Reply #3: The "Ye shall take up serpents" invocation in the Bible is not my favorite

[saltpoint]

passage. I prefer a metaphorical taking up of serpents and feel rattlesnakes are better left alone.

If someone is a snake-handling fundie or a lion tamer, my thought is I hope they have adequate insurance.

I'm sorry someone died here, but even sorrier that snake-handling remains a viable option for local faithful in that community. Who in the congregation gets to handle rattlesnakes? Are rattlesnakes provided for the flock or are folks expected to round up their own to bring into Sunday service.

No matter your religious inclinations and beliefs, it seems to me that rattlesnakes aren't noted for their denominational piety. Hikers hearing their rattle usually head the other way and leave well enough alone.

The Constitution allows people to go to whatever church or synogogue or temple etc they want to. But as the proverb goes, "Call on God, but row away from the rocks."