RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The La Sierra University Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to approve Christon Arthur to serve as the university’s 6th president.
Arthur has been provost at Andrews University since 2016, brought in under the tenure of Andrea Luxton.
Under Luxton and Arthur’s leadership, Andrews architectural professor Andrew von Maur was let go by the University for sharing his concerns regarding a Catholic teacher in the Architectural Department. This Catholic teacher was allegedly disparaging Adventist beliefs on occasion and promoting Catholic prayer and beliefs, causing concern among some students.
Andrew Von Maur sought to integrate Adventist faith into his teaching, a commitment that sometimes rubbed Andrews upper administration the wrong way. Why? Because under the previous administration they had a new commitment, one that includes social justice, ecumenism, and wokeness. Thus, Von Maur was terminated in 2023.
There was also an effort to make Andrews University a Diversity, Inclusion and Equity institution under Luxton and Arthur, hiring Michael Nixon to spearhead that initiative.
These individuals (and others) were reshaping Andrews University into a woke social justice caricature of J.N. Andrews’ Seventh-day Adventist vision and faith.
Renewal
With a new President (John Wesley Taylor) Provost, and Pioneer Memorial head pastor committed to biblical Adventism, there is fresh change in the air. Andrews is under a process of renewal, one that we hope turns the university in a biblically committed direction. While they are at it, they could use some changes in the Architectural Department staff (replacing non-Adventist teachers with solid Adventist teachers), a new Dean of the Seminary, a new non-social justice Assistant Vice President for Campus & Student Life, and positive changes in the Psychology Department.
Time for a new Provost.
It’s time to tear up the social justice carpets at Andrews, and replace them with the hardwood flooring of biblical fidelity and truth. Take down the cultural idols of diversity, inclusion, and equity (DIE). Pressure wash away the CRT stains on the walls & sidewalks, and breathe in the fresh air of scriptural freedom and unity (Revelation 7:9; Isaiah 8:20; Revelation 12:17,14:6). And choose a Godly reforming Provost with Christian courage.
Great rejoicing will be heard throughout Adventism—except in places like LaSierra of course.
Don’t worry about them. Their loss is the Church’s gain.
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“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7).
