Perhaps why satan is portrayed as a serpent in the garden?????
Interestingly, as Dr. Curt Thompson talks about brain development, he describes the initial neurological development in humans as “reptilian”….it is the basic. elemental “lower” brain stem that controls autonomic reflexes- breathing, heartbeat, etc. and establishes our ability to survive physically. The tempter in the garden is described as a serpent, reptilian, cunning. He appeals to the basic “lower” instincts of the human condition…. to survive in the moment, to control one’s own safety and exercise control over one’s self without thinking about it more reflectively or considering the consequences.. This focus on one’s own urges, feelings and desires in the moment without considering other factors, including instruction from others or long term consequences, instead of trusting and obeying God, is the heart of sinful nature.
At its basest, human nature is reptilian, pursuing survival, comfort, protection, or pleasure of the physical self. Anything that appeals primarily to that instinct and is not challenged by a more thoughtful, more highly-developed cognitive and volitional function that considers spiritual, moral, ethical, relational, financial, and other factors and values is an inherent threat to the well-being of the holistic being.