You have weaved a compelling story around some provocative ideas. The research
that had to be done in order to produce the book is overwhelming. You go into
so many areas of thought that the reader has to pause and ponder and perhaps
even to do some further research himself to fully understand what is being said.
The dialog moves the story forward nicely and keep the interest of the
reader alive... Coils is a good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
-- John L.
I just finished reading your new book--I loved it!
First, I couldn't put it down.
The story was compelling, the religion was fun, and the politics was a hoot.
-- Norrie R.
better then the Di Vinci Code...,
This book was so exhilirating I couldn't put it down!!
It has a great beginning and takes you through an exciting whirlwind of events
which lead to a startling ending. A must read for all..I highly recommend it!!!
-- Kou W. Chin (new orleans)
edge of my seat
Well written and exciting... Kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last page...I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a book they can't put down! Thanks for such a great book!
-- R. Starr
Where science meets theology
The premise of this book is fascinating. I have read a great deal about the bible
and ancient myths, but I was stunned by this theory and approach. Lutz is doing
for the bible what Robert Graves did for greek mythology. There was a great deal
about biology that I didn't know, and Lutz found methods to explain it all in
simple ways that were understandable. The biblical references are ones that are
ingrained into the Judeo-Christian culture, and yet he analyzed them with a
fresh mind. I love the idea that we believe we are correctly-thinking in the
moment, and it is only on reflection we later see we may have been wrong. He
obviously has done a great deal of research, and brought it all together in an
entertaining and amazing story. And who knows, it could be true. Why not? There
is so much about the history of our planet that we don't yet know. I am telling
everyone I know about this book.
-- Thea (California)
Creationism vs. Evolution
Reviewed May 8, 2008 By LuAnn Morgan for Rebecca's Reads
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.
16th Annual Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Awards entry
Review Received December, 2008 By Judge 19
This writer takes on subjects like DNA, evolution, Creationism, and God in this novel. It's a lot to handle, and for the most part, he does a good
job of making sure all sides are covered. His characters discuss DNA at length, explaining it clearly and slowly, which shows how carefully researched the novel is.
He also weaves in an FBI investigation, which is also painstakingly researched. It was a good decision to put people with different points of view in the book -- not only
is there a Christian, but there is an agnostic scientist as well. I admire the courage it takes to write about such touchy subjects.
I absolutely could not put this book down!
ReviewTheBook.com Member LAURI COATES
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.
Can science and religion co exist?
ReviewTheBook.com Member Jaime Huff
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!
A wild and dangerous journey thorugh science, the bible, and the church
ReviewTheBook.com Member Tobi Drabczyk
Can science and religion co exist? Coils of the Serpent takes the reader through a
scientific and Biblical debate like no other.
A missing troubled teen, the mysterious death of a father, DNA, Genesis.
What could these things have in common?
In, Coils of the Serpent by Raymond Clark Lutz these things are drawn together in a
very unique way. Three friends talking in a coffee shop are approached by a homeless stranger
and started on a wild and dangerous journey thorugh science, the bible, and the church. Trying
to find any relationships between modern DNA knowledge and passages in the Bible the friends
begin to discover amazing parallels which might change our view of the world. Knowledge that
some may want to keep hidden. Each character represents a different area of knowledge.
Shannon is a biotechnology student who has lost her belief in religion as her scientific
knowledge grows. John has a strong faith which has seen him through tough times. Dan is
the middle of the road questioner who has an interest in both sides. Each of them will
start to question what they have held as true and their friendship may suffer.
Add to all this the side story of FBI Agent Hall who is looking for a troubled teenager missing
from a religious reform school. His investigation will reopen his interest in a twenty-five year
old mysterious death case. Could any of this be related?
I was grabbed from the very first page. The author's descriptions of the characters surroundings
made me able to invision the settings and feel like I was there. There is a lot of scientific
knowledge in this book and I learned more about DNA then I ever knew before. These parts are
written in a way that even someone with no scientific knowledge can understand them. Many
quotations from the Bible are included as well to help show the links. Enough Bible and religious
history is given to help the reader understand and by able to make their own connections between
it and the science. Even with all the in depth scientific and religious information it is a very
readable book.
This book explores ideas that I have never thought of or read about before and it left me with a
lot to think about. It will have you talking.