oldnumberseven

So, I am not religious, but I went to a Disciple of Christ school, and so, perhaps through osmosis, learned a thing or two about religion. My personal thought on religion is if you are not handling snakes you are a dilettante as far as Jesus goes. There is a religion where the supplicant bows to the east. If I were a practitioner of this religion I would cary a compass on my person, or in my luggage. If the TSA were to confiscate this compass, I would make damned sure I bought one somewheres between the airport and the hotel. I would not rely upon a phone call to the front desk to ascertain which direction is east. At the very least I would watch the sun set in the west, and figure the opposite direction was east. If I were religious I would not rely upon Martin Luther getting me into heaven, either.

I gave the fellow a general direction, and from the road signs I am pretty sure I was correct within fifteen or so degrees. Hopefully, I did not damn his soul with a miscalculation. If my mortal soul rested upon a compass point, you can know for damned sure, I would cary a compass. Luckily, for me, and my soul, all I need is a few snakes.

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. —Mark 16:17-18

We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.
—Jonathan Swift

Update: I have heard that the passage from the book of Mark is tacked on, and not really considered a part of the book by biblical scholars. The comedy truly reaches the high water mark if the bible does not endorse snake handling as a viable way into heaven.