Self-described atheist adjusts to life, volleyball at BYU

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

At the entrance to Brigham Young University's campus, a sign announces, "The World is Our Campus."

That open-mindedness — as well as the opportunity to earn an American education — led Luka Slabe, an unlikely BYU student, to enroll at the Provo, Utah, campus. The Mormon church administers BYU; Slabe, who was raised in the Yugoslavian republic of Slovenia, describes himself as an atheist.

"I have no religious beliefs at all," Slabe (pronounced SLAH-bay) said. "My parents are Catholics, but they never practiced it big time. But I do respect all religions."

He said he has read the Bible, and recently bought books on Islam and Buddha.

"Even if I don't believe, I want to know what others believe in," Slabe said. "Right now, I'm familiar with the Mormon religion."

He said he has never felt an attachment to any faith.

"I don't know what religion is," he said. "I read some books, the Bible, because I wanted to know what's going on. I never pushed it."

Three years ago, Slabe said he received an offer from McGown. McGown sent a letter explaining "how to apply (to BYU), how to become a Cougar. That's it, basically."

Then Slabe's older brother asked, "Do you know what's going on?" His brother explained BYU's ties to the Mormon church and the school's code of conduct banning, among other things, the consumption of alcohol and pre-marital sex.

At his brother's suggestion, Slabe met with Mormon missionaries for two hours. Slabe, a self-described homebody, determined BYU's rules "are practical for me. I was determined to go to the United States. I would sign it. I have no problems with it."

Last year, his girlfriend, Tina Cepelnik, also of Slovenia, arrived in Provo. Last July, they married.

"We knew we were going to be together for the rest of our lives, whether we were married or living together," he said.

Slabe said he has not received any pressure or criticism for his beliefs. But recently, he told Tina, "What would happen if you weren't here? It makes it so much easier that you're here."

In their apartment, he said, "we're in our own world. We don't feel pressured at all from the outside. If I were single or on my own, I would feel the pressure."

McGown said Slabe has fit in well at BYU.

"Maybe there are some fans somewhere or some member of the faculty who wishes (Slabe) believed in Jesus and went to church all of the time," said McGown, who is Mormon. "He lives the standard. He doesn't drink, he doesn't smoke. He doesn't break any of BYU's standards. He lives the life you're supposed to live. ... Luka is a great young man, a good student. From our viewpoint, he has good morals — probably from his viewpoint, too."

Already one of BYU's top hitters, the 6-foot-1 Slabe is working to improve his passing and serving. It is the sort of passion that has fueled him since high school, when taunting classmates dismissed him as not being tall or good enough to play at the next level.

"They told me, 'Just stick with your sax and clarinet,' " Slabe said. "I was so determined. I'm still on my journey."