'Snake Salvation' Reality Show: 10 Quotes From Star Pastors on Controversial Christian Faith
National Geographic Channel's New Pentecostal-Themed Program Premieres Tuesday, Sept. 10
"Snake Salvation," a new reality program debuting this month on the National Geographic Channel, focuses on "two pastors who lead congregations in the religious ritual of snake handling, often battling the law and society to practice their religious beliefs and freedoms."
"Snake Salvation" premieres Tuesday, Sept. 10 and follows the lives and leadership of Pentecostal Pastors Andrew Hamblin of Tabernacle Church of God in LaFollette, Tenn., and Jamie Coots of Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name church of Midd*****ro, Ky. Coots, in his 40s, has long been a mentor to Hamblin, 22, and inspired him to start his own snake-handling congregation.
Based on previews of the two premiere episodes shared with The Christian Post ("Appalachian Hunt" and "Smoke 'em Out"), viewers will likely find themselves cringing (over a rotted human finger claimed by a snake bite) and shaking their heads in bewilderment (a believer seeks only prayer instead of medical attention after a venomous snake bite). In the end, though, viewers might simply find themselves resigned to displays of a faith that compels adherents to pick up serpents, drink poison and brandish fire in the name of obedience and a desire to display the power of God.
The foundation for this sect of holiness or sings following Pentecostalism is Jesus' words in the Kings James Version of Mark 16:17-18: "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."
Read Snake-Handling Christians to Star in 'Snake Salvation' Reality Show and Snake-Handling Christians: Faith, Prophecy and Obedience for more information on the new reality show, as well as background on the movement of serpent-handling Christians.
In the meantime, read these 10 quotes from the premiere episodes of "Snake Salvation," in which Pastors Coots and Hamblin explain why practicing their faith must involve handling snakes. Also, both men set out on snake hunts ahead of hibernation season to make sure their churches will be well-stocked with serpents for winter services.
http://www.christianpost.com/n...istian-faith-104002/