In the current political environment, religion has become a political football that's been kicked around by zealots who claim that government is anti-religion and antagonistic to God.
Although this enlightening film was made about 40 years ago, it clearly demonstrates that the freedom to worship as one pleases is as solid as the bedrock under the skyscrapers of Manhattan.
It's up to the viewer to decide whether the members of the Holiness Church in Scrabble Creek, West Virginia, are filled with the spirit of the Holy Ghost, mad or engaging in an uninhibited (and healthy)form of emotional release.
Nevertheless, the people at the service appear to be down-to-earth and brimming over with faith. The music and dancing are exuberant. They speak in tongues, handle snakes, drink poison and give testimony.
It all may seem bizarre, but their freedom to worship the way they do demonstrates that the First Amendment of our Constitution can withstand anything -- even the pronouncements of nutty politicians who want to turn the United States into an officially Christian country.
A superb film. Let freedom ring!
Although this enlightening film was made about 40 years ago, it clearly demonstrates that the freedom to worship as one pleases is as solid as the bedrock under the skyscrapers of Manhattan.
It's up to the viewer to decide whether the members of the Holiness Church in Scrabble Creek, West Virginia, are filled with the spirit of the Holy Ghost, mad or engaging in an uninhibited (and healthy)form of emotional release.
Nevertheless, the people at the service appear to be down-to-earth and brimming over with faith. The music and dancing are exuberant. They speak in tongues, handle snakes, drink poison and give testimony.
It all may seem bizarre, but their freedom to worship the way they do demonstrates that the First Amendment of our Constitution can withstand anything -- even the pronouncements of nutty politicians who want to turn the United States into an officially Christian country.
A superb film. Let freedom ring!