>I have a friend who is Protestant and his experience is a good example of what I am saying. He belonged to a church for several years and then one day the minister read and interpreted scripture from the Bible. Members of the church objected and argued that the minister was incorrect. These members broke off from that church and formed a new church. This occurred two more times within one year and my friend went with the new groups each time.
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>There is a hierarchy within the Protestant Churches. We have the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist, and Baptist. When you travel within the United States and talk to people you will realize a number of things. One is that in some areas (the south for example) there are a large number of Baptists. Southern Baptists to be exact. They even have snake worshipers in the south, who are Baptists. These religious folks spend a lot of time and energy demeaning others and profess their superiority.

The essence of the Reformation was that by presenting the Bible in languages other than Latin people would have a direct dialogue with God without the intermediary layer of a priesthood. Sounds pretty good in some way, except that Luther - who was not only a really vile anti-Semite but quite possibly a bit crazy - and others like Calvin were convinced the Bible was so clear that no variation of interpretation was possible. (the attraction of Fundamentalism) Of course that isn't how it worked out. Even among those who believe in literal truth, truth is somewhat fungible (see my post in Religion "Not such a long story after all ...")

Southern Baptists split from Baptists over slavery in the 1850s. (guess which side of the issue they were on). They have not become a lot more progressive since. They are also opposed to intercourse while standing, as it can lead to dancing.

The people you refer to with the snakes, most common in Appalachia: They don't worship snakes, they prove their faith by handling the snakes without fear of harm. (some drink poison for the same reason)

"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)

"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you". (Luke 10:19)

Just as crazy, but different intent.

Hope somebody can clip this branch of the Save Southwest Fox thread and sticks it in Religion where it belongs.