19 NOVEMBER 1983, Page 26

The Jesus diaries

Sir: I suspect that Hugh Burnett may be un- justified in his criticism of Paul Johnson (Letters, 12 November). Many Biblical critics would argue that the conversations contained in the Gospels are not to be trusted as historical records, but as theologised dialogue attributed to Jesus. Unfortunantly, Jesus was not kind enough to leave any transcripts or diaries to prove the point one way or the other; hence the disagreements among theologians. Thus, it would appear, Paul Johnson is justified in what he wrote concerning Harold Evans.

David F. Cowan

11 Holyrood Crescent, Glasgow