Shaky ground

Nowhere does Matthew claim that Jesus's family was well-to-do.

The fact that his genealogy includes King David simply confirms Jesus's messianic title of 'Son of David'.

The Passover feast lasted seven days. Therefore, whether the crucifixion occurred 'before' or 'after' Passover was not an issue.

One Gospel records Jesus's last words on the cross as "It is accomplished", another as "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit".

No doubt he said both, and his hearers picked up on different parts of his utterance.

Several witnesses to an event will give accounts differing in emphasis and detail.

If the Gospels all agreed word for word, one would suspect undue collusion.

Mr Honey's assertion that the Gospel accounts were "handed down verbally over generations" and therefore "bound to alter" is refuted by archaeological evidence.

New Testament portions exist in about 24,000 manuscripts in several ancient languages, all with a high level of agreement.

Their wide geographical distribution and dating show they were distributed within a very short time of Christ's earthly ministry.

These, and other common arguments against Christianity, are skilfully covered by writers such as Lee Strobel in his meticulously researched books The Case For Christ, The Case For A Creator, etc.

A former hardened atheist, Strobel's legal training and background of investigative reporting for the Chicago Tribune convinced him — as it should any open-minded reader — of the Bible's accuracy.

RODERICK TAYLOR The Park Cumnor