What if it could be proven that the Bible does parallel science?  What if it could be shown that the knowledge that was said to come from the Tree of Knowledge is actually the human genome? This is what 3 friends, Dan, Shannon and John, set out to examine after coming across a mysterious stranger at their favorite hangout.  He challenges them to find a connection between the story portrayed in Genesis and the mainstream scientific beliefs concerning the origins of the human race. Could there actually have been multiple Edens?  As the three friends begin an in-depth analysis of the Bible and try to find a new way to interpret the content, they unknowingly open a Pandora’s Box.  Meanwhile, at the Pacific Institute of Theology for Youth, radical theocrats are recruiting young people under the guise of reforming them and training them to become “Soldiers of God.” When a student there disappears without a trace, FBI Agent Russell Hall is assigned to the case and the investigation leads him to the three friends. Together they must stop the religious fanatics that have infiltrated the highest levels of government from starting a religious war in America.

Coils of the Serpent by Raymond Clark Lutz revolves around one of the most contentious debates in America today: Science vs. Religion. On the one hand you have hard evidence, on the other, faith. But what if the two weren’t as far apart as hundreds of years of history have led everyone to believe? This question is examined critically by Lutz in the form of a movie-worthy novel. The scripture references and subsequent conclusions by the three friends appear to be based on sound reasoning and are quite believable.  I would not recommend this book for those with a fragile faith, i.e., bothered by The DaVinci Code. However, if you are able to keep an open mind, this is an entertaining book that poses many intriguing questions. This book is definitely a 5 star.
 

Reviewed on 03/04/2011 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Jud Hanson

Reviewed on 06/12/2010 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Bill Hartmann

Coils of the Serpent
By Raymond Clark Lutz

Writing is a brave act—however, not usually as brave as "Coils of the Serpent," in which author Raymond Clark Lutz sets out to upset just about everyone. Everyone, that is, except his readers.

Lutz's engaging story asks an exciting question: What if the mysteries of genetics and evolution were addressed in the Bible? The quick answer is there would be a lot of angry theologians and flummoxed scientists, and the ideas presented in these pages are guaranteed to produce both.

"Coils of the Serpent" follows three friends from widely different viewpoints—both religious and scientific—who come together to find evidence of modern scientific theory in biblical scripture. Complicating the search is a murky religious organization with secrets of its own, as well as well-drawn interpersonal challenges between the different characters' attitudes. The writing is tight and colorful, the characters are almost if not quite three-dimensional, and the narrative moves logically forward throughout.

The real achievement here is the blending of fiction with factual background in a story that expresses the author's provocative insights in a straightforward and entertaining read. There are uneven spots, but facts are generally presented in a clear and interesting way. The author's initial plan was to present his work in a non-fiction format, and the obvious care he has taken to formulate a story around his ideas is impressive and well done.

The author's ideas are worthy of the setting, postulating a direct correlation between specific Biblical passages and modern-day science. For one example, it is proposed that the "Serpent" of the Old Testament story of Genesis is not Satan, but instead the winding of a DNA helix, and that the "rib" taken from Adam to make Eve was in fact a piece of the Y-chromosome. Whether or not the reader accepts every interpretation, the background information makes this one of those worthwhile reads that entertains as it instructs.

If there are any off-notes in this work, it comes from the difficult merger of hard information and fictional adventure. In almost every case information wins the spotlight, which does create some suspension-of-disbelief issues surrounding an occasional piece of overlong dialog or plot-moving insight. However, the earnest warmth of the project encourages the reader to care about the story and its ideas, and makes this book a fine success. Provocative, fun and worthwhile read!

Reviewed on 08/06/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member John Royce

I absolutely could not put this book down!  The characters were finely drawn, and the action was nonstop.  I was extremely impressed by the intense research the author did in putting this novel together.  I found myself fascinated, and taking notes throughout.  I actually pulled out a bible and did comparison readings, right along with the 3 main characters.

As if the actual story of the scientic inquiry of the bible wasn't enough, there is a concurrent story that will also hold you in it's grasp.  I actually forgot I was reading a story at some points, and raced along to find out what happened next.  If you enjoy thinking and reading at the same time, as well as reading just for pleasure, then this book is definitely for you. 

Regardless of where you place yourself in the debate of science/evolution versus literal translation of the bible, you will find much to think about in this book.  I highly recommend it to anyone who has grappled with these issues, and I am sure that you will find yourself questioning your previous thinking on the subject.   I certainly did, and did not expect to. 

The richly drawn characters, well thought out and researched plot, and the questions raised will remain with you long after you finish the book. 

Reviewed on 07/23/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member LAURI COATES

Can science and religion co exist?  "Coils of the Serpent" takes the reader through a scientific and Biblical debate like no other.

Three friends:  Dan, an easy-going agnostic scientific genius whose father was a theology professor who mysteriously died 25 years ago.   John, a self made financial whiz who found his rock in Christianity after battling substance abuse issues.  Lastly, Shannon, a biotechnology grad student who was raised Catholic but retreated from religion due to conflicts with her scientific beliefs, evolution and the subservience of women by the church.  These three friends met through a book club and built a relationship where they gathered weekly at a coffee shop.  Until a mysterious "homeless" man shows up and asks them "Does the book of Genesis teach about DNA?"  That question takes these friends on an adventure while wrestling with the foundations of their belief systems, extremists, political corruption, intrigue, murder, and their personal feelings.

Russ Hall, an FBI agent assigned to a missing person case of a troubled teenager named William Freeman.  Freeman was sent to the Pacific Institute of Theology for Youth after running into some trouble and was though to be progressing quite well until he just "disappeared".  This wasn't Agent Hall's first run in with the PIT (Pacific Institute of Theology), his first missing person's case was that of Dan's father, George Stanfield, 25 years ago when he was a new agent.

Mr Lutz' thorough research and ability to explain the complexities of DNA makes this book an enjoyable read and I feel like I learned so much about DNA.  I was hooked!  I enjoyed the reeducation of the book of Genesis, the Gospels, Jesus, and the Crusades.   The plot is amazing, I felt connected to the characters, and my imagination soared.  I salivate at the thought of being able to sit it on a discussion of the magnitude Dan, John and Shannon had.  As an evolutionist myself, I definitely questioned my beliefs.  I ended this book exhilarated and ready to research.  I only have one complaint, though, what about Mrs. Freeman?  Although, we already "know" about Will, I would like to have read about Agent Hall following up with her. 

Raymond Clark Lutz' "Coils of the Serpent" will take you on a wild, scientific thrill ride of DNA, the book of Genesis, extremists and political corruption.  I definitely recommend this book if you are open minded! 

Reviewed on 07/11/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Jaime Huff