Have you ever considered how the Bible is jam-packed with weird accounts: Baalam’s donkey talking! The transfiguration! Absalom’s long hair getting tangled in a tree, leaving him stuck hanging until he was captured! The physical resurrection of many bodies from tombs in Jerusalem when Jesus Christ rose back to life - and they walked around Jerusalem talking to people - a bit like zombies!

What do we do with such accounts? Shy away from them? Focus on the more “rational” sections of scripture? Try and explain them away as deceptions that tricked supposedly gullible people thousands of years ago? No - none of those are wise or responsible approaches to make. We believe in a God who made the very laws of science, who is all-powerful and created everything. Thus, he is not constrained by such laws. The very fact he brings about miracles, shows he is God. And on Thursday evening, it was lovely to welcome James Cary, Christian writer, speaker and comedian to speak at TISCA (The Independent Schools’ Christian Alliance) regional meeting hosted at King’s. James sits on the Church of England’s Archbishops’ Council, hosts numerous podcasts and writes comedy for the BBC (e.g. Miranda, Hut 33, Bluestone 42, Think the Unthinkable) often alongside Milton Jones. James commended us to not shy away from the weird and controversial aspects of scripture. God has given us these passages and they richly overflow with the message of his gospel love. Moreover, as teachers/chaplains/staff in schools, we are surrounded by children and teenagers whose world is immersed and full of an obsession with the weird and wonderful. Consider: Star Wars, Marvel, Narnia, Harry Potter and so much more. Best of all, as we engage with scripture’s stranger segments, it often prompts genuine discussion and enquiry between pupils and staff - and isn’t that wonderful! What could be more important and fascinating than debating and discussing the message of the one who claims to hold the answers to life’s biggest questions?!?!

Our thanks must go to James for all his efforts preparing and delivering the talk and then answering a lengthy Q & A session. It was fab to welcome staff from many other local schools and to enjoy an excellent buffet afterwards. Lastly, a big “thank you” must go to Alastair and Alix from TISCA who helped promote and organise the event with such skill and enthusiasm.

Rev’d George Beverly - Chaplain

Huge thanks to @ThatJamesCary for speaking at the regional @tisca_uk meeting held at @KingsBruton this evening. He gave a genuinely encouraging, entertaining, & edifying talk to so many school staff gathered from various local schools. #KSBEasterTerm pic.twitter.com/sFzHZU2Vt1

— Chaplain (@KSBChaplain) January 20, 2022

Great introduction from George Beverly, Chaplain at @KingsBruton before James Cary speaks who usually writes for the BBC #tisca #tiscaevent #bbc #podcast #bruton https://t.co/99SeUVD7Rq pic.twitter.com/3eO6NLLvW8

— TISCA (@tisca_uk) January 20, 2022