In Salvation on Sand Mountain, emotional frustrations, cultural assumptions, and literary imagery provide insight into the ethics of the author, Dennis Covington. During his dangerous exploits while immersed in Appalachian religious practices, Covington raises anxiety in the reader when he speaks of worship services involving snakes and inquisitorial thought when he reveals the number of victims involved, in turn showcasing his own passions and morality . Covington's righteousness, goodwill, and intelligence all play an important role in revealing his ethics. Subsequently, they also exemplify his thesis: No obstacle can overcome one's religious devotion. Covington's intellect boasts a curious ambition to solve the secrets of Appalachia through hard data and personal investigation. “Their first church in town burned to the ground,” explains Covington, “They suspected arson, but no charges were ever filed…they moved to other locations…neighbors complained about the noise. Wherever workers moved, tires were slashed and windows were broken” (25). By presenting the facts regarding the problems faced by snake handlers, Covington reveals how steadfast they are in their religious faith. The strong devotion of snake handlers has turned into a corrupt reputation for some, like Glenn Summerford. Curious to hear Glenn's version of why he was put in prison for ninety-nine years, Covington interviews him. When asked about his wife, Darlene, Summerford simply states that when he "lived well, he drank [poison]" (50). Facing a life sentence in a prison cell, Summerford shows no remorse and instead criticizes his wife, who he tried to kill, for not living by God's word. Glenn Summerford's testimonial is a... paper person. .. out of the way, yet his person remains invincible. Analyzing Covington's rhetoric, we can see the manifestation of an ethic that follows a strong code of ethics, powerful intellectual prowess, and godly righteousness towards the confused but strong-willed worshipers of serpent manipulation. As Covington explains, “There are times when you're on the brink of a new experience and you realize you have no choice in the matter. You either enter into the experience or you walk away from it, but you know that whatever you choose…there will be consequences” (2). For followers of snake handling, these experiences are always pursued. These consequences, such as broken windows, burning churches, murder charges, or desperate searches for the Holy Spirit, all laid the foundation for Covington's argument that no obstacle can overcome one's religious devotion..