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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Extracts From Correspondence Between a Muslim and a Christian Supplement 1 MUSLIM: Who was the author of the Gospels, and when were they written? CHRISTIAN: About eight persons among those who believed in Christ, in the first century of the Christian era, wrote twenty seven books and letters which constitute the Gospel or New Testament; and the date of their writing is from 45 A.D. to 90 A.D. MUSLIM: Please let me know the names of the authors.

Also, whether they were trust- worthy and free from errors (so that we may have full trust in them) or not. CHRISTIAN: Four great personalities, who wrote the Gospels, were Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They wrote the Gospels in Greek language; they were, very holy and pious, so much that we call them Saints and Apostles of God. MUSLIM: Obviously, they should be holy. But I would. like to know what is the basis of your belief that they were, in fact, holy.

CHRISTIAN: I request you to keep your ques- tions confined to the lessons (i.e. the lessons of correspondence course which the Christians send to the Muslim youths . to convert them to Christianity); we cannot reply to questions unrelated to the lessons. MUSLIM: I am sorry to point put that in my previous letter a most important question was asked, but you did not give it any importance.

Obviously, unless a man has trust and confidence in a speaker or, author, he cannot have any trust or confidence in his sayings or writing. Therefore, the question of the identity and character of the writers of the New Testa- ment must be settled before all lessons and every topic. I hope you will reply to my previous questions as soon as possible. CHRISTIAN: Sorry. I cannot remember that any of your letters has remained unanswered.

Anyhow, I would like you to write again the subject matter of your question. MUSLIM: Your avoidance of my enquiry about the identity and character of the authors of the Gospel has made me more suspicious about them. You very well understood the importance of my question. Still you did not attend to it. Instead, you sent me some tracts which had no connection at all with my enquiry. If you have any proof concerning the identity and character of those writers, please let me know.

CHRISTIAN: Our greatest proof is that today people, through the message of this very Gospel (New Testament), come to know Jesus Christ, are saved from their sins, and get the love of God, and find peace and joy.