Why snake handling instd of swigging poison (Mk 16:18)? READ TEXT--SERIOUS ANS/DISCUSS only, pls--no bashing?

Question

Checked Y/A Discovr--no sig luck; Wiki--no specif SH article.

KJV, Mk 16:18: "...take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them.... " (Also multiple online Bible versions VERY clear about "deadly thing"/poison.)

Why the fascination with snakes? If impelled to demonstrate faith/whatever, why AREN'T such believers **routinely** chugalugging Drano, nicotine spray/pesticide, or any other toxic chem around, rather than scaring some poor slithery thing? (Let's leave aside whether this is "tempting God," OK?)

["Snakes...why did it have to be snakes?"...Sorry, couldn't resist using the line!]

Poison drinks would be MUCH easier than catching rattlers and won't put others at risk. It'd also shut up skeptics who say "snakes don't always bite/not all bites are envenomed".

Other than obvious in Eden and the "fiery serpents" in wilderness, any special Bible imagery I've missed?

No desire for conversion, pls--just would like to know WHY??

Answer 1

I would guess here that the history of those that used poison drinks have actually died the first time. There is no margin of error in drinking poison. As you stated with snakes you may not be bitten.



I personally don't know anyone that practices snake handling as a Christian faith. Maybe because snakes were associated with Satan. If you handle a snake and you are not bitten then you have dealt with Satan and you came out unharmed. It would be nice to hear from someone that is part of the snake handling faith.

Answer 2

It just means that God would protect His people if they are harmed for His sake. It does'nt particularly have to be snakes, pesticide etc....and christians don't have to demonstrate Gods protective power. Willingly consuming poison would be like committing suicide or holding shows and God will not support that

Answer 3

nicely um.... A. in case you swallow the venom you may die B. The snake will in all probability chew you if it gets dissatisfied C. it rather is glaring you're a troll, thats a trollish question. And FYI, in case you do no longer choose people calling you retard, then do no longer ask retarded questions.