Faith

Should This Photojournalist Have Intervened Sooner to Save the Life of a Dying Snake-Handling Pastor?

Lauren Pond Talks About Death of Pastor Mack Wolford After Snake Bite

Pastor Pastor Mack Wolford (Image Credit: Washington Post)

Last weekend, Pastor Mack Wolford, a snake-handling preacher from West Virginia, died after allegedly ingesting poison (strychnine) and suffering a bite from a yellow timber rattlesnake he had owned and handled for years. The Blaze already brought you the troubling tale, but what we haven’t yet explored is the responsibility — or lack thereof — on the part of those individuals who watched the pastor suffer for hours before he finally allowed emergency services to be notified.

(Related: Snake-Handling Pastor Dies After Fatal Bite)

Washington Post photojournalist Lauren Pond was among those who observed Wolford as he lay dying (her images from the experience are here). She was spending time with the pastor and his congregants in an effort to capture his latest, snake-handling service last weekend when she very quickly and unexpectedly found herself in a bizarre and troubling situation. Her dilemma? Pond had to choose between remaining a bystander to Wolford’s suffering, or jumping in and going against the pastor’s wishes to call paramedics.

While she ultimately chose the former, an interesting journalism ethics questions arises: Should Pond have ignored Wolford’s wishes and called an ambulance sooner?

Certainly, many would give a swift “yes, absolutely” to this question, but others would say “no,” while citing the pastor‘s wishes and Pond’s role as a journalist. And a third group might even find themselves conflicted — an understandable position considering the elements at hand. After all, as a photojournalist, Pond’s job is to observe and watch over her subjects. Then, she reports what she sees. In this particular case, the individual she was capturing had an aversion to seeking help, even as he lay in critical need.

Lauren Pond Talks About Death of Pastor Mack Wolford After Snake Bite

The situation was a difficult one, as Pond highlighted in an article she penned for the Post late last week. In it, she detailed the traumatic experience, opening the article with the following:

This is what I saw through my camera lens: Pastor Randy “Mack” Wolford, tossing and turning on the couch in his mother-in-law’s West Virginia trailer, suffering from the pain of a rattlesnake bite he had received earlier in the day. Parishioners surrounding him in prayer in the stifling heat. His mother stroking his feet, her expression a mixture of concern, sorrow and, eventually, acceptance: This is how her eldest son — a legend in the local Pentecostal serpent-handling community — would die.

Camera in hand, I watched as the man I’d photographed and gotten to know over the past year writhed, turned pale and slipped away, a victim of his unwavering faith, but also a testament to it. A family member called paramedics when Mack finally allowed it, but it was too late. Mack Wolford drew his final, labored breaths late Sunday night. He was 44.

The mental images this description creates are disturbing, to say the least. Coming away from the experience, Pond outlined numerous questions she had in the wake of the tragedy. From assessing her own action and inaction to wondering what her role would be in the days and months following Wolford’s death, she has clearly thought deeply about what unfolded last weekend.

Lauren Pond Talks About Death of Pastor Mack Wolford After Snake Bite

Pastor Wolford's mother stroking his feet following the snake bite. (Image Credit: Lauren Pond/Lauren Pond for The Washington Post)

Pond continues, outlining her curiosities in light of these details:

As a photojournalist, what role did I have in this tragedy, and what is it now, in the aftermath? Was it right for me to remain in the background taking pictures, as I did, and not seek medical attention for the dying pastor, whose beliefs forbade it? Or should I have intervened and called paramedics earlier, which would have undermined Mack’s wishes? Finally, what was I supposed to do with the images I shot?

In continuing to discuss her struggles with the scenario, she has come to an intriguing pseudo-conclusion. While she admits that photojournalists “have a unique responsibility to record history and share stories in as unbiased and unobtrusive a way as possible,“ she also believes that balancing professional instincts with ”basic human decency and care” is paramount.

That in mind, she differentiates Wolford’s situation from suffering that can be seen following a natural disaster or a warzone. Rather than railing against the preacher’s free will to call medical professionals, Pond seems increasingly comfortable with her decision to let Wolford and his family decide his fate. She writes:

In my mind, Mack’s situation was different from that of a starving child or a civilian wounded in war. He was a competent adult who decided to stand by what he understood to be the word of God, no matter the consequences. And so I’ve started to come to peace with the fact that everyone in the crowded trailer, including myself, let Mack die as a man true to his faith.

Lauren Pond Talks About Death of Pastor Mack Wolford After Snake Bite

Certainly, critics would struggle with such a notion, especially considering the loss of life. However, there is a key difference that Pond notes. Had her subject been in a desperate situation in which he or she wanted or needed help, her reaction might have been different. However here, in this faith-fueled instance, the photojournalist chose to respect the deeply-held views at play.

Other media professionals have been faced with similar choices before. In 2010, the L.A. Times published a story about CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who traveled to Haiti to cover the aftermath of the horrendous earthquake that hit the region in January of that year. Rather than simply reporting, the neurosurgeon jumped in and provided on camera medical treatment — an action he was criticized for in the days following his coverage.

While this is certainly different on many levels from Pond’s story, the theme of helping those in need is at the center of both dramas. The Times quoted Bob Steele, a journalism values scholar at The Poynter Institute, in critiquing how Gupta’s situation should have been handled.

“There definitely are cases where a journalist who is qualified can and should provide medical assistance when the need is immediate and profound,” Steele said. “The problem in Dr. Gupta’s case is that he has done this on a number of occasions in Iraq and now in Haiti. If it’s imperative that he intervene and help medically, then take him out of his journalistic role and do that. But don’t have him covering the same stories in which he’s a participant. It muddles the journalistic reporting. It clouds the lens in terms of the independent observation and reporting.”

Of course, this commentary is mostly speaking about those who have medical skills. Judging from the information we know, Pond did not (although we cannot be certain) have this expertise. Rather than assisting directly, her role would have likely been more rooted in alerting those with experience in how to treat the pastor. In the end, though, she rejected this choice and chose to continue taking images and respecting Wolford’s wishes.

There are no easy answers here. Considering the issues of religious freedom, human dignity, personal responsibility and the like, what do you think? Should Pond have intervened sooner to save the pastor’s life? Take our poll, below, and let us know:


Comments (184)

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  • kfouche
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 7:13pm

    That is their belief, it is none of our business.

    Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 7:35pm

      What does a Rattle Snake do! – it Bites

      Your Turn – What does a Socialist Marxist do – ?

      Report Post » db321  
    • Gorp
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 7:57pm

      If someone is dumb enough to play with poisonous snakes… Need I say more? He believed in his religion to the end. So be it.

      Report Post » Gorp  
    • creepshow
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:00pm

      This idiot learned the hard way he had no God given immunity to a snake bite. The only immunity folks like these have is to rational thought and common sense.

      Report Post »  
    • DonaldH
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:00pm

      SUCK– on my pocket-book

      Report Post » DonaldH  
    • lukerw
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:08pm

      I am not my Brother’s Keeper… His choices evaluate His risk and result in His consequences. This is called Freedom!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • mils
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:46pm

      religious freedom….:) rip

      Report Post »  
    • Cesium
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:34pm

      Science always beats faith… the molecular underpinnings of these poisons are understood.. no magic here.

      Report Post »  
    • Bluebonnet
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:02pm

      I appreciate his faith and only wish he had used it more wisely. Sorry for his family. I’m a firm believer in Jesus and worship HIM, only, but I‘m also a strong believer that you don’t twist the words in the bible for your own use. In other words, “Don’t tempt the Lord, Thy God for show & tell.

      Report Post »  
    • jzs
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:09pm

      You know, this is seriously stupid. Yes, none of us have a right to prevent anyone from practicing their religion. But we all have an obligation to recognize reality and speak out against those who risk their own lives or those of others in the name of religion.

      I don‘t know about the guy’s ingestion of strychnine, if that’s true or not. This thread makes that statement, the earlier one does not. But in any case that’s just crazy. Sorry, no what interpretation of the Bible you might have, if you take strychnine or cyanide, God doesn’t protect you from that. If you get bitten by a poisonous snake, God doesn’t interfere with the natural course of things regardless of how much you profess your belief in Him.

      This almost sounds like those extremist Muslims who think killing innocent people gives them a free ticket to Heaven. Sorry, the God of no religion loves crazy people, as much as crazy people would like to think that.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • Zer0
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:12pm

      Hardcore, man. Hardcore. Pastor went out like a BOSS!

      Report Post »  
    • TRUTHSENSE
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:33pm

      First obligation is that of a human being, journalist comes second. Having said that, I’m not sure if it would have made any difference. If she had called 911 could they have done anything if the man refused treatment?

      Report Post » TRUTHSENSE  
    • Bryan B
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:39pm

      @jzs

      I’m going to agree with you on this, I would have drop a dime, and dialed 911, and it would have been because of my belief in God and Jesus Christ. I could not stand there and watch someone suffer.

      I have knowen of people, to survive cyanide poisoning. Back in th 1980′s when all those people where poisoned with cyanide lased Tylenol, there where people that lived…..

      Report Post » Bryan B  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:44pm

      @JZS

      This story shows a photog standing by when he should have intervened.

      It will break your heart.

      The photojournalist in question eventually committed suicide.

      Report Post »  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:44pm

      @JZS

      This story shows a photog standing by when he should have intervened.

      It will break your heart.

      The photojournalist in question eventually committed suicide.

      http://www.snopes.com/photos/people/kevincarter.asp

      Report Post »  
    • TRUTHSENSE
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:50pm

      CESIUM – “Science always trumps faith”? This man’s faith to drink poison and handle poisonous snakes was false, but real Godly faith triumphs over science. Had not the Creator of the Universe created it in an orderly fashion, science could not function. Science did not prevent my Savior, Jesus Christ from walking out of the tomb on the third day and it did not prevent Him from ascending back to heaven. It did not prevent Him coming to dwell in me when I repented and asked Him to save me. It did not prevent Him from saving me from physical harm when a bent limb pinched my chain saw and yanked it straight up in the air although at the time I didn’t know where it was going so I bent over and covered my head with my hands. It landed on my back after what seemed like an eternity and then slid to the ground with the chain still going. It felt as if someone had gently set it on my back and I didn’t have a scratch or a bruise. Science will not prevent the return of Jesus when the time comes and “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”.

      Report Post » TRUTHSENSE  
    • blackyb
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:02am

      Eat dog and snakes and kills little babies.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:04am

      Exactly. If you try to tell them what they can and can’t do, somebody will come and try to tell YOU what you can and can’t do. Stay out of it. I believe what I have proven, not what you force me to believe. Prove everything you read/hear but the choice is yours and the consequences are yours. Just like he got the consequences of his beliefs.

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • jzs
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:04am

      nzkiwi, I don‘t know much about this story but if that’s true, that would be a classical Greek tragedy with nothing left, in the end but death.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:16am

      Nzkiwi
      Dig out Harry Chapin’s “The Shortest Story” to go with your picture. Very depressing.

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • TRUTHSENSE
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:28am

      CESIUM says that “Science always beats faith… the molecular underpinnings of these poisons are understood.. no magic here.” Job 38:2-7 “Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? “Now gird up your loins like a man, And I will ask you, and you instruct Me! “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, Who set its measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? “On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy? Snake handlers have a misguided faith, but I know that science has to step aside to true Godly faith. Had the Creator of the Universe not created it in an orderly fashion, there would be no real science. Science did not prevent my Savior, Jesus Christ from walking out of the tomb on the third day and it did not prevent Him from ascending back to heaven. Neither will science prevent His return at the appointed time and “every knee shall bow …., and every tongue shall confess to God.” Science did not trump His coming to dwell in me when I repented and asked Him to save me. Science did not prevent His protection when a small bent sapling yanked the chain saw straight up in the air. I was afraid to look up because I knew that it was idled so that the chain never stopped going so I bent over and covered my head with my hands and it landed on my back and slid off onto the ground. It landed on my

      Report Post » TRUTHSENSE  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 1:05am

      @ Ramon

      Thanks for that. It should remind us that we are all part of the human race. Here’s the link for those who are wondering…

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTaRTKouzdw

      It is hard to believe that Kevin Carter just walked away from that little girl as she struggled to get to the feeding station a kilometer away.(Read the whole page if you haven’t already.)

      Even though its been a while since I first came across that story, I still think of her from time to time, and I hope that she made it by some miracle. The realist in me doubts it, though.

      I understand that journalistic principles encourage them to be “bystanders” and not involve themselves with the subjects of the story, as in the case of this pastor, but there is a limit. And there is humanity.

      I notice that they involve themselves in political stories quickly enough.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 4:22am

      If I saw someone trying to commit suicide, I would do everything in my power to stop them from self-catapulting to hell. I see a sinister trend on the Blaze, and it’s coming from the RP camp. The Bible describes it thus:

      “…in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves…having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Tim. 3: 1, 2, 5)

      Cain was the first man to display this attitude. When God asked him about Abel, his retort was, “How should I know? Am I supposed to look after my brother?” (Gen. 4:9), or in the Paulist version, “Read the Constitution, God. Where does it say I’m supposed to stick my nose into other people’s business?”

      True, Cain had slain Abel, so it was very much his business, but hardness of heart is an insidious malady. Several notches down if another human being is trying to murder himself.

      When did small govt. become synonymous with indifference, self-centeredness or debauchery? RP is a Pharisee, and concerning the Law that sect so “zealously” applied the Apostle Paul said, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor. 3:6).

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 4:38am

      nzkiwi
      I notice that they involve themselves in political stories quickly enough.
      ——
      Excellent observation. Dr. Kevorkian provided “death with dignity,“ but Republicans want people to ”die quickly.” It’s always a no-win situation for us, so who cares what the “Godforsaking” liberals think. Just do what God says is right.

      Report Post »  
    • t00nces2
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 7:01am

      I would have left because I have too much empathy with an injured person. I would leave and call authorities. If you were to be involved in an accident, I will be the one fleeing the scene. You will thank me later because if I was to stay, I will be looking at you screaming “HOLY SH*T! You are going to die!!!!”

      Report Post »  
    • Wolf
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 10:52am

      She should have called the EMTs. He could have denied their assistance, but she’d have covered her butt and conscience.
      The admonition to ‘tempt not thy God’ comes to mind when I think of these kind of ‘faith’ people.

      Report Post »  
    • davecorkery
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:15pm

      WINNER of the 2012 Darwin Award! Congratulations! (Say Hi to Jebus for me)
      Faith is no reason.

      Report Post »  
    • poorrichard09
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 2:22pm

      It was God’s will-his time was up.

      The words spoken by Jesus were addressed to the 11 remaining Apostles in Mark 16: 14-17. Personally I don’t believe it was a message to any and all believers thru the ages.

      Report Post »  
  • 13th Imam
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 7:09pm

    Ingested Poison, Strychnine? Did I miss why he ingested Poison? Wasn’t playing with deadly snakes enough?

    Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • menticide
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 10:15pm

      The act of Snake Handling generally involves the combination of dancing with the snakes in your hands and ingesting poison. I don’t agree with it, but it’s a fairly old practice…

      Report Post » menticide  
  • ocelot113
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 7:06pm

    I vote she did the right thing. A part of me says stop being a journalist and be a human. But after thinking about it, this is the same thing we say about our faiths and don’t want the government butting into our business. If he was doing this to other people I’d say that crosses the line into possible murder charges but if he is doing it to himself… I respect his wishes. I think it’s nuts and crazy, but that isn’t my call. God is the one that makes that call and will hold him accountable. Not me.

    In this country you should be able to do what you want as long as it is not involving someone else. Personally, I believe even killing yourself should not have a law. I think it is between you and God not the government. I think suicide (I know this was not a “suicide”) is selfish and coweredly but there should be no law banning you from taking your life. God’s the judge of that, not any man.

    Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 10:50pm

      This is a mixed bag but I remember the “sweat-lodge” and several people died. Sure, they volunteered to do the “rituals” but something tells me, get help. The guy was going to die & did not want assistance. I would have left the area and called 911 & give details and let the authorities discuss the matter with the man. Just saying, that my conscience cannot leave a person to die. It is none of my business…yes….but I believe in “just-one-more-chance-to-live”.

      Report Post »  
  • face.chewer
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:39pm

    Perhaps if these people would put the snakes head in their mouth and then light the tail on fire it would better demonstrate their faith.

    Report Post »  
  • Twaddlefree
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:37pm

    This was never a matter of choice for anyone other than the man and his family members. The family refused to intervene, so who is anyone, much less a journalist, to call for help he didn’t want (at least until he knew he was going to die).

    Unless one believes that the entire medical profession is completely separate from God’s sovereign control of this world, “faith” had nothing to do with it. Swallow poison and then DARE God to save you to prove you have faith in Him? God used the snake for His will. Now, all those whose “faith” was based on this total distortion of the Bible will now think the Bible and all of Christianity is nothing but a hoax.

    Making this into a story of a moral dilemma instead of what it is…religious perversion…is a perversion of journalism.

    Report Post »  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:34pm

    These snake handler have been doing this stuff for decades.. Now someone is going to worry??? Now they want to put blame on a photo journalist… Many have been bitten and lived, some have died. Some of us may say they are crazy.. but isn’t it true that our ancestors came here for religious freedom.. who are we to intervene. They choose to handle snakes or poison.. if they want to tempt God, then it is their choice! I see a new regulation coming soon, crazy as it seems it sounds like a good one.. but for these people it will be a freedom lost. I wish he hadn’t of died, but he died doing what he believed and maybe his death will be a testament to those who handle snakes and poison. But my guess they will say, “he didn’t have enough faith”! God help us!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
    • MCDAVE
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:16pm

      This preacher is no different than Steve Irwin”Crocodile hunter”.Steve took incredible risks and we loved his shows..Both men follow their dreams and understood the risks they took

      Report Post »  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:41pm

      Steve Irwin had dreams. Mack Wolford had delusions. There’s a difference.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
  • DonaldH
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:32pm

    Mark 16:17 – 18
    The Great Commission
    17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. “———–

    Pesonally, I am not of such great faith– but I do live here in southern West Virginia and know a few of these people– After The SHTF,, these might be the only people with enough personal conviction and fortitude to survive– they know what they know and they believe what they believe. What do you know and believe in?

    Report Post » DonaldH  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:39pm

      They forget about the part that says do not seek signs…

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • DonaldH
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 7:03pm

      Because the Jews ask for signs and the Aramaeans seek philosophy

      Report Post » DonaldH  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:11pm

      The Cornerstone that the builders rejected…

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:51pm

      Wolford’s personal conviction really helped him survive, didn’t it?

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 12:29am

      When those statements were made they were unconditional. In Matthew 16:19 Jesus told THE DISCIPLES that what THEY bound on earth would be bond in heaven. In James 4:15 these unconditional promises were changed to conditional when James wrote “If the Lord will…” Puts a whole different slant on things.

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
    • DonaldH
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 4:44am

      holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:51pm
      Wolford’s personal conviction really helped him survive, didn’t it?

      Report Post »

      Perhaps his convictions HAVE HELPED him survive For All Of Eternity. Are you in dispute with that chance?

      Report Post » DonaldH  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 4:45am

      Can you tell the difference between delusion and faith?

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 4:53am

      Actually, H LION, the part they forget is, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test,” which is EXACTLY what the devil tried to get Jesus to do, when he told him to throw himself off a cliff and quoted Scripture to back it up.

      Report Post »  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 6:49am

      @ DONALDH – Yes. There is no evidence of an afterlife. When you’re dead, you’re dead. After you die, you will be in the same state you were in before you were conceived. Once you realize that truth, you will cherish the few years you have here on earth more than you would have otherwise.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 6:55am

      @ Kryptonite – There isn’t much difference. The definition of delusion is a false belief or opinion or a fixed false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact. Faith is defined as on the other hand is a belief that is not based on proof. Delusion is not a derogatory term, just another way to describe faith.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 5:00pm

      @holy ghostbuster
      There isn’t much difference. The definition of delusion is a false belief or opinion or a fixed false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact. Faith is defined as on the other hand is a belief that is not based on proof. Delusion is not a derogatory term, just another way to describe faith.
      ——
      lol, you need to read your own definitions carefully. A delusion is always FALSE. Faith as a “belief” cannot be scientifically proven, because it operates in the spirit realm, but it is always TRUE (I’m talking about God-faith). Faith is sort of like the Einstein concept of E, but in the spirit world. You should try tapping into it sometime. :)

      Report Post »  
    • DonaldH
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 5:15pm

      holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 6:55am
      @ Kryptonite – There isn’t much difference. The definition of delusion is a false belief or opinion or a fixed false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact. Faith is defined as on the other hand is a belief that is not based on proof. Delusion is not a derogatory term, just another way to describe faith.
      Report Post »

      Unlike “delusional” there is nothing pathological about faith—NOTHING!!

      Report Post » DonaldH  
    • DonaldH
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 6:00pm

      holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 6:49am
      @ DONALDH – Yes. There is no evidence of an afterlife. When you’re dead, you’re dead. After you die, you will be in the same state you were in before you were conceived. Once you realize that truth, you will cherish the few years you have here on earth more than you would have otherwise.
      Report Post »

      There is plenty of evidence of an afterlife– you just choose not believe the testimony of coutless souls that have seen the “afterlife” and returned to tell us about.— It’s always best to be open minded–don’t you think?

      Report Post » DonaldH  
  • Baddoggy
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:26pm

    Why intervene in his faith? The man had faith, so should the photojournalist. Bottom line. It was his time to go/ God had enough of his stupidity…

    Report Post » Baddoggy  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:38pm

      Live by the snake, die by the snake.
      He got what he wanted. I am just curious as to how this plays out in the snake church. Does this mean God has forsaken this guy or what? What was the point of drinking poison and then fooling around with a rattlesnake?

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:47pm

      I have faith in doctors and science. If I’m bitten by a poisonous snake, please call 911.

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:22pm

    We’re all gonna have enough snakes to handle soon enough!

    Report Post »  
  • searching for the Truth
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:20pm

    Sometimes I wish people were not soo daring – lot of love in that ladies eyes.

    Report Post »  
  • The_Almighty_Creestof
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:20pm

    We have a surplus of idiots these days…one more, or less (inspite of his “good intentions”) isn’t going to harm the balance.

    Report Post »  
  • GodWillPrevail
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:19pm

    May not have enough information here. But “those individuals who watched the pastor suffer for hours” must of at some point known this would end badly. When she knew that it was her duty to call the paramedics. Then when they arrived the man could have refused or accepted help.

    I simply do not feel Journalist should think of themselves as a fly on the wall. They do have a duty to do what they can in life and death situations. She was most likely the most sane person there. At some point she had to have known he was dying and should have stepped out of her role and called.

    Report Post »  
  • DonaldH
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:16pm

    Was the finacial profit of work to be greater if the man died? of course it was. She should be tried as if she were a killer for hire because– she is!!

    Report Post » DonaldH  
  • BoyScout_Mom
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:11pm

    What unBelievable Stupidity. I wonder what his children think today, now that they are without their father.

    Report Post » BoyScout_Mom  
  • Waterlylys
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:07pm

    There is a case for not intervening when observing nature, in other don’t save the dying baby lion, let nature take it’s course. But when watching a human die and take no action, that is barbaric. So she made deadline…so did her “subject.” Her decision was inhumane and she should be arrested for her lack of action.

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  • GBMBulletsSKNRD
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:06pm

    Here is how I look at it. If you are to stupid to know it will kill you. Your life sucks anyway.

    No pity here.

    Report Post »  
    • SKR8PN
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 7:06pm

      Same here. If your gonna be dumb, ya better be tough. He wasn’t tough enough.
      That snake venom simply acted like bleach in the gene pool.

      Report Post » SKR8PN  
    • JACKTHETOAD
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:29pm

      The bastids were ganging up on the snake! The snake thought ‘twofer one, twofer one”.

      Report Post » JACKTHETOAD  
  • sooner12
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:05pm

    Snake handlers…..stupid people.

    Report Post »  
  • midnightgolfer
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:05pm

    With the way some “Good-Sam” laws get interpreted, allowing survivors to take advantage of the inaction of bystanders, in the courts, I don’t think I would have risked not calling, and leaving it more in the hands of paramedics, who are better insured than I am.

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  • SaintzOfAk
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:04pm

    Would you defy a loved one’s dying wish?. As sad as it may be, this was his belief and nobody has the right to take that away no matter how crazy it may seem to someone of faith or secular. Whilst i do not agree with this nonsense, as the scriptures are very clear about not being foolish with your life, or to not tempt the Lord your God. I do believe that his God was 1st and foremost in his heart and mind.

    Report Post » SaintzOfAk  
    • spfoam1
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:25pm

      It was not his wish to die, so suggesting that death was his wish is incorrect. In the end he agreed to medical treatment, but it was too late. Was he stupid or foolish? Yes. If being stupid or foolish means you deserve to die, then all children deserve to die at one time or another. This is like watching a someone perform a dangerous stunt in a car or on a motorcycle and in the process injure themself badly, then stand there and watch them die instead of calling an ambulance.

      Report Post »  
    • WISEPENNY
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:14pm

      They take those scriptures out of the Kingdom dispensation that was written for Israel ONLY
      [Mt 10:5 ¶ These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.] We are not in that dispensation, as Gentiles. Our Scriptures for today are found in Romans through Philemon written by Paul. Paul plainly states that Jesus Christ will judge the secret of men’s hearts according to the gospel that PAUL preached to the Gentiles. [Ro 2:16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.] If that preacher made it to heaven when he died of a snakebite, he’s definitely got a “bitch slap” coming from Jesus and Paul, both!

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 5:10am

      @SPFOAM
      It was not his wish to die,
      ——-
      Of course not. It’s not the wish of warlocks and witches to die either. This man thought he had power over death, but that is not faith; it’s an occult practice forbidden by God: You shall NOT put the Lord your God to the test.” Out of the mouth of the Master himself. Could it be any clearer than that?

      This guy had a spirit of death, and he “preached” accordingly. All those who live by the occult, die by the occult. It happens time and time again.

      Report Post »  
  • spfoam1
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:03pm

    Yes, call the paramedics. If the man refuses thier services when they arrived then so be it. What next, watch a rape or murder so as a journalist you can observe it? How about someone threatening to kill themself? Do you make a phone call or just film them as they die? I think she will struggle with this for a long time, unless she is without a heart.

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  • pembpix
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:03pm

    On first glance I was ready to condemn this photog for not doing the right thing. But after reading your piece; we learn she did what the Pastor and his flock wanted. She would have been wrong to intervene when she was asked not to. Sort of maybe culling the pool?!?!

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:03pm

    When my brother-in-law was dying of cancer he refused more chemo therapy because he said he had rather die than go through it again. He had at that time gone through chemo twice.
    My sister wanted him to have it again, the rest of the family wanted him to have it again but ultimately it was his decision. Maybe it would have saved his life, maybe not, but again, as an adult he had a right to make that decision.

    Ms. Pond was not the usual cell phone recorder of events, those that will watch someone beaten, robbed, drown, etc before they will help or call for help. She knew Pastor Mack’s religeous beliefs and she knew he did not want medical help. His loved ones were there, they and she abided by his wishes.
    It sounds like she was caught between a rock and a hard place. I for one will not comdemn her for her actions.

    Report Post »  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:04pm

      The “cure” almost killed me & when or if my cancer comes back, I will do radiation & if the cancer can be removed, fine…but I will never-ever have Chemo again. I know EXACTLY why your brother-in-law did what he did. I trust your brother-in-law had a close & personal relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. Sorry for your loss.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 5:45am

      @MOMRULES
      That’s an entirely different situation. Your brother did not give himself cancer. This man ingested poison. In addition, he toyed with death and arrogantly claimed God would protect him, when there is no such provision in the Bible, not even for Jesus. Your brother, OTOH tried chemo (and he didn’t have to, given its effects), and realized he couldn’t tolerate the treatments. Nature took its course. May he R.I.P.

      Ms. Pond has a hardened heart. The mere fact that she struggled to make a decision shows she’s in a bad place spiritually.

      Report Post »  
  • Maxim Crux
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:00pm

    Foolish behavior sometimes has consequences. It is impossible to save a fool from themselves.

    Report Post »  
  • salvawhoray
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:52pm

    Or God decided he needed him up in heaven, it’s all in the way you look at it.

    Report Post » salvawhoray  
    • CanadaKen
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 8:17pm

      Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”

      Report Post » CanadaKen  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:45pm

      One guy said god needed him in heaven. Another said, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God,” so presumably god punished him by killing him. If he was punished, did he go to heaven? That is the problem with all you religious zealots. Nobody can agree on anything regarding their religion. Funny stuff!

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • RamonPreston
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 11:33pm

      God didn’t need him in heaven. John 3:13 Going to heaven comes from the pagans, not the Bible. Show me ANYPLACE in the Bible where it says you are going to heaven

      There ares a couple of places where you try to read it into the Bible. (Gen 5:24) “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.“ ”to heaven” isn’t there.

      2 Kings 2:11 (868 B.C.) Elijah went to (the first) heaven in “a chariot of fire” (whatever that means.) The Reese Chronological Bible shows where 6 years latter he sent a letter to Asa, king of Judah. (2 Chronicles 21:12). (862 B.C. ) 2 Kings 2:1 says “when the Lord would take Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind.” So the whirlwind dropped Elijah back to earth where he was alive 6 years later.

      A lot of Christianity is the old pagan religion with a new name. Thank you, Constantine. Thank you, Council of Nicea.

      A chariot is any vehicle of conveyance. A firetruck would be a chariot of fire. Hmmm…

      Report Post » RamonPreston  
  • Bigolfascist
    Posted on June 3, 2012 at 5:46pm

    Bet the libs were having orgasms looking at the pics of the dying pastor. Another dumb white guy bites the dust, and God doesn’t save him. Bet they were twittering like rats on crack.

    Report Post » Bigolfascist  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:01pm

      I’m a God loving (and fearing) man make no doubt about it. but, I can’t help but hope that God now has him sitting by his side… with a slight grin on his face…

      with a good size note pad writing over and over again…. “I Pastor Wolford am a dumbass, I Pastor Wolford am a dumbass, I Pastor Wolford am a…”

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 6:44pm

      Time-
      excellent comment.

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
    • holy ghostbuster
      Posted on June 3, 2012 at 9:48pm

      I don’t know what the libs would have done, but any normal rational person would have called 911. What would you have done?

      Report Post » holy ghostbuster  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 4:59am

      So TIME, did this man preach the gospel or did he tempt God? Who is the source of temptation, God or the devil? There‘s no grin on God’s face, believe me.

      Report Post »  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 7:13am

      KRYPTONITE. IMO he played Gospel Roulette. My comment was mean’t jokingly of course… but in reality I can’t know if God was “grinning” or not? I guess I was possibly trying to show God has a sense of humor… and was “grinning” and maybe stating in that grin (if you want to go deeper), “really Pastor Wolford? REALLY? I know you love me, but REALLY? That was a deadly snake you dumbass… what did you expect? Now your flock is without MY word passed along by you, and here YOU are with ME… so where does that leave US?”

      I’m certainly no theologian KRYPTONITE and you can interpret what happened any way you like of course, but me? I think Pastor Wolford may have been a dumbass who tempted fate and got caught this time. But hey, that’s just me…. again,no theologian here and will never claim to be. But I did think it was a funny joke none the less and you didn’t. I hope God has a sense of humor, I know I do… and I love him whether he does or not. I know I won‘t’ be handling any deadly snakes though cause they can kill you. It’s what sometimes happens when they are man-handled and put on the defensive. I’ll show my love for and “trust in God” in a different way as I like it here on Earth and alive. I‘m sure he’ll understand as he put me here. He knows I’ll be coming home eventually. When he decides the time is right.

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • Oldphoto678
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 7:38am

      Correct! I wish all of you would play with snakes.

      Report Post »  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 5:18pm

      @TIME
      But I did think it was a funny joke none the less and you didn’t. I hope God has a sense of humor,
      —–
      You made me chuckle there. I’m not humorless. I laugh a lot, just not about death or hell. I know too much about those two enemies, to find them funny. Even if you are not a theologian, when you think of death or hell, take a look at the cross. There’s nothing funny there. It’s the place where death and hell were defeated, and look at the price God had to pay. That is one reason why using God’s Word to toy around with death, is abhorrent to him.

      FTR, I find a lot of your comments incredibly funny. I bet you kept your buds in Nam in high spirits. :)

      Report Post »  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on June 4, 2012 at 7:03pm

      KRYTOPNITE. I’ve seen a lot of death in my life time and may have developed a sense of humor as a way to deal with the extreme grief of losing family and very close friends both and out of the Military over the years.

      In the Military (where combat related death is ever present) many young men and women who might not have experienced the reality (and horrors) of death at such a young age come to grips with it in many different ways.

      There is no methodology for grieving as far as I’m concerned (some may argue that point), and I being from a very large Irish family (who grieved, then partied in memory of the deceased) try to look at the bright side and maybe even attach some humor to it.

      I will keep in mind what you wrote, and in no way should anyone ever take my comment as an insult, making light of our God, the Cross, our Christian faith or even the Pastor and his death. But I personally think he “may have squandered” God‘s gift of life long before his time was mean’t to end here on Earth. Who knows? I guess it depends on how far and in which direction you think you have to go to prove your faith?

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
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