Salvation on Sand Mountain by Dennis Covington

Dennis Covington writes about a unique method of worship—snake handling, in his memoir, Salvation on Sand Mountain. He begins as a journalist, looking in on this foreign way of life; however, as time progresses he increasing starts to feel a part of this lifestyle. As a result loses his journalistic approach, resulting in his memoir, detailing his own spiritual journey. Upon the conclusion of his stay in this world, Covington realizes the significance of this journey, and argues in his memoir that we cannot entirely know ourselves until we step outside of our comfort zone and separate ourselves from our norm.

It is almost as if Covington was in a dream or some sort of trance throughout this whole experience. He begins as a journalist covering an eccentric trial. Instead of leaving this world after the conclusion of the trial, he is intrigues and uses journalism to get a closer look and this unfamiliar practice. He becomes intoxicated with this fascination causing him to forget his initial intentions as a writer, and begins to act and feel as if he is one of them. It is only until he disagrees with the way they feel about women, Covington is forced to wake up from his dream and come back to life, finally realizing he this is not where he belongs or wants to be. The author says, “I think he knew what he was doing in releasing me back to the wider world” (236).

Covington says, “It was as though nothing has happened, but of course everything had. I knew it could never be the same with the handlers. I had found my people. But I had also discovered that I couldn’t be one of them, after all. Knowing where you come from is one thing, but its suicide to stay there” (236). Everybody at that moment knew that his prescribed time...

... middle of paper ...

...ife, and he does not want to end up like them. He says, “It’s sad, in a way. I wish I could assure the Porter and the McGlocklins and all the others that we can be friends as long as we like, but that I won’t be taking up serpents anymore. I refuse to be a witness to suicide, particularly my own. I have two daughters to raise, and a vocation in the world” (238). He finally acknowledges his place in the world, is ready and happy to fulfill his calling.

It is evident that the author Covington has a strong ethos, which he uses to convey his argument to his readers. His argument becomes clear only at the end of the memoir, which is intentional; readers had to see the entirety of his journey in order to fully understand his underlying message. The author successfully conveys the message of self-purpose through his own struggles and experiences written in his memoir.