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Coils of the Serpent

Raymond Clark Lutz
Infinity Publishing (2007)
ISBN 9780741442284
Reviewed by LuAnn Morgan for RebeccasReads (5/08)

It’s been a bone of contention for many, many years. On the one side, churches have denounced the ideas of evolution as they proclaim the Bible’s explanation of how man came to inhabit the Earth as the absolute truth.  The other side is flanked by scientific thought, saying the idea of a divine Creator has no merit in a world where proof is needed.

Now, along comes Raymond Clark Lutz, who has merged the two theories into “Coils of the Serpent.” Although a work of fiction, Lutz has studied both ideas and utilizes actual writings to weave the plot of this fascinating tale.  The story revolves around three friends who met though a book group. They begin discussing the differences between the two theories and cannot seem to come to a meeting of minds, per se, on the topic. One day, a stranger appears and challenges them to find proof of DNA in God’s Word.

Thus begins a startling quest to discover once and for all how man was created. The plan is thwarted by a group of fundamental Christians who run a camp for troubled youth. One of the three friends is clearly a believer in Creationism and is perplexed by his angry feelings as the others try to sway his beliefs. Although having agreed not to discuss their research with outsiders, he takes his questions to his minister, who then talks to the Bishop about them. Unbeknownst to any of them, the Bishop is behind the youth camp and has some fairly shady dealings with the government.

As the story unfolds, the intrigue builds. It soon becomes a hard book to put down.
Written in short, punchy chapters, Lutz draws the reader into the book and doesn’t let go. Before you know it, you are so enthralled with his ideas you will continue to read long past when you should have taken a break.

Even though this is a fascinating study of Creationism and Evolution, it’s not a book you can read quickly. Lutz takes the time to explain the concepts of DNA and the fall of man. The reader would do well to think about what Lutz is saying in order to understand the plot.

I found this book particularly intriguing. While studying for my degree in social sciences, my anthropology instructor once said that, someday, a connection would be found between these exact same theories. Armed with that belief, I dove into this book with enthusiasm.  Whether or not I agree with Lutz’s take on the ideas, I truly enjoyed the way this story played out. I especially liked watching the three friends as they worked to resolve their differences, while at the same time, attempting to maintain the camaraderie that is being threatened by their opposing viewpoints.

Due to the technical explanations Lutz provides, “Coils of the Serpent” did take longer to read than most, but it is well worth the time. Readers on both sides of the fence will find something to like about this tale.

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