In a story Feb. 26 about a snake-handling preacher who recently died from a bite, The Associated Press reported erroneously the number of deaths each year from snake bites in the United States. Around ...

Three days after pastor Jamie Coots died from a rattlesnake bite at church, mourners leaving the funeral went to the church to handle snakes. Coots, who appeared on the National Geographic Channel's ...

Snake handling began near Chattanooga in 1910 when Pastor George Hensley said he was commanded by God to "take up serpents." He was inspired by the book of Mark chapter 16:18. Hensley helped to spread ...

JACKSON COUNTY, AL (WAFF) - While definitely in the minority, snake handling churches have dwindled over the years as states have passed laws making it illegal to possess poisonous snakes. But a few ...

(RNS) — When Andrew Hamblin walks into church to preach on a Sunday morning, he brings along death in a box. If the Holy Spirit moves him during the service, he will open the box’s hinged glass lid ...

MIDDLESBORO, Ky. (AP) - A snake-handling Kentucky pastor who appeared on the National Geographic television reality show "Snake Salvation" has died after being bitten by a snake. According to a news ...

How should we respond to the news of the recent death of another snake-handling Christian? I can tell you a few ways that have been tried: condescension; amusement; disbelief; mockery; advocacy; and ...

Jacob Grey raises his hands in Pastor Andrew's church. Snake handlers dwell at the edge of the spiritual frontier -- a community of people who are willing to die for their faith three times a week in ...

From the early days of their movement, Pentecostals have been reluctant to embrace the film industry. In the early 1900s, adherents warned that theaters were hunting grounds for white slavers.

Jamie Coots refused medical attention for snakebite. Feb. 16, 2014— -- A Kentucky preacher famous for handling snakes during religious services, has died after being bitten by a poisonous snake ...

Condemned Pentecostal practice lives long enough to get its own reality TV show. 1) The practice began in 1910 when an illiterate Tennessee preacher tried to literally apply Mark 16:18: "They will ...

Snake-handling is a tradition for the Coots family of Kentucky. But months after taking over for his father to lead a Pentecostal church, Cody Coots says he was bitten this week. His father, Jamie, ...