I read the article you linked to and see we share many of the same thoughts.
Here is an article of mine that explains were I find myself, fallen Catholic, liberal, feminist, etc.
In your article about the snake handlers, I’m glad you explored what happens to their children. Because not everyone has the ability to step outside of their the box created by their upbringing and ask questions. Religion makes it too scary. Who wants to end up damned? If you can’t begin to accept that maybe the idea of being damned is wrong (so that you have nothing to fear if you step away)…well that is even scarier than a rattlesnake.
As I explain in my piece, my father was the elephant in the metaphorical sacristy. His inability to just go along with Catholicism was my mother’s undoing as regards trying to raise all of her children in the church. Trust me, my parents really loved each other. My Dad tried to not be the influence that he ended up being. I’ve written about that too…oh well.
The snake angle is extra interesting for me. I grew up afraid of them and then I met my late husband who found them just the most interesting and beautifully adapted of creatures. Consider their evolution! Fascinating. They go to great lengths to keep from having to waste their venom, which they need to procure food.
And that is why those Pentecostals don’t often get bitten.
As you mention in your article their faith is build upon a minute mention in the bible. You mention that we can’t help them- and that it’s not hurting anyone outside of their faith.
And then I get nervous because faith in something so ridiculous as a belief that god is reflecting on their faith and keeping them safe (or saved)based on the strength of their faith is at least part of what motivates fanaticism. Gay conversionists, abortion protesters, and the rest. Maybe this is even how Catholic priests justify their pedophilia.
The snake handlers belong to a narrow cult with not a lot of followers because, in part, of their geographic isolation. I think part of it also has to be the challenge of facing down something that most people have trouble even thinking about.
Growing up in the south there was a lot of grabbing the hoe and chopping off a snake’s head if it dared just crawl in your yard. It didn’t have to be venomous. All it had to do was be a snake.
Being an outspoken atheist is a lot like that. (just like being an outspoken anything in a room filled with folks who aren’t of the same mind set)
It is an interesting conversation for sure.
