American Christian fanatics 'incredible religious ritual: Playing with snakes and drinking poison in the name of God

American fanatic ritual: playing with snakes and drinking poison in the name of god.

Christian fanatics in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States practice bizarre religious rituals-holding rattlesnakes and drinking the poison strychnine to prove their devout belief in God.

This traditional religious ritual of playing with snakes has a history of more than 100 years. It was introduced to the Holy Episcopal Church in Cleveland, Tennessee by George Winter Hensley, and has many believers.

During the ceremony, all believers were required to speak dialect, hold rattlesnakes in their hands, and drink strychnine.

They believe that if you are bitten by a snake or drink poison to death, it is God's will and that you cannot seek medical treatment. Only by obeying God's will can you show piety.

It is estimated that about 100 people have died in the more than 100 years of ceremony.

It is said that Hansley was killed by picking up a snake while explaining chapter 16 of the Gospel of Mark.