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‘Snake Salvation’ Pastor Dies from Snake Bite

‘Snake Salvation’ Pastor Dies from Snake Bite

One of the pastors featured on the reality show Snake Salvation died this weekend after being bitten by a poisonous snake and refusing medical attention. Jamie Coots was the pastor of a small Kentucky church that featured serpent handling, a mostly illegal worship practice in which adherents believe that protection from live snakes used in the service is a demonstration of God’s power. In a statement to CNN, Nat Geo—the network behind the reality show that featured Coots and other snake handling pastors—said, “In following Pastor Coots for our series Snake Salvation, we were constantly struck by his devout religious convictions despite the health and legal peril he often faced. Those risks were always worth it to him and his congregants as a means to demonstrate their unwavering faith. We were honored to be allowed such unique access to Pastor Jamie and his congregation during the course of our show, and give context to his method of worship. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time” …

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