OH, THE IRONY

Snake Kills Snake-Handler Preacher

Jamie Coots refused treatment for snakebite.

This is why reptiles don't work well with religious services. Jamie Coots, a third-generation snake handler who pastored a small church in Kentucky, died yesterday after he was biten by a snake and subsequently refusted treatment. Coots had gained fame through his National Geographic show Snake Salvation. Coots had been bitten by snakes before during his spiritual ministering: after he survived a 1998 bite without treatment, he said "It's a victory to God's people that the Lord seen fit to bring me through it.” His right arm swelled to his shoulder and his middle finer died and fell off after that bite. Snake-handlers believe they are following a religious command, based on Mark: 16 17-18 “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."