Hey all,



This was a response I gave to a woman that called my 3 month old snakes "hand puppets of satan" and tried to use the bible in defense of her statement. Let me know what you think. Also, my female accepted food again yesterday. Thanks for all the suggestions.



"I warn you never use bible verses in an argument. With that said here is my response. Maybe you will read and maybe you will not. That does not matter because I do not care what you say because I am not blinded by anything you or people like you say.



Part One:

Whether you take the verses figuratively or literally shouldn't affect the primary question here. Keep in mind while reading this that no verse stands alone. The chapter and verse structure was not part of the original writings. You have to keep everything in context with other verses. The words that have been translated as adder, viper, asp, etc., are not specific translations. Rather, the English terms are general translations, and do not directly apply as species descriptions. For example, the Greek word "ophis" may refer to snakes in general, or may in certain verses specifically apply to a venomous snake."



"Part Two:

Does the Bible state that snakes are evil? Nope. If you glance through the verses, you'll never find any place where snakes are specifically called evil critters. Rather, the snake is used as a symbol for everything from Satan to alcohol, from lying to wisdom. Quite a range of ideas. Symbolism is used to make it easier to understand something, and does not denote inherent characteristics. For example, the dove is used as a symbol for the Holy Spirit in the New Testament, but there's nothing particularly holy about a bird. At different times, the lion is used positively ("Lion of Judah" and negatively (Satan going about like a "roaring lion". Beyond the sundry references to snakes is a major thematic symbolism stretching through the scriptures."



"Part Three:

In Genesis, after Satan shows up in the guise of a reptile, the snake is given a specific representative purpose: the effects of sin. Just as the snake was "separated" from its prior position (considered an enemy of man, the Hebrew expression "eating dust" being a reference to being made low), so man was separated from his prior relationship with God. This separation is not necessarily permanent, though. Symbolically, we see a representation of a metal serpent on a pole used to save Israel in the desert, foreshadowing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Israelites who gazed on the brass serpent were saved from snake-bite; anyone who accepts Christ's death as the sacrificial payment for the sin that separates them from God, committing to following Christ, enters a direct and personal relationship with God himself."



"In Conclusion:

We see the inclusion of the snake in the future physical kingdom of God, restoring its position in nature. Just as the serpent is restored, so is man's relationship to God eternally restored, for those who purpose to become disciples of Christ. So, in effect, the snake is far from being an evil outcast in Biblical theology. It is, rather, a powerful representation of the primary theme in Christianity. I do not take credit for all of this. I had help from my brother and the Herpetological society. I regret to have to show you the error in your words but I feel it is my duty to defend any creature misunderstood because of human ignorance to the big picture."
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Thomas M. Marcy

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Madison, AL

Computer Scientist

Hognose Enthusiast

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