kent gramm.

Kent Gramm was my college advisor; he was – and remains – a wise, thoughtful person with a dry, deeply funny sense of humor.  Dr. Gramm oversaw my independent study, “Christianity and the Environment,” and I consider myself more than blessed to have had someone shortlisted for the Pulitzer critique my work, particularly someone of such personal integrity.  I was deeply saddened last week to learn that Dr. Gramm has resigned from his position at Wheaton College because he and his wife are divorcing.  Because he would not discuss the reason(s) for his divorce with college administration, he was given the choice to resign or be let go.

Wheaton College is a faith-based institution that has historically taken strong stands on issues that matter, like social justice, as well as on issues that, as it turns out, matter not a whit, such as dancing.  Recently, however, it seems to me that the hills Wheaton is choosing to die on are ones upon which I shudder to tread.  A great professor was forced to resign because he converted to Catholicism.  Another well-respected professor was let go for failing to “integrate faith and learning,” which boiled down to (as near as I can tell) that he taught evolution in his anthropology classes.  And now Dr. Gramm. 

I love Wheaton College dearly and it is because of my deep gratitude and appreciation to the institution that I must express how disappointed I am about this decision.  I understand why they made the decision they did, and I find it consistent with their Statement of Faith and the more recently drafted Community Covenant.  I have nothing but respect for the President, Provost, and Board of Wheaton, many of whom I consider friends.  But somehow I hoped for a different interpretation: for better things from my alma mater.  I had hoped that they would rally around Dr. Gramm in his time of need, that this would be an opportunity for unexpected grace and redemption, that those with sin would be unable to cast a stone.  Likewise, I hoped last year that Wheaton would have relished the opportunity to become more ecumenical without betraying their Protestant history, to recognize that Catholicism is a legitimate and worthwhile part of the Christian faith. 

Maybe I have become liberal in my old age.  All I know is that I am truly glad that Dr. Gramm was a part of my life, and I have wept over his broken marriage, his sorrow, and the future Wheaties who will miss out on learning from him.