Quote Originally Posted by musicalKeyes View Post
While I agree with you to a certain extent, as a Christian I've never had a fear of snakes for that reason, or for any reason. If you read the Bible (and sadly, many don't) no where does it say snakes are evil. Not in one place. I've had people tell me they are, of course, but I've brought my snakes to a Lutheran (and my old) school to show them to a pre-kindergarten class, and had nothing but interest. I think those that act that way are very few, but the whole of us is judged by their actions. Since I've only ever lived in America, I can't speak for any other country, but I do think it's unfair to bias a fear of snakes on that basis. Historically, Europe has a much deeper affiliation with Catholicism (since it was around for a lot longer, after all). Snakes are not only associated with Satan in the bible, but are also associated with wisdom, and are mentioned several other times in no way connected to evil.

I was never told as a child that snakes equaled Satan. He took the form of a snake, yes, but he wasn't actually a snake. Misinterpretation and plain old interpretation of the Bible can lead to a lot of misunderstandings. Perhaps Catholicism teaches differently, I wouldn't know, but from what I've seen and experienced, Lutheranism doesn't have that prejudice.
I should have stated that my original post in no way applies to everyone. I will reply to the entirety of your response tomorrow.