of a true believer, not a test of bravery or a test of the power of God. So, if they are hurt (as they are when bitten) does that not prove they aren't true believers... or does it prove they are misinterpreting the verse? Finally, the snakes seem very lethargic. I didn't see or hear any of them rattling. Do they keep these snakes in a refrigerator to partially hibernate them? Pit vipers strike at sources of heat, especially if they're hungry, but these act like they've been asleep. Also, where in the Bible does it say dance around like idiots, holding snakes in the air? It's almost like they're worshiping the snakes. Very pagan-like.
"The issue" is their interpretation of Mark 16:18 is wrong. This wrong belief has led to, and will continue to lead to, needless injury, suffering and death, not to mention danger for anyone around during their practice of snake handling.
I'm a Christian, and the way I read the book of Mark is they were talking to a particular person, or group of people at that time. To take up serpents. Not for every God fearing Christian to do that. I mean If that's your belief then that's fine. It's all your personnel relationship with God is what matters.
Around 12:05 when mom was talking about losing her daughter and she offered a doctor 3 times and really wanted her to accept help, I couldn’t help but think about what ridiculously unnecessary these snake bite deaths are. I am fine with people believing and practicing what they want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. But this is just absolutely ignorant. And for the love of animals, let the snakes go.
Somewheres close, anyway. You can tell by the way that they dressed back then, and even the styles of glasses that some of them wore. I saw one Beautiful Young Lady earlier in this video, wearing a pair of Horn-Rimmed Glasses. She was still Very Beautiful! Had herself one of those Bee-Hive Hairdos, too. She was also one other thing:Dressed MODESTLY! Her Dress wasn't one of these ol' tight, form-fitting Dresses. She dressed Holy! As for the Snake-Handling, and the Strychnine-Drinking, and the Fire-Handling? No, thanks! That's not for me! The rest of it, though? I'm Old-Order Pentecostal, so I can deal with that!
@@ronaldshank7589 I thought there were some cute ladies there as well. And as you say you can tell by the dress and accessories that this was awhile ago. Brings back memories of my family church revivals in S Ohio ( minus the snakes )
@@ronaldshank7589I’m cool with the snakes, it’s the other stuff I’m not really about. I don’t think the gospel of Mark was talking about dancing with the snakes either. 😂
@@ScotchIrishHoundsman I'd rather take a swim in an ice-cold lake, instead of handlin' one o' dem ol' ugly snakes! They'll do the twist and turn, with all of their might, and then they'll slither, and turn, and give ya a bite! So..... Just you watch out now, for them ol' poison fangs, or else, the next thing ya know, ya could be feelin' death's pangs! They'll do the twist REAL QUICK, 'n' but the bite on you, & then the next thing ya know..... yer life will be.......... Through! See thar'?!? I'm a poet.... & I know it!
I did not expect to be so moved by this documentary. The interview with the mother whose 9 year old child died was especially hard hitting. It made me wonder, did God the Father grieve Jesus' death on the cross? I always viewed the verse "My father why have you forsaken me" from the son (Jesus'), but never God the father's view. Could it be possible that during Jesus' death on the cross he was feeling summation of all human sin and the hopelessness and loss that comes with that, while God the Father was feeling the grief and pain that comes from watching a your child die? Just some thoughts.
Er.....try a tipan an aussy snake most venomous land snake in the world ....er we have 10 most generous snaked in the world a king brown ...dead within half hour ....sometimes minutes .
If you read the books on the serpent handlers, you’ll read they’ve handled those serpents also. Although cotton mouths and timber rattlers are fairly mean.
I've been an Atheist for decades. More on the Agnostic/Secular/Humanistic side rather than a devout Atheist since I can't prove that God doesn't exist, nor have I ever met anyone who can prove God's existence, but I will admit that some of you God believers can be really nice and awesome people. I just don't understand why anyone feels they need this God character at all?
Yes that, and False doctrine is how I feel it was discerned for me. But, these people say " no handling snakes, no getting into heaven." If that is the criteria, I assume I'm not going to be with the Lord. However, that thinking destroys the Gospel Message I feel.😢😭
Comparing religious practices, there is a subgroup within the Catholic Church called Opus Dei, meaning works of God. These people practice self mortification ie. wearing nettles under their clothes or causing themselves other forms of physical discomfort. They believe in sharing their suffering with Jesus because of His suffering on the Cross ie. gratitude for the sacrifice He made. It is often referred to "offering it up".
They look like really nice people. Especially the soft voiced guy. I totally think they should be able to do their thing, but i don't know why they won't go to the hospital. Your body is your temple, and Jesus is the greatest physician, and even the lowly ones can help a snake bite. God doesn't want his children to suffer.
There is NO WAY in this world that an All powerful, All Loving, All knowing and ever present God would want people to do this! Why would THE CREATOR of everything that is, was or ever will be, want people to behave like this? I think it’s done out of ignorance. I believe they’re very good people, but very ignorant.
they have twisted the scriptures and the music is definitely honky-tonkish, but i do believe that they believe they are doing right and really want to serve the lord. (sigh)
They are really wild caught snakes. I used to have neighbors that was in a church that did this snake handling and drinking Strychnine. Thank goodness they moved.
The snakes are almost starved to death. They all die in captivity, as he said, they won't eat. They probably have wits enough not to play with the fresh ones that still have a lot of energy, and use only the ones that have been in a box for a while.
I'm not saying this to be knowing these folks they are God's children but if they put into gifts of healing what they put into snakes they would be soul winners .
West Virginia is the only place where is legal to practice curling serpents all the other states it’s illegal but they do it and people tend to look the other way and don’t ever tell him but if they get caught they get in a lot of trouble also in West Virginia you have to be 18 years old before you can handle a snake and you have to want to do it nobody will force you to do it
My wife is a serpent handler. It doesn't bite, but when she gives it the right touch, it spits at her. She is a godly woman of faith. I pray that she keeps up the lords work.
The trick is that these snakes are never fed at all. They die in this churches care. By the time they "take up the serpent" these poor snakes are half dead. If you watch really close you can even see one that IS dead. It's head is flopped upside down. This is just animal abuse...
Been bitten by a rattlesnake (between the eyes!) and survived. I went to the hospital because of difficulty breathing but I survived. I’ve handled serpents since. I’m a Holiness Pentecostal pastor and I’m never giving up the tenets of my faith. The Five Signs ✝️
Holy crap First o know where this church is it's still there today. Second, the first house it shows in the beginning i installed a satellite at that house and sat in that kitchen and ate lemon sponge cake and had coffee with the woman that inherited the house from a relative. 😊
I’ve been a devout Christian all my life and have read the Bible more times than I can remember. But this is insane. Get the congregation all pumped up on music and think it’s somehow God’s Devine spirit. Handling a venomous snake is simply idiotic. Not to be THAT guy but these people don’t strike me as being very smart.
These pastors don't go to a seminary to become pastors, they are ordained within the church community. There is no formal Bible education. New pastors are the sons of former pastors. They might have good intentions, but people need educated leaders.
If they were educated, they would know that the "long ending" of Mark, mentioning snakes, was added to the text. Prntecostals are a special kind of crazy.
The sad reality is that the book of Mark originally ended with verse 8 of chapter 16. Verses 9-20 which included the verses about taking up serpents and drinking poison were added in later. Why? That I don't know. There is no evidence in Church history of believers handling snakes or drinking poison until 1909. These people have been deceived into believing this practice somehow honors the Lord by proving their faith when it actually tempts God, and the consequences are lethal in most cases. If snake handling was ordained by God for a purpose, then the other Gospels would promote it, but the fact is this started in Tennessee in the early 20th century and has done nothing but destroy good men and women who sincerely believed what they were doing was God's will. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
They are taking that scripture out of context\ I can't believe that all these years SOMEONE didn't read the complete chapter. Those things were given to the few people who went out to preach the gossipal right after Jesus went back to heaven. There weren't a lot of people to go out so for a season Gon protected the few that went. It had nothing to do with their faith, it was just to protect them. God stopped this when more people became christains
The original texts of Mark do not contain 16:18. The last 12 verses were added later, likely by a scribe. The language is clearly very different from the rest of the gospel.
Their music is incredible! Like Rockabilly mixed with Psychedelic Garage
Very 👍 true
I’m from Logan WV. I used to work in Jolo back in the 90’s. These are the greatest people on Earth. The most honest and hardworking people you’ll ever meet. I recently moved to the state of New Jersey. I’d feel a million times safer in a church full of snakes with these people than in any public place in NJ. That’s the TRUTH.
Nothing worse than "human snakes"!
I'm from NJ. We would love for you to move back to your state.
@@easypeasy5219 Thanks for validating my point. Nothing like good ole northern hospitality. 😘
@@johndardi1334 sorry you can't fit into civilization hick. You obviously weren't raised right by your parents.
Very interesting comment! I am sure people in WV have a much better attitude than New Jersey people. NJ & NY ...not exactly barrels of laughs.
Although I am a Christian that has never agreed with their interpretation of scripture on these matters, I must say I respect their devotion.
Sounds like that what they did, was replace the words"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thine house," with the words:"Why...if'n you don't pick up the Serpent, in order to prove your Faith," then yer a'gonna go to Hell and burn, because of your "Lack of Faith" in God.
What a Diabolical, and a very Satanic thing to do to people! Haven't we, as a people, been warned enough, not to change the Word of God? We've been warned not to listen to those who preach "Another Jesus, Another Gospel, or Another Spirit!"
When are people gonna learn to listen?
Say whatever one wants. Their Music was Slap Jamming...!
It's pretty impressive!
I find it interesting that one young lady said she had to give up rock-'n'-roll music......Dang! These folks got the boss rock-'n'-roll!!!! ✝️📿
Best feeling in the Holy Ghost feeling
I sure miss going to church . Hopefully God will make a way for me to get to a church . My situation was s keeping me from going. Please remember me in your prayers.
I will pray for you
Rock and roll rattle snakes, wow
@@lowelljohnson2082 those churches are no joke . There’s been a lot of men die because of snake bites . They believe if your truly living in Gods will nothing will harm you . But if you get bit by the snake and die then your living out of Gods will . So that’s why it is so important to know better when picking up a snake .
OK, just don't be a fool that plays with "THE DEVIL".
Prayers
Thanks for the upload. Just love the look and feel of this documentary. Ya know that 70’s thing. But ya know these people are crazy, God bless’em. And they’re still at it. Still at it in Appalachia. Just crazy.
I love these people and miss them terribly! They were wonderful and loving, Godly people with a heart of gold. They were the best folks to know! They were the salt of the earth! Most all of them are gone now including my grandparents. I sure miss them something awful.
That's all great and wonderful, it really is, but their interpretation of Mark 16:18 is dead wrong. Their error has led to injury, death, and suffering for family & friends left behind. Anyone who believes Mark 16 permits snake handling is in bondage.
Yes, absolutely wonderful people unfortunately most will never understand that. Me and you do tho don’t we.
Amen!
Where are the people they have layed hands on and been healed
@@marvinrobinson5448🤣🤣
Man, that's some great psychedelic rock music there!....I was expecting bluegrass, or "mountain music"...
I live not to far from this area. I don't really have a problem with what they do but to me in does fall into the do not temp the lord thy God category.
Thats about as crazy as you can get thats nuts
Snake handling is a wrong interpretation of Mark 16:18. Christians who purposefully and literally handle venomous snakes are in _disobedience to God's word._ This man has been bitten 68 times in 20 years. It should take only one snake bite to prove they are wrong about these verses, which say "it will not hurt them at all." Yet they have been hurt. Why aren't they also drinking deadly poison in church as verse 18 says? These verses are _metaphors_ promising God's protection in difficult circumstances. This church's approach to these verses is wrong on many levels. Verse 18 doesn't _ask_ or _command_ anyone to purposefully pick up "deadly serpents," it only says "and when they do." These people are deceived.
AMEN! Also, how on earth can God's will be the devil's work? That statement alone shows deceptive teaching.
They focus on Mark 16 but don't follow what Jesus said. "Do not tempt the Lord your God". This is indeed a metaphor and God will hold you and protect you.
bruh theres also churches where they do the snake stuff and also drink strychnine which makes them speak in tounges because of the "high" the poison gives them lmao
The oldest existent texts of Mark don’t contain 16:18. The passage was added later, likely by a scribe. Scholars note that even the language is different.
@@ericlewis4674 Correct, yet it is controversial among those much smarter & more learned than me about these verses being written & included. Their genuineness is really not vitally important to this matter anyway, as this practice is wrong on so many levels. I pity that I have brothers & sisters in Jesus who are so deceived, but I too have been deceived about many things.
The guitars and singing would make me want to immediately leave this earth for heaven. Can you imagine listening to this if you were seriously ill?
Wow how strange this all is
Im a Christian but i aint holding no snakes or drinking poison,you dont have to go to such extremes to show faith in God.
These people are nuts. None of this stuff they’re doing is of God. Also that passage about speaking in different tongues, I’m pretty sure the bible meant spreading the gospel in other legit languages, not just blah blah rah rah jah jah…
Exactly! You're right on all counts!
This is definitely a Cult
Have you ever heard all the languages the nations?
Each year the congregation gets smaller for some strange reason
Hmm......
Must be them thar' Snakes!
Maybe Som-O-Dat Strychnine Drinkin'.
Maybe..........
Some Fire-Handling?
Hmm...........
imagine my surprise
Because they all were in the 90's and 100's. No one lives forever but God and those who enter heaven with him. Those who enter hell are alive forever but in a different way and in torment forever.
And the Australian chapter didn't last long for some reason
@@sharonrigs7999 😂
This video moved my heart to want to live in West Virginia
I doubt that any of these folks ever knew that the 16th chapter of Mark was ADDED at least 2 centuries after the original gospel was written. They are taking something literally that was never a part of the original gospel
They all say ...
I quit drankin
I quit cocaine.
But this adrenaline i get with the snkaes and the local fame of being a "godly man/woman" is way better and people dont judge me cause im not drankin or doing my cocaine.
Yeah okay right 😅😊
The Bible tells us a lot of things, but most are period or region specific. You don’t see any of the fundamentalists sacrificing lambs on an altar. God gave us common sense for a reason. He never said, I will protect you against every single threat. He gave us a working brain so we could protect ourselves. Stand on the tracks facing a train, see if your faith is strong. Nope, I will save myself.
And you have to understand although they are sincere in their beliefs, they can be sincerely wrong. The people in these communities are not well educated, and believe the pastors. They live in their sheltered lives, and have very little outside opinions about the Bible. It's like the people in Africa, who believe in witch doctors. They truly believe in this practice, but have no education to question the practices they see in their everyday life. If everyone around you practices a certain way, and you know nothing else, you will continue to live in this lifestyle. It's sad. They think if they question this practice, their salvation is in question.
You're exactly right.
Old woman line dancing while the snake is mesmerized, enjoying and confused at the same time. It’s alot for a reptile to process. I was waiting on the kool aid to come out.
Yes you are correct.
I know where Jolo is! Think they’d let me visit to observe? I’m a Traditional Catholic. I won’t be handling any snakes or drinking poison! I’ve got no problem praying for the sick, singing the old timey hymns, or shouting, but I wouldn’t be falling over and having convulsions! Their concept of worship is very different from the Catholic meaning, so dancing wouldn’t be a problem for me, either.
You would have to have an "in". They don't really utilize a central house of worship anymore because of unwanted attention. Instead they hold services in people's homes
If you feel drawn to this The spirit could be calling you to handling them.
If you find a church house, I'm sure they'd welcome you
Looks like a hec of a good time -- until they pull out the rattlesnakes and the fire ! Lol. 😮
I’m Catholic as well and this is not of God. The bible said not to test the Lord.
That guy at the 3 min mark handles serpents alright!
Tube snakes! 😂
One eyed trousers snakes
Sweeter than project kool-aid
Before, and many years after the KJV was printed, the GENEVA BIBLE was the People's Choice, but an ungodly King (James) made it illegal to publish it any longer. These poor people are so misled. They should search the scriptures, starting with the English translation of the Bible that preceded King James.....the Geneva Bible, which was not influenced by Catholicism. Mark 16:18 "and they shall TAKE AWAY serpents"....Geneva Bible.
How sad that many of their loved ones and friends have died because of the mistranslation of one word.
These pastors do not have any formal education.
All of these snakes are highly venomous
I admire their deep faith in the Holy Scriptures, 'in a thus saith the Lord".
Apostle Paul didn’t pick up a serpent. He shook it into the fire, and he was healed. Immediately of the snakebite, he didn’t suffer.
Bit 68 times? Holy snake handling Batman. Usually the more bit the worse it gets
Some people build up an immunity to poison the more they are exposed. Something like losing your allergy to bee stings.
Dewey chafins was bitten over 100 times
@@stephenaddair just amazing
@@stephenaddairSeriously? Lord have mercy!
Like the guy who got struck by lightning 67 times in "The Great Outdoors"....
31:39 who is the artist for this version of what i believe is That Land Where Im Bound? Id like to have a full version of the song
These preachers spend lots of time playing Russian Roulette.
I guess that the words:"Tempt not the LORD thy God" took a back seat to the desires of their evil heart!
Something tells me the guy talking @2:52 aint just handled snakes with scales 😂.
You got that right 😂🤣
@@MordechaiBen613 sounds like Herbert the pervert on family guy.
..you think he has any $2.00 bills in his pockets?...
He's on the wrong bus
Im pentecostal. Im glad we dont believe in handling snakes and burning ourselves.i have witnessed ppl being healed and miracles even devils cast out..but we do not handle snakes..i think these ppl are good ppl tht love God..but dont understand God does not require anyone to play with snakes.
So when the Germans , Italians, Blacks & others lived in the segregated coal camp the immigrants heard the blacks praising on Sundays and thats why this church service resembles a black church and why my mother a black mother makes corned beef and cabbage to this day. We all picked up culture from each other while living in segregated coal camps.
Stay away from the deadly trouser snake.
The one eyed spitin sombitch 😂
Looks like aunt pearl there! I am related to Randy Wolford tht passed
Does anyone notice in 3:00 in the video there a guy is gay im very surprised the church except being gay back then i know because im gay back then it was taboo 😂😂
Being gay was never really taboo, so much as being openly gay was. So long as it wasn't obvious you were sexually active, people would just ignore it.
They defy logic on several levels. The passage says they shall take up serpents and... it will not hurt them. But in every single instance of a bite, they ARE hurt - often to the point of death. It doesn't say they'll get better if they get bitten - it says they won't be hurt. The passage says it's a SIGN of a true believer, not a test of bravery or a test of the power of God. So, if they are hurt (as they are when bitten) does that not prove they aren't true believers... or does it prove they are misinterpreting the verse?
Finally, the snakes seem very lethargic. I didn't see or hear any of them rattling. Do they keep these snakes in a refrigerator to partially hibernate them? Pit vipers strike at sources of heat, especially if they're hungry, but these act like they've been asleep.
Also, where in the Bible does it say dance around like idiots, holding snakes in the air? It's almost like they're worshiping the snakes. Very pagan-like.
It's the same as african voodoo rituals involving dancing, burning oneself and snakes
That church was having a good time whats the issue? Good music everyone is in the spirit.
In what spirit "A" spirit not THE spirit.
"The issue" is their interpretation of Mark 16:18 is wrong. This wrong belief has led to, and will continue to lead to, needless injury, suffering and death, not to mention danger for anyone around during their practice of snake handling.
@@crooked-halo They deserved it....
So many good documentaries were made in the 70s
Wild and wonderful mcdowell county
#Welch
@@TheCfrazier#welsh
I wonder how this practice would work if one were to use Black Mambas instead of rattlers and copperheads?....
I'm a Christian, and the way I read the book of Mark is they were talking to a particular person, or group of people at that time. To take up serpents. Not for every God fearing Christian to do that. I mean If that's your belief then that's fine. It's all your personnel relationship with God is what matters.
Wasn't it the disciples...
@@winrosYes you are correct
Around 12:05 when mom was talking about losing her daughter and she offered a doctor 3 times and really wanted her to accept help, I couldn’t help but think about what ridiculously unnecessary these snake bite deaths are. I am fine with people believing and practicing what they want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else. But this is just absolutely ignorant. And for the love of animals, let the snakes go.
Wow, the music is just awesome. Hope I ´ll get the chance to see a serpent handling church service one day! Thanks for the upload, amazing...
Why the hell would anyone want to?
This video is probably over 50 years old.
👍👍👌
Somewheres close, anyway. You can tell by the way that they dressed back then, and even the styles of glasses that some of them wore. I saw one Beautiful Young Lady earlier in this video, wearing a pair of Horn-Rimmed Glasses. She was still Very Beautiful! Had herself one of those Bee-Hive Hairdos, too. She was also one other thing:Dressed MODESTLY! Her Dress wasn't one of these ol' tight, form-fitting Dresses. She dressed Holy!
As for the Snake-Handling, and the Strychnine-Drinking, and the Fire-Handling? No, thanks! That's not for me! The rest of it, though?
I'm Old-Order Pentecostal, so I can deal with that!
@@ronaldshank7589 I thought there were some cute ladies there as well. And as you say you can tell by the dress and accessories that this was awhile ago. Brings back memories of my family church revivals in S Ohio ( minus the snakes )
@@ronaldshank7589I’m cool with the snakes, it’s the other stuff I’m not really about. I don’t think the gospel of Mark was talking about dancing with the snakes either. 😂
@@ScotchIrishHoundsman I'd rather take a swim in an ice-cold lake,
instead of handlin' one o' dem ol' ugly snakes!
They'll do the twist and turn, with all of their might,
and then they'll slither, and turn, and give ya a bite!
So.....
Just you watch out now, for them ol'
poison fangs,
or else, the next thing ya know, ya could be feelin' death's pangs!
They'll do the twist REAL QUICK, 'n' but the bite on you,
& then the next thing ya know.....
yer life will be..........
Through!
See thar'?!? I'm a poet.... & I know it!
I did not expect to be so moved by this documentary. The interview with the mother whose 9 year old child died was especially hard hitting. It made me wonder, did God the Father grieve Jesus' death on the cross? I always viewed the verse "My father why have you forsaken me" from the son (Jesus'), but never God the father's view. Could it be possible that during Jesus' death on the cross he was feeling summation of all human sin and the hopelessness and loss that comes with that, while God the Father was feeling the grief and pain that comes from watching a your child die? Just some thoughts.
I grew up less than a mile from this church..never went though...my dad was terrified of snakes...lol
There are people who ventured into West Virginia and never came back out...
test of faith try this with mamba or king cobra
Er.....try a tipan an aussy snake most venomous land snake in the world ....er we have 10 most generous snaked in the world a king brown ...dead within half hour ....sometimes minutes .
If you read the books on the serpent handlers, you’ll read they’ve handled those serpents also. Although cotton mouths and timber rattlers are fairly mean.
It would just thin the congregation sooner or make them believe in other ways.
The Almighty would REALLY have to be protecting anybody that tried handling any of those types of Snakes!
@@LelandPresley88, yes sure! Kkkkk
Not only are they Gods people…some are very talented on instruments etc….these people seem GENUINE
These are not God’s people. None of this is of God.
I've been an Atheist for decades. More on the Agnostic/Secular/Humanistic side rather than a devout Atheist since I can't prove that God doesn't exist, nor have I ever met anyone who can prove God's existence, but I will admit that some of you God believers can be really nice and awesome people. I just don't understand why anyone feels they need this God character at all?
Follow Jesus..... He never danced around with serpents ????
When he spoke of serpents he was refering to "evil" not literal snakes !
Exactly what I was thinking.
Yes that, and False doctrine is how I feel it was discerned for me. But, these people say " no handling snakes, no getting into heaven." If that is the criteria, I assume I'm not going to be with the Lord. However, that thinking destroys the Gospel Message I feel.😢😭
They all brought their own pillows. 😆 🤣 😂
You play with fire u get burnt 😮
Comparing religious practices, there is a subgroup within the Catholic Church called Opus Dei, meaning works of God. These people practice self mortification ie. wearing nettles under their clothes or causing themselves other forms of physical discomfort. They believe in sharing their suffering with Jesus because of His suffering on the Cross ie. gratitude for the sacrifice He made. It is often referred to "offering it up".
the more fringe the beliefs, the better the music.
A black rattler is a dark version of a timber rattler as is a “ yellow “ rattler
Nothing compares to the canebrake rattler.
@@allen480 same snake
It's a phase during shedding and snakes are more aggressive and can't see good right ?
Snakes are not dirty and people who handle them are asking for trouble.
They look like really nice people. Especially the soft voiced guy. I totally think they should be able to do their thing, but i don't know why they won't go to the hospital. Your body is your temple, and Jesus is the greatest physician, and even the lowly ones can help a snake bite. God doesn't want his children to suffer.
the guitar sounds like barroom music
It’s nothing but abuse of these animals. They are stepping on their heads, throwing them on the ground, shaking them violently, etc.
music was good
To each their own brother’s and sisters!
There is NO WAY in this world that an All powerful, All Loving, All knowing and ever present God would want people to do this! Why would THE CREATOR of everything that is, was or ever will be, want people to behave like this? I think it’s done out of ignorance. I believe they’re very good people, but very ignorant.
A fundamentalist rock concert, with serpents for a mosh pit.
they have twisted the scriptures and the music is definitely honky-tonkish, but i do believe that they believe they are doing right and really want to serve the lord. (sigh)
I saw Bucky, Deanna, and Violet.
I think I see Sister Barbara Elkins in this
They must put the snakes in a freezer to make them lethargic or something. If those are wild caught snakes they'd be biting the hell out of them
No they wont do.
They are really wild caught snakes. I used to have neighbors that was in a church that did this snake handling and drinking Strychnine. Thank goodness they moved.
They way these snakes are handled if done correctly the snakes dont have a position to lunch forward and bite compared to when they are on the ground.
The snakes are almost starved to death. They all die in captivity, as he said, they won't eat. They probably have wits enough not to play with the fresh ones that still have a lot of energy, and use only the ones that have been in a box for a while.
I'm not saying this to be knowing these folks they are God's children but if they put into gifts of healing what they put into snakes they would be soul winners .
West Virginia is the only place where is legal to practice curling serpents all the other states it’s illegal but they do it and people tend to look the other way and don’t ever tell him but if they get caught they get in a lot of trouble also in West Virginia you have to be 18 years old before you can handle a snake and you have to want to do it nobody will force you to do it
This looks like it was filmed in the 70s.
My wife is a serpent handler. It doesn't bite, but when she gives it the right touch, it spits at her. She is a godly woman of faith. I pray that she keeps up the lords work.
It would take a deranged modern demon to pervert a practice dedicated to Christ. Are you Jewish by chance? Just curious?
My favorite part of this doc-these cruel handlers washing snakes before service. Um, really?
The trick is that these snakes are never fed at all. They die in this churches care. By the time they "take up the serpent" these poor snakes are half dead. If you watch really close you can even see one that IS dead. It's head is flopped upside down.
This is just animal abuse...
Yeah, they're a lot more careful when they're catching them! LOL.
What year was this film made?
1977
pessoas loucas ou ate com certos problemas mentais ,..nao há outra forma de justificar tal acontecimento,.. e q por vezes acaba mal ,...
Yo manejo serpientes en la Iglesia
1 Timothy 2:12
If I have to take up serpents in this flesh I guss I'm on the highway to hell.😮
A poorly fed snake kept in a cold bare box is unlikely to have the strength to attack anyone
One thing I notice in all these different church snake videos are the snakes look docile and sick, but still dangerous!!!
I doubt Dewey would agree with you.😄
but the bible says, it will not hurt you. but these people are hurt unto death
witchy had a friend got bit by a garter snake glory!
Poor ignorant people😢
🤣🤣
"DELIVERANCE" comes to mind@@Kerfufflekitten
Been bitten by a rattlesnake (between the eyes!) and survived. I went to the hospital because of difficulty breathing but I survived. I’ve handled serpents since. I’m a Holiness Pentecostal pastor and I’m never giving up the tenets of my faith. The Five Signs ✝️
Where do you pastor?
So show you wouldn’t survive without go to the hospital. Kkkkkkk so God isn’t protect you so your religion is wrong.
I was bitten right on my wang by several women in my local congregation and the swelling ain't never went down. Now they all want to handle my snake.
@@Noonespecial1611 New Testament is Greek not Hebrew
Looks like a good party-- until they bring out the serpents and fire ! Lol 😮
Holy crap
First o know where this church is it's still there today. Second, the first house it shows in the beginning i installed a satellite at that house and sat in that kitchen and ate lemon sponge cake and had coffee with the woman that inherited the house from a relative. 😊
Kind to the late Harvey Payne...I did not take after my kin!!!
thanks God for protecting me from everything
I live in southern wv. Knew most of these folks, though I never handled no snake!
I’ve been a devout Christian all my life and have read the Bible more times than I can remember. But this is insane. Get the congregation all pumped up on music and think it’s somehow God’s Devine spirit. Handling a venomous snake is simply idiotic. Not to be THAT guy but these people don’t strike me as being very smart.
These pastors don't go to a seminary to become pastors, they are ordained within the church community. There is no formal Bible education. New pastors are the sons of former pastors. They might have good intentions, but people need educated leaders.
Nope
They are educated, learning from watching , doing and listening is another way of being educated. The University of life.
The. Holy Ghost is all that is needed
No way! The Apostles didn’t go to seminary!
If they were educated, they would know that the "long ending" of Mark, mentioning snakes, was added to the text. Prntecostals are a special kind of crazy.
The sad reality is that the book of Mark originally ended with verse 8 of chapter 16. Verses 9-20 which included the verses about taking up serpents and drinking poison were added in later. Why? That I don't know. There is no evidence in Church history of believers handling snakes or drinking poison until 1909. These people have been deceived into believing this practice somehow honors the Lord by proving their faith when it actually tempts God, and the consequences are lethal in most cases. If snake handling was ordained by God for a purpose, then the other Gospels would promote it, but the fact is this started in Tennessee in the early 20th century and has done nothing but destroy good men and women who sincerely believed what they were doing was God's will. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
They are taking that scripture out of context\ I can't believe that all these years SOMEONE didn't read the complete chapter. Those things were given to the few people who went out to preach the gossipal right after Jesus went back to heaven. There weren't a lot of people to go out so for a season Gon protected the few that went. It had nothing to do with their faith, it was just to protect them. God stopped this when more people became christains
The original texts of Mark do not contain 16:18. The last 12 verses were added later, likely by a scribe. The language is clearly very different from the rest of the gospel.
You think God will protect you from the serpents? God give the serpents defense mechanisms to protect itself from you.
Why use poisonous snakes ? The Bible doesn’t say (poisonous) ?
The first mention of serpents in the Bible is in Genesis. It didn’t turn out well. Why would some one pick one up on purpose.
Okay...there is a scripture that eludes to picking up a snake, but where is the one about burning yourself with fire??? 🥴