Mike Wittmer

Category: Ethics

  • what can brown do for you?

    I don’t have anything to add to the national conversation on race, but here’s how I see it. I don’t think I truly appreciate the cloud of suspicion and harassment that black men experience. This fall one of my students, a large black man, was late for class. When I asked where he was, he…

  • gay is the new black

    I saw this telling exchange on Twitter yesterday. Sarah Pulliam Bailey ‏was reporting on the first national conference of the The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and she tweeted this:  “Standing ovation for the owner of Washington florist who declined to sell flowers to a gay couple.” Ryan T. Anderson ‏replied, “.@spulliam thats a terribly…

  • Apple Watch

    The cover story of this week’s Time magazine, by Lev Grossman and Matt Vella, contains some powerful and chilling commentary on Apple’s new roll out. Here are three key paragraphs to consider before buying this latest new thing. “It’s intoxicating and also a bit disconcerting to have this much functionality perching on your wrist, like…

  • are we dangerous?

    Last week the California State University system (23 schools) said InterVarsity Christian Fellowship could no longer be a recognized campus group because it requires its leaders to commit to certain beliefs, beliefs that naturally exclude others who do not hold them. It seems that California is punishing faith-based groups for having faith. It believes that…

  • we’re doing it again

    Yesterday Matt Lauer interviewed Nancy Writebol in front of a banner that read SIM. It was so third century. In The Rise of Christianity, Rodney Stark argues the Christian faith exploded in part because early Christians sacrificially helped their neighbors in times of crisis. Pagan religion had no answer for the deadly plague that struck…

  • sexual orientation and gender

    The cover story of TIME magazine this week is “The Transgender Tipping Point: America’s next civil rights frontier.” I read it on Saturday—thanks, airplane miles—and two things caught my eye. 1. The article mentions how some opponents of civil rights legislation in Maryland are concerned about what this means for public restrooms. One lady said,…

  • face the music

    Here is my latest for Our Daily Journey. As always, if you see something, say something. Thanks! Read 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 So, my dear brothers and sisters, when you gather for the Lord’s Supper, wait for each other (v. 33). The wise pastor told his new worship director, “There is one style of music I…

  • not ashamed

    Last Friday I had the privilege of speaking at our seminary’s commencement. We graduated an exceptional class of pastors and counselors, many of whom are already engaged in significant ministry. They will be missed. In light of recent events, I wanted to encourage them that this is perhaps the best time to embark on vocational…

  • grace and truth

    Phew! I just turned in my grades for the spring semester, my busiest one yet, and now have almost a week off before my three online classes start up. Last week I had the privilege of sharing with my friends in Traverse City on their National Day of Prayer. TC has a terrific group of…

  • unringing the bell

    I just heard the breaking news that World Vision has reversed its decision about hiring practicing homosexuals, and I’m not sure what to think about it. On the one hand, it’s obviously good to obey God. On the other hand, it’s hard to avoid thinking that they believe what they said on Monday more than…