The Trial of Matt Stevens

What strikes a personal chord with me are some of the implications that this decision has for the University and the religious philosophy of Adventism. To begin with, there are several concerns that I have with a denomination that is fearful of change or the very mention of differencing points of view or a discussion of "beliefs." Beliefs, which are by their very definition a personal matter need not denominations to place parameters or constraints; in Christianity, in general, one can read the collected sayings of Christ preserved in the Gospel accounts to view the many statements made against a dogmatic faith, such as that of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and in Adventism, in particular, one can look to the writings of James White to see such a standpoint articulated. As with most faith traditions, Seventh-day Adventism has its better points as a Christian denomination, such points as an emphasis on education, healthful living, conscientious objection to violence and war, strong fellowship, sense of community volunteerism, and the separation of church and state; however, there are the "struggles of Adventism" and Adventists – most dramatically portrayed in the thousands of members who leave the denomination yearly.

One can note that mainstream, progressive churches such as Anglicans, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Episcopalians, and others do not have the problem of retention that the Adventist Church and other literalist, conservative churches have; while they do struggle with common issues such as women and the priesthood, issues of sexuality, struggles between liberalism and conservatism, modern morals and war, the secularization of the twenty-first century, how to dialogue and coexist, peacefully, with other faith traditions (denominations) and points of view, the institution of marriage, and the separation of church and state, to name a few.

While there are some contentions that I have with the philosophy of conservatism as applied to religious views and the study of theology, conservatism on the whole is quite respectable; rather it is the fundamentalists who hijack these seemingly "concrete" views of their faith and reject the history of progress within their faith tradition. No successful – success being a relative term, defined here as the positive influence impacted in the lives of the believer and the community at large, as well as, the interaction between different faith groups and opinions – faith tradition has gone without change in their history; Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and others have all had their own forms of "reformations," "revivals," "religious epiphanies," and such; while most of these terms are employed, more commonly, in Christianity (reformation, revival, ect.) the general mise-en-scène applies. Adventism while seemingly religiously progressive in certain areas is at its very core a fundamentalist faith tradition. As such there are limitations to the progress that Adventism will make, unless it revises and diversifies its outlook on faith and its active role in Christianity.

With respect to theology, Adventism holds a "remnant position" of their role in Christendom and appoints itself as the "one true, unadulterated" faith tradition in Christianity – a position that is held by other denominations; among them are believers in the Catholic, Baptist, Mormon, and Jehovah's Witness tradition. Remnant theology is exclusionist in orthodox practice and as such cannot, quite frankly, be respected or tolerated in the Universal Body of Believers. Unfortunately such traditions that adhere to this "remnant theology" yield themselves to doctrines that tend to ostracizes believers of different faiths and manifest a theology that promotes exclusionist practices. It is from declarations of ostensible supremacy implied or directed at other denominations that the Adventist Church's claims must be reasoned to be unconstructive to the greater fellowship of Christians or believers in general.

Adventists are not alone in receiving this criticism; the aforementioned denominations that share these views of ecclesiastical supremacy are criticized for such views. It saddens me that some elements and factions within the church of my youth would seem like dividers instead of unifiers in the faith of Christ and thus heed the mission of Christianity – which is commonly understood as the expression of Divine Love in the lives of all of humanity, portrayed, most magnificently in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Jesus Christ wouldn't tote-the-line of orthodoxy in his day, not because he wasn't an agreeable religious leader, but rather because his mission dealt with the manifestation of Divine Love in human form for all of the Cosmos. As such his views were not taken well by the establishment, which by definition must maintain a level of conservative ideals, due to the nature of administration of the State Faith. Such a faith needs to be protected; one might say defended from other views that may place into question the dogmas of the church. In reference to the Protestant Reformation the same is true of the relations between the Holy See and Martin Luther. Parallels can be drawn, in principle, to history's account of Luther's struggles with the Catholic Church; or in Adventism with the relationship between William Miller and the Baptist faith or the Harmon family and the Methodist church. Not that you (Matt Stevens) are in any comparison or comparable to Christ, Luther, Miller, or E.G.W. Rather the underlying principle of unity, in your case, Campus Ministry to the Adventist Church and Southern Adventist University.

Understanding all of the pervious points put into perspective in lieu of your recent dismissal from Campus Ministries directs me to following conclusions. I'm not fully aware of the situation revolving around the dismissal of Scott Fogg for which I am saddened. As per you situation, I'm sorry that Campus Ministries has chosen to dismiss you. Your particular views of Christianity are not completely compatible with the "Adventist Message" and because of your clear passion and connection with the student body at SAU you became a "spiritual liability" for the campus administration. Southern's duty (in their conservative understanding of the matter) as an Adventist institution is to maintain the "orthodox" beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Unfortunately had this incident occurred at a liberal, progressive university within our denomination such as La Sierra, Andrews, or Newbold matters would be different. As this door has closed, be reminded that there is a whole array of other "doors" that are open to you – even at Southern.

It is my hope that you will continue to be an integral part of Campaign 5x7 and maybe be part of an independent group study program. May the peace of our loving God be with you and comfort you in this trying time in your life.