Surprised by Oxford: A Book Review

Surprised by Oxford: Review by Mike Robinson
Perhaps C.S. Lewis (no stooge at describing matters of faith and reason) nailed it when he observed: “Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil” (Lewis was a Christian apologist and spent most of his adult life in Oxford as an educator). You don’t need a degree in sociology to see what the good professor was saying; nonetheless in “Surprised by Oxford” Carolyn Weber (Weber is presently a visiting professor of literature at Westmont College) provides a captivating look at culture and religious life for those pursuing higher education in one of the most esteemed citadels of academia.

Weber is a passionate wordsmith and enjoys exploring concepts interspersed in the minds and words of friends, connections, and colleagues. Weber was ready to be confronted with high educational expectations and standards, but what she found along with that, was a deeper knowledge of God and how He works in the lives of people. This book was so readable and charming that I found it difficult to put it down late at night.

Before her commitment to Christ, the author had a high regard for rational quests in the halls of academia without much thought about the author of rationality: God. She found God because he found her as He opened her heart to the truth found in Christ: at Oxford! (Sorry Dawkins).

Chapters include:

- Summer Sunset
- Michaelmas Term
- Christmastide
- Eastertide
- Summer Sunrise
- and more including numerous thought-provoking quotes from literati.

One of my favorite sections was: “Jesus the Great Polarizer.” The reader soon learns that one can discuss almost anything at Oxford, but if one mentions the name of Jesus, people get rankled fast. The section starts with a quote by Churchill: “You got enemies? Good. That means you stood up for something, something in your life” (p. 87). She records Mark’s (her associate) words: “No one gets their knickers in a knot about anyone except Jesus” (p. 91).

If you imagine that the elite academic world has eradicated the awareness of God, you should pick up this volume. Ms. Weber supplies a collation of stories that weave together literature, science, education, politics, culture, and relationships under the knowledge of God and the need of Christ. Not only is it appealing and thoughtful, but it encompasses a joy and purpose that many struggle with in the pursuit of higher education. Beautifully and wonderfully written by a professor who has discovered what she really believes about the most important subject one must face: God.

I received a complimentary copy of this hardcover from the publisher in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions articulated are mine. I did not agree to give a favorable review.