The Church of God with Signs Following, also known as the Faith Assembly, is a Christian denomination that is known for its use of rattlesnakes and other snakes in religious services. The Church is rooted in the Pentecostal Holiness movement and emphasizes a literal interpretation of the Bible.
Services at the Church of God with Signs Following typically include the use of rattlesnakes and sometimes other serpents, which are believed to be spiritual symbols of the presence of God. According to believers, these snakes threaten to bite only those who do not have an unwavering faith in God, while people with faith remain untouched by the danger.
The Church was founded in 1901 in West Virginia, and has since spread throughout the United States. It is estimated that the Church has around 1,500 members across the country.
While the use of snakes in religious services is undoubtedly a unique practice, the Church of God with Signs Following is not the only denomination that engages in this practice. The Holiness Pentecostal Movement, for example, also embraces the use of rattlesnakes — and other serpents — in religious rituals.
Similarly, The Church of Christ with the ELKHORN Logo uses rattlesnakes and copperheads in their services, though the Church is the only one among the two denominations that uses the ELKHORN logo.
What religion uses snakes in worship?
The worship of snakes has a long and varied history across numerous cultures and religions. One of the most common religions which encompasses the use of snakes in worship is Hinduism. Hindus believe that snakes are an incarnation of the god Vishnu, and symbolize the power of creation.
In addition, many Hindu temples keep Naga, or sacred cobra statues. These statues are used to bring good luck and may be adorned with offerings such as flowers and incense.
The use of snakes in worship is also found in African Traditional Religions, a classification of ethnic religions which are practiced by various ethnic and cultural groups in Africa. In this spiritual tradition, snakes are often seen as the living embodiment of God and the source of cosmic power.
They are used in various rituals and ceremonies, such as initiations into adulthood, contact with ancestors, and spiritual healing.
The ancient Greeks also saw snakes as sacred creatures who could both provide divine protection and symbolize knowledge and healing. Asclepius, the son of Apollo, was the Greek god of medicine, and snakes were often associated with him.
During the time of the Ancient Egyptians, snakes were associated with royalty and divine power, and were seen as symbols of protection and hidden knowledge.
On a related note, the serpent is also one of the most ancient symbols and myths in Christianity, representing evil and temptation. According to the Bible, a snake tempted Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of Knowledge, resulting in their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
This symbolism is reflected in many Christian churches, where depictions of serpents can be found as a reminder of the power of both good and evil.
What religions worship snakes?
Snakes have been worshipped in a variety of religions throughout history. In African traditional religion, the serpent is seen as an aspect of the divine energy and is associated with fertility, water and sensuality.
The Yoruba people of West Africa revere the deity of Ifá – whose shrine is an image of a snake or a python – as the source of oracular wisdom and prophecy.
In Hinduism, the earliest references to serpents appear in the Rig Veda, and serpents are referred to as possessing knowledge and healing powers. The Hindu god Shiva is often portrayed with a cobra around his neck.
The most well known Hindu goddess associated with serpents is Kali, the goddess of destruction, who is sometimes depicted with a human head and snake-like body.
In ancient Egypt, the serpent was seen as a powerful symbol of fertility and rebirth, and the cobra was a symbol of goddess Wadjet, the protector of the Pharaohs. In the religion of the ancient Greeks, the serpent was a symbol of healing, connected to the god of healing, Asklepios.
Judaism holds the story of the biblical figure of Moses who lifted a bronze serpent on a pole and everyone who looked on it would be healed. In Christian symbolism, the serpent of the Garden of Eden is seen as a symbol of evil and temptation.
In Mesoamerica, such as in the Maya and Aztec traditions, serpents were revered as symbols of rebirth, wisdom, and fertility. In some Native American spiritual traditions, the serpent is seen as a symbol of protection and healing.
Do Pentecostal churches handle snakes?
No, Pentecostal churches do not handle snakes. This is because, as a general rule, Pentecostal churches interpret the scriptural reference to snake handling as metaphorical. The emphasis is on faith and the idea that no harm will come to those who display true faith in God.
Snake handling is believed to be linked to the passage in Mark 16:18, where Jesus says “They will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. ” However, Pentecostal churches typically interpret this as a teaching in faith and protection.
Some churches may believe it has literal components and interpret it as to why believers should stay away from dangerous substances, such as drugs and alcohol.
What do Pentecostals believe?
Pentecostals believe in a number of core doctrines, including the inerrancy of the Bible, the Trinity, the deity of Jesus, the need for personal salvation through Jesus, the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the initial evidence of speaking-in-tongues, sanctification, and divine healing.
Pentecostalism also emphasizes the gifts of the Holy Spirit, sometimes referred to as the “nine charismatic gifts”. These gifts may include prophecy, power to heal and miracles, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
Pentecostals also believe that the Bible is divinely inspired and inerrant and is the ultimate source for Christian faith and practice.
Another common belief among Pentecostals is the Holy Spirit’s ability to work in and through believers to call, lead, and empower them in the work of the church. Pentecostals believe in a personal relationship with God, or an intimate walk with the Lord, which involves prayer, Scripture reading, and meditation.
The church is viewed as the body of Christ, and Pentecostals emphasize the power of pastors, evangelists, and other ordained ministers in the baptism and teaching of the Gospel.
In addition, Pentecostals believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which they view as the empowering of the believer through prayer and the laying on of hands in order to receive the Holy Spirit. This is often accompanied by the physical manifestation of speaking in tongues.
Lastly, Pentecostals believe in divine healing and the ability of Jesus to heal, both physically and spiritually, through prayer and faith.
Who is the God with snakes?
The God with snakes is a figure of Greek mythology known as Asclepius. He is the son of Apollo, the god of healing and medicine, and is said to have learned the art of healing from the centaur Chiron.
Asclepius is often depicted holding a staff entwined with a pair of snakes. He is associated with healing, medicine, and providing assistance to those in need of it. Along with Hermes and Panacea, Asclepius is one of the primary figures within the ‘healthcare’ trinity of Greek gods.
He is also one of the gods featured in the 12 Olympians. An attribute of Asclepius was his ability to bring people back to life, a power which eventually caused Zeus to strike him down with a thunderbolt for fear that no one would die and the world would become overpopulated.
Does the Bible say to handle snakes?
No, the Bible does not say to handle snakes. In fact, in the Bible, snakes are often used as a symbol of evil and danger. For example, in Genesis, the serpent is a symbol of temptation that leads to sin and separation from God.
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his disciples that they should be “wise as serpents,” implying that they should be cautious of those seeking to deceive them. In Exodus, God forbids Moses from touching a burning bush to symbolize protection because “the ground around it was a bed of fiery serpents.
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The Bible warns against interacting with serpents in some cases; however, it also mentions a few examples in which snakes are not seen as dangerous. In Numbers 21:5-9, a bronze serpent on a pole is used as a symbol of healing; in Ecclesiastes 10:8, the “wise will aver” that “the Serpent will bite.
” These instances may be suggesting that the reader be wise and cautious even if approaching something seemingly beneficial or harmless.
In conclusion, the Bible does not outright say to handle snakes, but it does warn against doing so. It is important to remember that snakes are often seen as dangerous and are often used as symbols of warnings.
What does God say about snakes?
In the Bible, God has a few different references to snakes. In the book of Genesis, God tells Adam and Eve that when they eat the forbidden fruit, they will be punished with death and He also states that a serpent was the one to tempt Eve.
In the book of Exodus, as God punishes Pharaoh and Egypt, He sends snakes to bite and afflict the Egyptians. In the book of Numbers, God sent a fiery serpent to bite and afflict the disobedient Israelites.
In the book of Isaiah, God says that He will raise up the serpent on a pole for all to see, who will live if they look upon it. In the book of Revelation, Satan is referred to as a great serpent.
Ultimately, from a Christian standpoint, God’s message about snakes is one of redemption and grace. In Numbers, the Israelites were able to look upon the serpent and live, showing that God provides a way for us to be saved from even the worst of sins.
In Isaiah, God also displays His willingness to provide a way for us to seek redemption from sin and live. In Revelation, Satan is revealed to be a serpent, which shows us that God’s power is greater than anything the devil can muster, even if it is sometimes hard to see.
What is the purpose of snakes in church?
Snakes can be seen in many churches and other places of religious significance. The presence of snakes in churches has its roots in ancient mythology and religious texts. In the Bible, the presence of a snake symbolizes both good and evil.
It is often used to represent the duality between temptation and divine protection. In Greek mythology, it is associated with healing powers, fertility, and knowledge. In some traditions, its presence symbolizes power, wisdom, and divine knowledge.
In Christianity, it is seen as a symbol of protection from evil and its power to mislead. It is believed that snakes guard the gates of heaven and ward off malicious forces.
The purpose of snakes in church can be interpreted differently according to belief and context. For some, it reinforces the concept of God’s grace and mercy. For others, it serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with temptation, and the need to remain vigilant against it.
It can also signify a person’s faith in God, and the risk and courage required to choose the right path. Lastly, it is a symbol of the power of faith – that faith in God can ultimately lead a person to a better life.
What do snakes represent in different religions?
In many cultures and religions around the world, snakes carry both positive and negative connotations. In the Christian tradition, for example, the serpent in the Garden of Eden is seen as a symbol of temptation, temptation that ultimately led to the fall of mankind.
However, in Egyptian mythology and Native American traditions, snakes are often seen as a sign of rebirth since they shed their skin, allowing for new growth and transformation. Additionally, snakes appear in the myths of many other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
In Hinduism, snakes are associated with death, immortality, and fertility. In the Buddhist tradition, the naga snake is deeply intertwined with the teachings of Buddhism. In the Bible, snakes are referred to as meeting some punishments that befell people, such as when the rod of Moses turned into a snake, signifying God’s corrective punishment.
In some regions such as Greece and parts of Asia, snakes are seen as both a spiritual beacon and an evil omen. As a spiritual being, snakes are often seen as a source of guidance and as an embodiment of ancient wisdom.
On the other hand, snakes have also been linked to fear and danger, sometimes representing Satan and other evil forces. Ultimately, the importance of snakes in different cultures and religions is highly varied and contingent on the beliefs of those who practice them.
What does a snake symbolize in religion?
In many religions and cultures, snakes are seen as symbols of both good and evil. In Christianity, for example, the serpent is associated with both the Devil and the Garden of Eden. In the Bible, the serpent tempts Adam and Eve with the forbidden fruit, causing them to be expelled from the Garden of Eden.
This is seen as a symbol of temptation and sin, and it is the serpent who helps to bring human suffering into the world.
In some other cultures and religions, snakes are seen as symbols of healing and renewal. In Hinduism, the divine snake Ananta is believed to reside in a coiled position upon Lord Vishnu’s chest, and is said to be the symbol of eternal time and infinite potential.
In Greco-Roman mythology, the snake is sacred to Asclepius, the god of healing. Snakes are also associated with knowledge, protection, and secret mysteries. In some Native American cultures, the rattlesnake is a powerful symbol of protection against evil spiritual forces, and it is also associated with healing.
Overall, the symbolism of snakes for different religions and cultures varies greatly, and is often determined by local beliefs and customs. In some contexts snakes may be seen as a symbol of destruction, in others a source of wisdom, healing and protection.
What is snake in Hinduism?
Snake (or “Naga”) is an important figure in Hinduism. In Hindu mythology and beliefs, snakes are seen as a divine creature, representing both the creative and destructive forces of nature. In the Vedic scriptures, the supernatural and powerful snakes are seen as a symbol of power and protection, and are believed to be a form of God Indra.
According to the Rig Veda, Indra is the deity responsible for delivering rain and lightning. In fact, he carries a club adorned with snakes as a weapon.
In Hinduism, snakes are also associated with knowledge and wisdom. They are thought to be a link between the divine and the earthly, providing a bridge between the two realms. Buddhism and Jainism, which are Hinduism’s sister religions, also view the snake as a symbol of wisdom.
The Hindu god Shiva is often depicted with a snake, and snakes are sometimes used in Hindu marriage rituals. In one tradition, a priest drapes a cobra over the bride and groom in order to grant them good luck and long life.
Snakes are also commonly worshipped in Hinduism, with many temples devoted to venerating them. On the festival of Nag Panchami, Hindus eat special food, visit temples and offer prayers to these symbolic creatures.
What are Pentecostals not allowed to do?
Pentecostals are followers of the Christian faith and adhere to the same general beliefs and values as non-Pentecostal Christians. That being said, there are certain restrictions that Pentecostals place on themselves which might not apply to other Christians.
Things that Pentecostals generally do not allow themselves to do include consuming alcohol, partaking of tobacco products, engaging in sex outside of marriage, gambling, using drugs or engaging in other activities that are considered morally wrong by the faith.
The Pentecostal faith also discourages adorning oneself with jewelry, tattoos and other embellishments, engaging in dances or activities that are considered too worldly and an overall adherence to what is considered modest and holy living.
There are generally accepted rules and codes of conduct that are unique to the Pentecostal faith. The concept of holiness and being set apart from a worldly lifestyle is central to the Pentecostal movement, and such standards are taken seriously by its followers.
Do Pentecostals use condoms?
No, Pentecostals do not generally use condoms as a form of contraception. The use of condoms for contraception goes against some of the core teachings and beliefs of the Pentecostal faith. Pentecostals typically look to the Bible for guidance in morality, especially when it comes to sexual matters.
As such, they tend to adhere to a more conservative stance on contraception. Instead, Pentecostals look to natural forms of family planning such as natural family planning, fertility awareness, abstinence, and/or abstinence-only sex education as methods of preventing pregnancy.