Mere Education

''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' 'Dr. Pike very ably captures many of Lewis' perspectives across a wide range of education topics. Mark's elaborations on Lewis' perspectives in his chapter on Christian education (my own specialty) are actually a mere subset of Christian education topics that are enriched throughout this book. It is quite fitting that Lewis is interpreted by a fellow Englishman of comparable linguistic talent.' - William F. Cox, Jr., Ph.D., Professor & Founder, Christian Education Programs, School of Education, Regent University, August 2013 "This clear, well-written and concise book casts much light on the practice of education in general and on the nature of Christian education in particular. [...] In offering a blend of Christian wisdom and conservative sentiments, the author faithfully reflects his subject who conveyed a counter-cultural perspective that remains stimulating and that deserves to be reflected on seriously. This book could profitably be put in the hands of prospective teachers, but would also be interesting for more experienced teachers and anyone with a concern for the health of our educational institutions and our culture. A strong feature of the book is the way that Pike relates the insights of his subject to developments in society today. This study is effectively informed and enriched by Pike's own scholarship in language, literature, reading, learning, citizenship and moral education and it is illuminated by homely examples drawn from his experience as a parent as well as an educational researcher." - John Sullivan, Liverpool Hope University, in Theological Book Review (tbr), Vol. 25, No.2, 2013 'This book makes an original and substantial contribution to the already large volume of research on Lewis's life and work.' - John Scott, Anvil, Vol 30, Issue 1, (March, 2014) "Mark Pike has given us a clear and well-written account of central themes that he finds in Lewis's philosophy of education. [...] The book provides abundant evidence... of very thorough research not only in Lewis's own writings but also in those of a number of contemporary writers. [...] This book makes an original and substantial contribution to the already large volume of research on Lewis's life and work. With its focus on Lewis as a teacher, it was surely a book waiting to be written and one wonders why nobody had taken on the task before now. Happily for fans of Lewis and enthusiasts for Christian perspectives on education, Mark Pike has done so".  - John Shortt, EurE