Africa
Snakes Aren’t Evil Totally, by Tife Owolabi
The account in Numbers 21:4-9 tells the story of Moses erecting a bronze serpent, and those who gazed upon it were healed from snake bites. This symbol of healing is still used in the medical field today. It shows that snakes are not inherently evil, and their venom can be used for good.
Nollywood, Bollywood, and some spiritual leaders (churches) etc have created a panic around snakes. However, my personal experience tells a different story. After the 2018 flood in Yenagoa, my wife and kids slept in a room with a snake present, and it didn’t harm them. The snake lay beside their bed, and they were unaware of its presence until my wife noticed it and alerted me. I eventually killed the snake, which had been in the room with them for days. This experience has made me realize that the fear surrounding snakes is often exaggerated.
The fear of snakes has been perpetuated by preachers and media, but the Bible offers a nuanced view.
In Matthew 10:16, Jesus says, “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” This suggests that snakes are not inherently dangerous, but rather, they defend themselves when threatened. In Genesis 3:1-4, the serpent is portrayed as cunning, but not necessarily evil.
The account in Numbers 21:4-9 tells the story of Moses erecting a bronze serpent, and those who gazed upon it were healed from snake bites. This symbol of healing is still used in the medical field today. It shows that snakes are not inherently evil, and their venom can be used for good.
As Apst Bodmas Kemepadei, an Ijaw worshiper, noted, “Python and cobra snakes don’t attack unless threatened, but a black mamba would attack.” This highlights the importance of understanding snake behaviour and not perpetuating unnecessary fear.
Alagoa A. Morris, an environmentalist, adds, “The fear stems from the fact that a bite can result in death, like falling from a high altitude… otherwise, unknown to families, snakes (depending on the type) can live in for even months without detection.
Let’s embrace the wisdom of the serpent, as Jesus commanded, and discern the truth about snakes. They are part of God’s creation, and their venom can be used for our benefit. As someone who eats snakes, I can attest that they are a delicacy. So, if you find one, alert me!
Tife Owolabi is a Development Studies Researcher and writes from Yenagoa, Bayelsa.
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