The Rev Tess Kuin Lawton, Chaplain of Magdalen College School, Oxford

DID you know that the Bible has been criticised for being a radical document? For Liberation Theologians of the 1960s, it was a subversive book with clear Marxist tendencies.

There is no doubt that Jesus was a difficult man whose intention was to shake things up and make you feel a bit uncomfortable.

No complacency, no reaching for the easy answer. Sit up and take notice...

This month’s readings in the Church have come from the letter of James: “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace. Keep warm and well fed’, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”

I have always left the discussion of politics in school to the teachers of that subject, but sometimes the Bible puts me in a position where I find it hard to escape.

While I am not at all convinced that the Bible is a Marxist manifesto, I find letters like that of St James speak very clearly into the heart. There is a conviction about it, the power of plain speaking and simple justice.

Today, I want to consider what it is about two unexpected old men who have gripped the interest of teenagers: the new Labour leader and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Both men have had unprecedented support among the young – and politicians and religious commentators alike are still scratching their heads in surprise.

Today, I want to consider what it is about two unexpected old men who have gripped the interest of teenagers: the new Labour leader and the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Both men have had unprecedented support among the young – and politicians and religious commentators alike are still scratching their heads in surprise.

But they should not be surprised. Teenagers have always preferred to see things in black and white.

At a time of serious transition in their own lives, they are looking for clear thinking. They don’t mind if it is “old fashioned” or not; but they want it to speak straight to the heart.

The I-gen, the selfie-generation vlog about their feelings, they appreciate emotional honesty and they are not afraid of vulnerability.

While adults are trying to work out how to ‘spin’ a story, the I-gen have already filmed it, re-tweeted it and put it on Youtube.

They recognise integrity a mile off and they celebrate it. Whatever we feel about their politics or their beliefs, Jeremy Corbyn and Pope Francis are both honourable, decent men and teenagers love them for it.