Outlawing snake handling in churches.

They aren't the property of anybody. Parents (or in some cases) their legal guardians have primary authority over their children, but in cases of abuse and neglect it behooves the State to step in and play a protective role. Where is it specified in the First Amendment that human sacrifices or child brides are not protected?

 

That’s kind of my point, the snake might be accustomed to close contact with people but you can’t trust them, that is the nature of a snake. On the other hand, I occasionally get a rattler on my property that you wouldn’t want to get within 4’ of because they will start striking and if you get with 2-3’ you’re gunna get bit. Some of those ill-tempered vipers will make you wish you had a longer shovel handle to get close enough to smack him! Then there are the snakes that you try to hit with a rock or a shovel and miss and they get ticked off and come after you!

One time I was walking across the property carrying a running hose and ran it over a big Sidewinder nestled under the dirt. He jumped out in a fury rattling and hit my shoe making me turn around to see him coming after me. He had me dancing for 15’ , swinging and jumping and striking and hit my shoe again in the process! Pure luck that I had the moves to avoid being bit.

A few years ago after a monsoon storm I went to the wash and came across the meanest cheekiest angriest musclebound 4’ rattler I’ve ever seen and you wouldn’t want to get within 10’ of that snake! Big difference between him and the snakes they try to handle! I guarantee if I were drop that snake in the middle of snake handling assembly they would be rolling down the aisles and out the door to clear the room just as fast as they could!

 

God gave man dominion over the animals, therefore it is my home not the snake's and I would have the God given right of self defense.

 

I said the puppy responds to how she is treated. You said to ask the puppy if she worshipped the devil. I pointed out that is kinda dark. I'm not lecturing, I'm having a little fun with the OP. Maybe you should try that sometime instead of taking things personally.

Peace to you

 

Killing a snake just because it's a snake is slithercide and strictly prohibited by international law. The Geneva Convention could come looking for violators

Peace to you

 

14th Amendment would cover both.

 

Let's see...dancing...and a snake is involved...hummmm

 

I don’t want to brag or anything, ...but I think it’s a pretty safe bet to say this Baptist set a new snake-handling foot-speed dancing record that day.

 

I've always liked tap-dancing. The fact the rattler hit your shoe a couple of times probably gave you super-human speed. Glad it missed. I suspect you'll remember that forever.

When my son was about 7, he found a 4 foot rattler in the front yard sunning itself. My brother-in-law took a shovel and attempted to dig a hole so it could cool off. You probably won't believe it, but just when he started to dig, the snake committed suicide by putting its head under the spade.

Drat it!

Peace to you.

 

Yes, and I’ve grown to understand that snakes don’t like unexpected showers. Likewise, it is a good idea if you are in poor light that you should kick some dirt into the bushes to see if it brings a rattle before you relieve yourself on them. Otherwise this could be an especially inconvenient time which gives special meaning to getting caught with your pants down.

 

Years ago Southern Gospel singer and comedian Wendy Bagwell told about singing in a church where they handled snakes.

 

Would outlawing snakehandling include the Hopi Snake Dance?
Hopi Snake Dance