3 MAY 1957, Page 14

SIR,—Surgeon's theory is, of course, a very old one. But

is it not more fantastic than the belief of the orthodox? Presumably Joseph of Arimathwa spirited Christ away without the knowledge of the disciple. Otherwise the whole story of the Early Church is impossible, A Christ rescued from the any by any human agency could hardly have had any Apostles. Moreover, what is Surgeon's explanation of the Ascension? And where does Pentecost come in? No, really, a rescued Jesus, smuggled away, is a bit too hard to receive. Let Surgeon stick to his operating table.--Yours faithfully,

E. OLIVER SUTTON Munster Park Methodist C'hurch,

30 Napier Avenue, Fulham. SW6