The National Geographic Channel isn't known for religion-themed programming, but this fall they've created an edgy docu-drama about one of America's least-understood Christian groups. "Snake Salvation," their 16-part reality series on two Pentecostal snake-handling families, starts this tonight at 9 pm EDT.

You'll see a lot of believers slinging about a ghastly collection of timber rattlesnakes, water moccasins and copperheads while praying in tongues and dancing "in the Spirit." A crew spent much of this...