Mere Education C.S. Lewis as Teacher for our Time

"Mere Education' is a well-argued and highly readable book that recognizes the centrality of character in schooling. It will command attention on both sides of the Atlantic and like all of Pike's work, will be of interest to educators from a wide range of backgrounds. It offers a refreshing vision of education, a bracing statement of faith, a much-needed challenge to the political correctness of our age, and a compelling testimony to the timelessness of the truths that Lewis set forth with such clarity and cogency.' Thomas Lickona, Professor of Education, State University of New York at Cortland; author of 'Character Matters and Educating for Character'. 'C.S. Lewis, celebrated Christian apologist and children's author, is here claimed as Christian educator. For some this positioning of C.S. Lewis will be truly prophetic.' Revd Canon Professor Leslie J Francis, University of Warwick 'This remarkable book not only provides the first systematic study of C.S. Lewis's thinking about education, derived from his extensive output of novels, letters and other prose writings, but does so in a way that highlights its relevance to contemporary schooling. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in Christian culture and educational standards, as well as to C.S. Lewis aficionados around the world.' J. Mark Halstead, Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Huddersfield 'Mark A. Pike's 'Mere Education' reminds us that Lewis possessed a sophisticated philosophy of education that provides a robust challenge to current approaches. As Pike reveals, Lewis articulated and defended the important moral, political and intellectual virtues we share as human beings, but he also wisely identified the distinct contributions that Christianity can and must make to a philosophy of education that completes a robust vision of human flourishing. In light of current educational trends, Lewis proves an invaluable critic, guide, and prophet.' Perry L. Glanzer, Professor of Educational Foundations Resident Scholar, Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion, Baylor University 'Inspirational, inclusive, challenging, and potentially transformative, Mark Pike's Mere Education offers a healthy discussion towards holistic liberal education.' Monika B. Hilder, Associate Professor of English, Trinity Western University, author of 'The Feminine Ethos in C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia', and 'Surprised by the Feminine: A Rereading of C.S. Lewis and Gender'