I was asked to write a review on a book in 1997 on John Case's The Genesis Code. That book had a great impact on me. It dealt with harvesting DNA from Holy Relics and using that to bring back religious men throughout history. Don't really know where on the Internet my review was placed, but that got me hooked - especially the genre.
There have been many books on the cloning issue, but The Second Virgin Birth shines through like a star in the darkness of the night. It is wonderful.
Author Tommy Taylor writes in his foreword, "Everything in this book is true ......it just hasn't happened yet."
The book's premise has the Catholic Church has hired scientists to find any sources of DNA from Holy Relics. Instead of using the information for the good of mankind, their intent is to destroy the findings, including the scientists who discover them. The established church cannot have findings that may have direct conflict with their religion.
A scientist, Dr.James Burk, finds there are many matches in the DNA pulled from The Shroud of Turin, Crown of Thorns, and other holy relics. He is convinced he has found the DNA of Jesus of Nazareth. Fleeing from a dangerous situation, Burk steals two major vials of DNA, and escapes to London. He meets up with Dr. Clark Sullivan, a brilliant bio-engineer, and they decide to clone Jesus.
They need a major benefactor, and they find one - a uber rich Brazilian, Alberto Allvarez - Alberto sees dollar signs when he is told his take for bankrolling the cloning procedure will be the take from the proceeds of donations from 'the New Church'. He gets the scientists the best state of the art equipment and the men are in business.
But...they need the proper 'vessel'. The men decide they want a young woman who is worthy and wants her to be a virgin. Applicants were to be chosen by a lottery. The person chosen is a young woman, Mary Carter. Her connection with God has made folks think she is mad, and she is in an institution. But she isn't mad, she truly has been touched by God, and knows she knows her role.
Now all the pieces come together. Technology, virgin, DNA, funding and brilliant scientists.
So begins the amazing story of faith that transcends circumstances, religions, and greed. As in Steven Rage's Pilate A Brutal Bible Tale, the soul of the message is made and shines through.
Taylor's writing is succinct, and eloquent. Mary's guardians, angels and archangels (the archangels have tattoos that say 'Bad to the Bone') are handled marvelously. Mary has a quiet dignity and power that confirms Her place and the reason She is chosen. She is more than an instrument to give the Child life. She is truly worthy to be the mother of the Son of God.
The Second Virgin Birth is a stunning story. Excellent writing, science and hope.
ellen george
The Second Virgin Birth by Tommy Taylor, ISBN: 1-4196-7150-2, BookSurge Publishing, review by ellen george
