Letter: Truth of the Christmas story and the reality of Hell

Sir: I am writing to reaffirm my belief in the three wise men. Admittedly, the Bible does not explicitly say that there were three. But the Church, after 600 years of deep reflection, found this to be implicit in the text, as was the fact, not previously noticed, that their names were Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Lest anyone should doubt this, may I remind you that small bodily parts of these three kings are still to be found in Cologne Cathedral. Some of us, at least, are not ashamed to believe whatever we are told.

Yours extremely faithfully,

K. WARD

Regius Professor of Divinity, Christ Church

Oxford