Meic Pearse
Back in 2005, Houghton professor Meic Pearse had the unique opportunity to lecture at The Congressional Institute to a group of thirty U.S. senators on the topic of his fifth book, Why the Rest Hates the West, and met briefly with President George Bush.
Speaking on the topic of his "thought-provoking book Why the Rest Hates the West, Pearse raised many interesting questions about culture and belief that transcend the traditional battlegrounds over economic resources and geography," said Jerome Climer, president of The Congressional Institute. "Members of the U.S. House and Senate were provoked to think hard, at their recent bicameral congressional retreat, about his presentation and to consider the ramifications of his comments."
Why the Rest Hates the West unpacks the deep divides between the West and the rest of the world. Pearse shows how many of the underlying assumptions of Western civilization directly oppose and contradict the cultural and religious values of significant people groups. His analysis offers insight into perspectives not often understood in the West, and provides a starting point for cultural dialogue and discussion.
With significant experience studying and ministering in Eastern Europe, this Englishman owns a keen understanding of the histories, cultures, traditions and religions that make the interaction between east and west so intriguing, challenging and, ultimately, so important. Since 2004, Pearse has been sharing his insights with Houghton College students as professor of history and director of the East Meets West honors program. And he has published two further books.
Pearse's résumé includes study in history and management, as well as master's and doctoral degrees in ecclesiastical history from Oxford University. Prior to coming to Houghton, Pearse served as a course leader at the London School of Theology. He's held other positions, too, as varied as teaching economics in a Jewish high school, working in a factory in Germany and collecting taxes in Wales.
His varied experiences and broad knowledge have given him contacts with religious and secular leaders, while his international experience and academic background allow him to describe and place current events within their historic, economic and religious contexts. Pearse leads his students in examining basic cultural assumptions and values that are foundational to modern day east-west conflicts and tensions.
Eastern Europe has been described as the ideal laboratory for examining east-west issues. In his role as leader of Houghton's East Meets West program, Meic Pearse is an ideal guide.
