[NYer]

Some “Christian” denominations favor a quaint “tradition” of handling poisonous snakes. Do you subscribe that particular practice or do you pick and choose?

Is the Bible to be taken literally - "word for word?" No. The Bible doesn't state anywhere that It should be taken literally. The Bible was written by different authors with different literary styles at different times in history and in different languages. Therefore, the writings should be interpreted with these circumstances in mind. The Bible is a religious book, not a scientific or a history "textbook."

[Grizzled Bear]

My friend, you have an amazing talent for using a plethora of words without answering a question.

[dartuser]

The Bible is a religious book, not a scientific or a history "textbook."

Seems to me one of the most popular genre for the writers of the Bible is Historical Narrative.