Table of Contents

Scope

Snake handling, a charismatic cult practice of the Holiness Church, is the focus of the following annotated bibliography. Its religious roots, history, biographical figures, and sociological and psychological ramifications were the main aspects explored during this research process. The information cited is intended for the researcher in an Academic Library.

Introduction

Snake Handling is often referred to as a charismatic anomaly within Christianity. In order to examine this anomaly, this bibliography follows a specific pattern. The research begins with the general views of snake handling as an aspect of the Holiness Church. Then the topic narrows to the study of leaders within the snake handling movement, scripture verses, and the effects of snake handling as examined by other disciplines, such as Sociology and Psychology. References to personal accounts are also cited. Finally, a selection of newspaper and journal articles is provided to ascertain public views of snake handling to enhance the scholarly study of the topic.

Although there is a wealth of information regarding the study of snake handling believers, there is some difficulty in locating all of the materials due to inconsistencies in references. Snake handling can be found under several different headings. Snake handling, serpent handling, snake cults, Holiness Church, variants of Pentecostalism , and Appalachian Religion or Appalachia are possible search terms for the study of snake handling. Cultural differences must be addressed because a great deal of research has also been done regarding "snake charmers." Therefore, searches must be detailed and descriptive. Books for this study were fairly easy to locate. Ciphering through their indices is a completely different story. The discipline of Religion is often a biographically centered study. Discovering the leaders in the snake handling movement opened a new path of discovery.

Due to the previously addressed inconsistencies, the study of snake handling requires patience and persistence, much like the practice of snake handling. This bibliography is designed to meet the needs of any patron seeking information regarding snake handling on any level. However, the information provided within this bibliography is most suited to the patron of an academic library. The materials provide general and detailed information on the subject matter. However, analyzing and examining the practice of snake handling believers is often the focus of most works. This lends to juxtaposition and discourse between several different disciplines.