SNAKE-HANDLING PREACHER DIES AFTER EASTER BITE
Authorities in southwestern Virginia say a preacher who refused medical attention after being struck by a rattlesnake has died.
The Reverend Dwayne Long was handling a rattlesnake during an Easter service when when he was bitten on the back of a finger. Long's church is in Jonesville on the Tennessee border, northwest of Kingsport.
Authorities report that the congregation prayed for Long, but no one sought medical treatment. Long died Monday at his home.
Rev. Long was pastor of a pentecostal church where members interpret serpent-handling as a form of obedience to God. The religion claims only a few thousand followers, but many of them live in Southern Appalachia.
Snake-handling believers conduct worship services in which some individuals willingly handle venomous snakes, often several snakes at one time. Those involved in the practice say they can speak in tongues and handle the venomous snakes only after being anointed by the Holy Ghost.
Many church members proudly display bite marks from their own previous run-ins with snakes. They believe that when a church member is bitten, that individual's fate is a matter of God's will.
These believers base their beliefs on a literal interpretation of the Bible, specifically Chapter sixteen of the Book of Mark in which Jesus is quoted as saying believers should "take up serpents."
While it's a misdemeanor to handle deadly snakes in both Virginia and Tennessee, Lee County Sheriff Gary Parsons says its unlikely charges will be filed in the death of Reverend Long. Parsons says that he doesn't believe it's the place of law enforcement to infringe on the snake-handlers' freedom to practice their religion.
Reverend Long leaves behind a wife, five children, and two grandchildren.
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I shouldn't laugh about people being killed, but, when you ASK for it like this....Fuck it,
neoolong wrote:"Parsons says that he doesn't believe it's the place of law enforcement to infringe on the snake-handlers' freedom to practice their religion."
Since it is illegal, are there any other crimes he thinks people should get away with in the name of religion?
I'm sure he’s consistent and also allows Rastafarians to smoke cannabis.
neoolong wrote:"Parsons says that he doesn't believe it's the place of law enforcement to infringe on the snake-handlers' freedom to practice their religion."
Since it is illegal, are there any other crimes he thinks people should get away with in the name of religion?
the crime itself is only a misdemeanor. most cops aren't really willing to go out of their way to punish petty crimes, and you have to ask why is it illegal to handle snakes in that fashion? it's kind of silly really, especially if the individuals are handling it out of their own free will. If they really want to take the risk of getting bit by a deadly snake that badly, let them. Simply frees up the gene pool of stupid people.
"It's you Americans. There's something about nipples you hate. If this were Germany, we'd be romping around naked on the stage here."
Can I start my own religion where it is common practice to juggle chainsaws without proper training and experience? What that would endanger myself and my fellow parishoners? Heresy! Burn heathen as the righteous roar of my 'saw cleaves your unholy body limb from limb!
Snake cults like this are quite amusing. Sure do wish any hot girls involved in said cults would instead let me "bite" them with my "snake."
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neoolong wrote:"Parsons says that he doesn't believe it's the place of law enforcement to infringe on the snake-handlers' freedom to practice their religion."
Since it is illegal, are there any other crimes he thinks people should get away with in the name of religion?
the crime itself is only a misdemeanor. most cops aren't really willing to go out of their way to punish petty crimes, and you have to ask why is it illegal to handle snakes in that fashion? it's kind of silly really, especially if the individuals are handling it out of their own free will. If they really want to take the risk of getting bit by a deadly snake that badly, let them. Simply frees up the gene pool of stupid people.
My point is that his justification sucks. Just because its in someone's religion doesn't mean that if it is illegal it should just be excused, even if it doesn't necessarily hurt anyone else.
Maybe its just me, but I think its probably not too good for the snakes if snake bites are frequent enough to be badges of honor.
This is what happens when people mis-read Scripture.
Mark Chap 16, verses 15-18:
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
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.
So, based on this scripture, the SnakeHandler sect believes that the Faithful may handle serpents without fear, and only those who fail in faith, or whom God calls, will die if bitten.
Either way, the sect is left to its own devices by law officials and the general public alike, because it's generally doing no harm. Truthfully, this is the first death I've heard of from snake-handling in quite a while. Months, certainly, if not over a year.
Nitram, slightly high on cough syrup: Do you know you're beautiful?
Me: Nope, that's why I have you around to tell me.
Nitram: You -are- beautiful. Anyone tries to tell you otherwise kill them.
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That preacher was, in fact, an unbelieving heathen, decieving everyone for his own benefit! That he was struck down is a sign to all unbelievers that god does not trifle with decieving his followers! Praise be! Pass around the snakes!
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Justice League:BotM:MM:SDnet City Watch:Cybertron's Finest "Well then, science is bullshit. "
-revprez, with yet another brilliant rebuttal.
