A new reality show, called “Snake Salvation” will feature two snake-handling ministers, practicing a tradition that is over 100 years old, and airs on National Geographic starting on September 9, with 16 episodes at this point.
The pastor of Tabernacle Church of God in La Follette, Tennessee, Andrew Hamblin, age 21 handles snakes and posts on a Facebook page about his life. As part of a new generation of snake-handling preachers, he welcomes visitors to his church, while older snake-handling Christians do not.
National Geographic will also feature Jamie Coots, of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name church of Middlesboro, Kentucky. Coots stated that the show will feature snake-handlers’ lives and struggles in their religious faith.
Although Testa makes a good point, and to be honest it is a sub-culture I am curious about. I'm just not sure if a reality show is the venue I would want to learn about it,,,
Matthew Testa, one of National Geographic crewmembers, feels that even though snake-handling is illegal in many states, as well as dangerous, Coots and Hamblin opening their churches to the media, something most snake-handling minister will not do, it will give views a glimpse into a religious sub-culture.
"We live at a time when, because of the Internet and television, we are all becoming more and more alike," he said. "To find a really distinct American subculture is incredibly rare."
New reality show, called “Snake Salvation” to air in September on National Geographic | God Discussion
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