OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics

OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics Exploring answers to life's deep questions.

Why does God allow natural disasters? As the flooding in Tibet continues to affect communities, with people still missi...
03/09/2026

Why does God allow natural disasters?

As the flooding in Tibet continues to affect communities, with people still missing and recovery ongoing, this is a question many of us are wrestling with. Sharon Dirckx's book explores this topic with honesty and Christian hope. Sharon combines insights from the sciences, philosophy, and theology with real-life stories of those who have experienced the catastrophic consequences of natural disasters.

Please join our team in continuing to pray for all of those affected by this most recent tragic event, not only in the immediate aftermath, but through the long recovery ahead.

24/08/2026

Looking to deepen your faith and engage in meaningful conversations about Christianity?

There’s still a few spots left in our Autumn Foundational Apologetics course starting in October 2026!
Become equipped to respond to today’s big questions about faith.

Register now at: www.rebrand.ly/0t6ivjx (or tap the link in bio!)

17/08/2026

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shared some of the most radical ideas in human history. From turning the other cheek to loving our enemies.

What do you make of Jesus’ teachings? 💭

👉 Comment “Link” below and we’ll DM you the full video. 📩





14/08/2026

Did Jesus ever explicitly say “I am God”?

When engaging in conversations with Muslim friends, this is often one of the first questions raised.
As explored by Richard Shumack and Sara Stevenson in this snippet, even when Jesus spoke of His divine identity in terms the first-century Jewish community clearly understood, saying those exact three words wouldn’t automatically convince someone whose heart was closed. Claiming to be God is one thing; backing it up with a transformed life, miracles, and resurrection is another. 

Want to learn how to navigate these conversations with wisdom, nuance, and grace? 🌿
Consider enrolling on our Engaging Islam Online Course! This seventeen-video independent study course with Richard Shumack is designed to help you explore the differences between Islam and Christianity, and engage Muslim friends in respectful conversation about faith.

Become equipped to respond to today’s big questions about faith.
Register now at: theocca.org/courses (or tap the website link in bio!)

10/08/2026

When we compare the Gospels, Jesus appears troubled and forsaken in Mark, yet deeply trusting in Luke.
Is this a contradiction?

Not when we look closer.

In Mark, Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and later cries out a second time without the words being recorded. Luke’s Gospel records what happened at that exact second moment: “Into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Rather than a contradiction, the Gospels give us a multi-layered picture of Jesus: experiencing true human agony while holding onto complete trust in His Father.

What questions do you have about how the Gospels fit together? 💭

👉 Comment “LINK” below and we’ll DM you the full video. 📩

06/08/2026

What happens when people die and come back with incredible stories to tell? 🧠

Join Max Baker-Hytch and Sharon Dirckx as they explore the fascinating phenomenon of near-death experiences.

👉 Comment “LINK” and we’ll DM you the full video.

In this conversation, Sharon and Max examine:
🔹 Common features reported across different cultures and backgrounds
🔹 Medical cases where patients described verifiable details they couldn’t have known
🔹 The life-changing impact these experiences have on people
🔹 How NDEs relate to big questions about consciousness and what it means to be human

People from all backgrounds have reported similar experiences. What do you make of this? Whether you’re skeptical or curious, religious or secular, join us as we explore the profound questions these experiences raise about the nature of reality.

We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Have you ever heard of similar experiences?
What questions do these accounts raise for you?

📸 Summer School 2026 photo dumpThis year’s theme was Costly Conversations: Speaking of Jesus in a Divided Age.It was a f...
31/07/2026

📸 Summer School 2026 photo dump

This year’s theme was Costly Conversations: Speaking of Jesus in a Divided Age.

It was a fantastic week of challenging talks, group discussion, meaningful community, fun and really good food!

We hope you’ll join us next year.
Tickets are available now https://theocca.org/summer-school-2027/

We’re looking for a proactive Communications Coordinator to help shape and deliver content across our digital channels. ...
27/07/2026

We’re looking for a proactive Communications Coordinator to help shape and deliver content across our digital channels. This is an exciting opportunity to combine creativity, organisation, and purpose in a role that supports our mission of helping people encounter the goodness, truth, and beauty of the gospel.⁠
⁠
Apply today at theocca.org/careers

We’re looking for a proactive Communications Coordinator to help shape and deliver content across our digital channels. ...
24/07/2026

We’re looking for a proactive Communications Coordinator to help shape and deliver content across our digital channels. This is an exciting opportunity to combine creativity, organisation, and purpose in a role that supports our mission of helping people encounter the goodness, truth, and beauty of the gospel.⁠
⁠
Apply today at www.theocca.org/careers

Address

27 Beaumont Street
Oxford
OX12NR

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category