What is the basis for translating the serpent in Gen. 3 as a being of light? I've read two books that mentioned that the serpent in Genesis 3:1 which tempted Eve could have been rendered as a "shining one" or being of light rather than a serpent. Is there really a basis for this alternate view, or is it questionable scholarship? 


The Tim LaHaye Prophecy Study Bible has a note on this in the margin for Ezekiel 28:13-15, saying that the serpent signifies "a shining one."
The Companion Bible has a 2-page appendix devoted to the serpent of Genesis 3. Seems to imlpy that it was not a literal serpent that spoke, but the character of the one who spoke and of whom Eve respected.
The Hebrew word שְׂרָפִים śərāfîm / Latin seraphim means "burning ones", it is used to sometimes imply fiery serpents (likely because of the burning sensation their bite cause) (Num.21:4-9; Deut.8:15) and also to describe the angelic creations around God's throne (Isaiah 6:1-8).

However, the Hebrew word  נחש‎, nakhásh is used in Genesis 3 for serpent, so it is more literal in meaning. I'm not aware of any passage in Genesis that refers to a "shining one". 

I can see how the connection/ confusion to a "shining one" is made. But I do not think it is mainstream or well justified from the Bible to question that Eve talked to a literal serpent.

Regardless, we know that the creature behind the mask is Satan. 


  Revelation 12:9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.