Another thing Liberty University needs to look at is Ergun Caner's degrees. For a long time (up until last summer, as I documented on my blog), Caner misrepresented his earned Th.D as a Ph.D on his biography on his website and sent out for speaking engagements. (It would be like me stating that my earned Juris Doctor was a Ph.D, which would be totally unacceptable.) Additionally, he still has listed on his information in the 2009-10 Liberty Theological Seminary and Graduate School catalogue a D.Min from "Emmanuel Baptist University," which does not appear to be a properly accredited institution of higher education.

In the middle of all this "exciting" stuff, I'm hoping that the very boring credentialing that got Dr. Caner where he is today is not forgotten.

Deana, how can you call this saga "exciting stuff?" There is nothing exciting about it, unless of course your full-time job is studying Dr. Ergun Caner!

"Bloggers" this and "bloggers" that... not all of those who are bringing the chargers are merely "bloggers" but respected apologists and teachers.

I wouldn't care much about Ergun Caner and his various problems (and I am being charitable), except that he's been put forward as some sort of expert on Islam for the last nine-plus years. If he lied about where he was born, when he came to the USA, why he came to the USA, and on top of that embellished his curriculum vitae with one degree from an outfit that's not properly accredited while misrepresenting another degree, these are all problems that he needs to deal with.

But what amazes me the most is how all of Ergun's defenders, and there are many, fail to see why this is a big issue. If it's shown (and it's been demonstrated to my satisfaction via legal documents) that Ergun Caner lied about basic biographical details, then why should anyone believe him when he says he knows the way to salvation?

This is the most that can be asked for. One of the greatest concerns was that the administration at Liberty was overlooking this issue. If Caner is exonerated then so be it. If has found to be lying then he must either be removed from his position of leadership, offer a public apology or both.

The initial issue was whether Dr. Caner was a "fake ex-Muslim" and that has since been debunked. Dr. Caner will keep his job come July 1, 2010, because, unlike in Islam, there is forgiveness in Christianity. Christians don't just shoot a leader who errs. In Islam, a cleric issues a fatwa that states that men and women can pray Salah together because during Prophet Muhammad's time they prayed together (mixing) in the mosque, and he gets fired and threated to be killed. http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Head-of-the-religious-police-in-Mecca,-men-and-women-can-pray-together-18247.html

Red herrings, Hussein, red herrings. Strew those red herrings around so that people are confused and confounded.

Ergun Caner may still have his job on July 1, but you don't know under what conditions that may be.

Liberty can't fire him because he was nominated to be Seminary president by the most powerful person in SBC namely, Paige Patterson (the same person who endorsed Darryl Gilyard).

Deana, you can say "red herring" all day but you have to know that Dr. Caner repented and that suffices. I know you want this issue to drag on, and anything short of a public apology, possibly with an audio or video available, is an unacceptable to you and MKhan. Since you have invested a lot of time and possibly money in this endeavor, you want to put an “icing” on your cake with evidence. Good luck. To us Christians repentance suffices.

"the Provost of Liberty University is appointing a committee to look into these matters"

They are going to investigate themselves? After Elmer's comment about this not being a moral or ethical issue, I have little confidence in who they pick to be on a committee.

Saying you misspoke for 9 years concerning details of his background as a Jihadist and when he came to American, in many different speaking venues, is repentance? He "misspoke" for a long time to a ton of people. That is lying. He STILL will not answer questions about when he came to America and where he trained for Jihad. Since he is a leader and paid to be a professional Chrisitan mentoring and teaching many young people, he needs to step down.

If this is acceptable in Christian higher ed circles, then what next?

Matt, how do you know Dr. Caner has not repented yet? I am not making any excuses for Dr. Caner but he has repented and that suffices. How many times have leaders fallen into sin in the Bible and God reinstated them? Liberty committee will do what is right according to the Word of God and not pander to whims. You say "he is a leader and paid to be a professional Christian mentoring and teaching many young people" and it is about time your youth emulate Christ and not look at a celebrity. After all, all men and women fail us, only on God should we rely, who neither leaves nor forsakes us.

@calcun:

Liberty, to my knowledge is not a SBC seminary, so Paige Patterson is irrelevant in that regard, although I have no doubt he is influential enough to impact the outcome of this whole debacle.

@hussein:

Please show the evidence that Dr. Caner repented. Since it is evident that he is guilty of piling LIE upon LIE in public, in order to mislead the public, then it necessarily follows that he must offer a public confession of his sin. Nothing less will suffice. So, if he has repented, please point me to the evidence so that I can witness it for myself. Thank you.

Mr. Wario,

Dr. Caner has not publicly repented of lying about his past as far as I am aware. Yes, there is forgiveness in Christianity, and I hope that Dr. Caner keeps his job. I also hope there is public repentance if the accusations of lying are true accusations. I don't think all the accusations are true, but some of the evidence is stacked against Dr. Caner when it comes to things like supposedly growing up in Turkey.

-TurretinFan

MMP:

Some of us Christians are calling for Dr. Caner's evidence of repentance. How about if you wait and see because the only way you can confirm a person’s repentance is through his or her actions? Have you forgotten what our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 7:16?

TurretinFan:

I really appreciate your objectivity in this matter. Your blog has been the most balanced. As for public repentance, I hope that Dr. Caner does not make a public statement because if he does, Muslims would make him the "face" of "fake ex-Muslims" even though he is an ex-Muslim. Do you know how far they can go with that propaganda?

I agree with Matt - seems a little off that they would investigate themselves. As far as all the other expected retorts by Caner supporters here all there is left to do is wait and see what the result of this "inquiry" will bring.

What happened to religion bashing being wrong? Isn't this an article about Caner and not about what Christians do instead of Muslims and vice versa? We are looking at an individual man who did individual things. I for one agree that Muslim or Christian, if there were mistakes they need to be apologized for. Plain and simple.

"I hope that Dr. Caner does not make a public statement because if he does, Muslims would make him the "face" of "fake ex-Muslims" even though he is an ex-Muslim. Do you know how far they can go with that propaganda?"

So, Hussein, in the face of alleged possible future propaganda, you'd rather that no statement be made, even though it's abundantly clear that there are several aspects of Ergun Caner's life story *as related by Ergun Caner in the public sphere* that do not match up to the documentary evidence. Has it not occurred to you that *actions have consequences*? If a person misrepresents himself for nearly a decade as someone he's not, there are consequences. One of them may be public repentance (not that I expect this to ever happen). Another may be becoming the poster boy for fake ex-Muslims. I don't know. Thing is, Ergun Caner, by misrepresenting and lying about his past, left himself open for that.

The whole thing makes me sick. How can you tell lies about where you were *born*? I feel bad for his wife, kids, friends and family. They have to be asking themselves if the Ergun Caner they know is the real Ergun Caner?

WArio, What exactly do you think "repentance" is about? Caner has told lies about the details over and over all over the place. Would repentance not include making sure he comes clean with the details he gave so many that were simply not true? If repentance means turning from sin he has aproblem. Because hundreds of his sins of lying about his past are still floating around out there in sermons and speaking engagments...on tapes, etc.

And why should we believe Caner on anything in the future if he does not come clean publicly concerning all those details? Sure, he might lost some followers but his heart will be purer. Liars do not inherit the Kingdom. Liars do not repent when they say they simply "misspoke". What a testimony it would be if he really showed true repentance to all those young people who revere him. Instead, he is teaching them to harden their hearts.

Matt, how do you know Dr. Caner has not repented yet?

Wario, I agree with Eric.I think he makes very good points about repentance and what it would entail. Caner sinned publicly by lying to so many people for so long. Personally, I believe according to 1 Tim 3, he is no longer qualified for his "Christian" leadership position as a teacher/preacher of the Word. For he is not "above reproach to the outside". I extend this teaching to "overseers" in para church organizations and universities which exist to proclaim Christ.

Fox News journalism strikes again... (as does the peanut gallery of opinions)...
do tell, where is this sort of mocking, arrogant, gossip driven, behavior condoned in the bible?

It's one thing to confront a sinning brother, it's another (and a SIN) to turn it into a Jerry Springer spectacle like the heathen do.

"Liberty University does not evaluate personnel based upon blogs. However, in light of the fact that mainstream media have recently raised questions, the Provost of Liberty University is appointing a committee to look into these matters."

Read: We really didn't care one way or the other until non-Christian media outlets picked up the story.

Caner should not make a public statement because of what Muslims will do? Poppycock! Caner knew this day was coming. He lied, used subterfuge, avoided, mocked and just generally behaved like a man who has yet to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He needs to lose his job until (and possibly if) he can rightly tell truth from fiction. I have no sympathy for him. He created his own circumstances and then tried to place the blame on others such as Dr. White.

We would not allow an elder to remain in his position if he behaved this way. Yes... forgiveness is the basis of the gospel and should Caner repent, we should forgive. But forgiveness does not negate consequences.

Has anyone considered that nearly 3,000 people died on 9/11 and Caner used this tragedy to further his own career. Shameful.

It is sad that it takes the mainstream media's attention for Liberty to form a committee. Apparently, concern from Christians is not enough. Just goes to show what Liberty's motives are.

As an American who lives in Turkey I must say by far the most troubling thing I have seen is when Dr. Caner supposedly spoke Turkish explaining what he said to his father on the day he told him he was a follower of Jesus. Folks it wasn't even close to Turkish. It was complete gibberish. I can't for the life of me understand why someone would try to fake that WHILE GIVING A SERMON!! Totally baffles me and my friends here. Why not just admit you know nothing about the Turkish language? What can possibly be gained by pretending you told your Dad in a foreign language?? I thought, 'Well maybe it is Arabic or some other regional language." So I sent the clip to a friend who lives among Arabs in Israel. He speaks both Arabic and Hebrew. His response, "brother this is total gibberish." "It is better to be poor than to be a liar." (Proverbs)

@Daniel:

Ergun Caner has an earned Th.D. He can call himself Dr. Caner if he wants.

Don't put your faith in men, Wario. Put it in Christ.

If you believe every word Caner has said, then you believe he first came to America at 14 and also first at age 4. Which one is it? Which is true? If you believe every word he says, you have chosen to believe some lies. Chosen.

He is a blind guide, Wario. I say this with great concern for you.

Mark & Matt:

This is Hussein Hajji Wario and for the record, I did not write "I don't care what these muslims and alleged Christians say. I believe every single word said by Dr. Caner to be the truth nomatter how many phony evidences you people produce." This is the first time I have been to this blog today, and I will ask CToday to remove that comment, supposedly attributed to me and I did not write it. Just so you know, there are people who comment here that hate my response because some of their claims regarding Dr. Caner have been debunked. Thank you.

Mr. Wario,

Thanks for your kind comments. I understand your concern that some Muslims may abuse (for propaganda purposes) any public statements that Dr. Caner makes about this matter. I hope God will give Liberty University and Dr. Caner wisdom in writing whatever statements they may make, so that the Truth will be honored, while avoiding providing unnecessary fodder for scoffers.

-TurretinFan

One of his main accusers, James White, has two of his degrees from Columbia Evangelical Seminary in Buckly, Wa. Which operates out of a small upstairs office in a run down building. It is of course a "degree mill."

Dr, Caner has a legitimate Ph.D. and was scheduled to bebate white on Clavinism. The debate was cancelled because it was discovered that White had degree mill credentials and thus should not be invited to a public debate at the seminary.

These accusations were originated by a Muslim blogger. I watched his video. Most of it does not seem coherent. If the accusations are true it means Caner may be guilty of not clearly stating some of his background. He and his brother were brought up in a dwvout Muslim family in Ohio. His family came here from Turkey. He was, as a child, exposed to Jihad as all Muslims are. Jihad is basic to the faith. It means struggle. However, it involves promoting and fighting for the faith as necessary.

It appears some Muslims are pursuing this. Some stupid Christians are willing to help them.

I had mixed feelings about this. I've heard Dr. Caner speak, pray, and been to a few of his church services. I don't doubt his salvation but I do question his motives.

In the mist of this we need to pray for him, his family, and Liberty University. It can be gossip or it can be true that Caner did lie upon lies.

Ask for wisdom and direction and keep your praises and heart on the Lord.

AlwaysLoveJesus:

You say that, "People like Ergun and Wario are absolutely shameless. I don't believe liars and their backers to be true believers. There is no room for deception in my religion !"

You have heard a lot about Dr. Caner but do you even know who I am? Thank you for insulting me. Based on your comment, you are masquerading as a Christian, and you are probably responsible for the comment earlier today, which "you" claim I wrote.

Winston, Actually Caner does not have a PhD. He has a ThD from UNISA. You can read the entire email exchange between White and Caner concerning the their prospective debate here:

http://www.aomin.org/Caner2.pdf

BTW: I am no fan of Whites but in this case with Caner, I have to say he comes out as the honest one. And he has taught at GG.

"This is Hussein Hajji Wario and for the record, I did not write "I don't care what these muslims and alleged Christians say. I believe every single word said by Dr. Caner to be the truth nomatter how many phony evidences you people produce." This is the first time I have been to this blog today, and I will ask CToday to remove that comment, supposedly attributed to me and I did not write it. Just so you know, there are people who comment here that hate my response because some of their claims regarding Dr. Caner have been debunked. Thank you"

Wario, this is good to know. Thank you. I also believe Caner was a Muslim but I also know he lied about many details of his background which are verifiable. We do not need Mr. Khan to prove it and I do not doubt some Muslims would take advantage of the situation. That does not make Caner innocent. It only hurts the Gospel and Muslims who might have wanted to hear it..

Robert Spencer, Andrew Bostom, Daniel Pipes, Steve Emerson, Frank Gaffney are some others.

This is typical of some other Islamic experts who mock Judeo-Christian principals and at least one of the 10 commandments by lying.

The so called Islamic experts on the lecture circuits and writers have no idea what Islam really is but claim the expertise to get publicity, advance their careers, or sell books.

Winston wrote: "One of his main accusers, James White, has two of his degrees from Columbia Evangelical Seminary in Buckly, Wa. Which operates out of a small upstairs office in a run down building. It is of course a 'degree mill.'"

a) Sadly, many folks have tried to defend Dr. Caner in this way, by attacking those who raise the issues.

b) The attack here isn't truthful. While CES is operated out of a tiny space, that's because it uses a mentoring approach. Admission is difficult and academic, and there are real requirements for matriculation (i.e. not just the payment of fees, or something like that). It's not a "degree mill."

"Dr, Caner has a legitimate Ph.D. and was scheduled to bebate white on Clavinism."

He has a legitimate ThD, although like Dr. White's ThD and DMin, his ThD is not from a traditional program (he got his from the University of South Africa without needing to fulfill a residency requirement, as far as we can tell).

"The debate was cancelled because it was discovered that White had degree mill credentials and thus should not be invited to a public debate at the seminary."

That's not true. Someone else has already linked to the documentation. Caner's own allegation at the time was: "James White backs out of the debate. Refused to submit to moderator rules. Details will follow tonight."

"These accusations were originated by a Muslim blogger. I watched his video. Most of it does not seem coherent."

Some of it was not that coherent, particularly in the early videos. I had the same initial reaction to watching them. The problem was when I started to look beyond the seemingly silly points about pronunciation.

"If the accusations are true it means Caner may be guilty of not clearly stating some of his background."

If the accusations are true, Dr. Caner has stated both that he was born in Stockholm, that he was born in Istanbul, and that he was born in Ankara. At least two of those are not true. If it turns out he was really born in Stockholm, it is hard to see how either of the other two is just an unclear statement of his background. If he was born in either of the two Turkish cities, it is hard to see how Stockholm is just an unclear statement of his background.

Likewise, one of the accusations is that he claimed to come to the U.S. from Turkey in 1978-79 as a young teenager, whereas the accusation states that he actually never lived in Turkey at all, but actually moved from Sweden to the U.S. in 1969 or 1970, as toddler. Again, it is hard to see how that kind of difference (if the accusation is true) can be just an unclear statement of his background.

"He and his brother were brought up in a dwvout Muslim family in Ohio."

As far as we can tell, his father was a devout Muslim. However, his mother and father were divorced, and his mother (who opposed his being brought up a Muslim) had primary custody.

"His family came here from Turkey."

The evidence presently is that his mother was Swedish and that his family came to the U.S. (Ohio) from Sweden around 1969 or 1970. He apparently had Turkish citizenship by his father (who was Turkish and apparently was born in Turkey), but there is no evidence of which I'm aware supporting the idea that his family (as such) ever lived in Turkey.

"He was, as a child, exposed to Jihad as all Muslims are. Jihad is basic to the faith. It means struggle. However, it involves promoting and fighting for the faith as necessary."

If you're just saying that "jihad" in some sense is intrinsic to Islam, I'll let the Muslims decide whether you are right.

"It appears some Muslims are pursuing this. Some stupid Christians are willing to help them."

You don't seem very well acquainted with the facts. Perhaps before you call others "stupid" you should make sure you know what you are talking about.

-TurretinFan

Is plagiarism allowed and accepted at Liberty????

I hope this turns out to be false. I am a student at the high school associated with TRBC and LU and have had the opportunity to hear him speak many times in chapel over the years. I really look up to him, and still do until the claims are proven by LU. HE is the best speaker I know, December 3, 2009 his speach touched me, and many others in attendance at our chapel. Through hearing him speak many times over the past 3 years, to my memory, he has been consistant with what he has said. Living in Turkey until his teenage years, moving to America and eventually converting to christianity. The JIhad claims that some have made are alien to me and have never heard him, in any of his many sermans I have heard, mentioned ever being in Jihad as a child. Until these claims are substantiated by your personal non-biased investigation into the matter there is no need to call for his repentence. I am certain LU's investigation will be fair, with them acting not on personal attachments, but the facts they find topical. Im not the best scripture memorizer, but I know that in the book of Matthew it speak on us not judging others, so until the final investigation i done he is neither innocent or guilty. Im praying for you Ergun, may God Bless you and your family!

@Deana: Thank you for insisting on careful logic and refusing to bow to the "cheap grace" approach that allows Christians to sweep their sins under the carpet because they say a few public words that may (or may not) indicate repentance. Accountability is no small thing. I've seen the damage done allowing people to escape a biblical process of restoration.

For the record, the ThD and PhD are equivalent, according to the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, the main accrediting body for graduate level theological education. In their "Bulletin" (issued annually), section L.1.0 states (in part): "The same overall aims and standards apply to both the Ph.D. and the Th.D.; the nomenclature differs according to the history of its use in a particular school." The problems are that the ThD may or may not be from a reputable school; the DMin (a lesser degree) is definitely not.

If the accusations against Mr. Ergun are true, this is not a matter of simply repentance. This would be a serious character flaw that cannot be cured by simple "repentance". I don't know him, have never heard him, but from what I do read he sounds like a big man with a big voice, popular, and obviously an asset to the place he is working for. But, if the Liberty people in charge are really interested in truth and purity and God's blessing rather than enabling the "big man" to continue in his path of deception and building his reputation, they will discharge him and recommend extended counseling and therapy.

There is repentance and forgiveness in Christianity. Let us not forget about that if you are a Christian. If you want to read an article on this saga from a former Muslims, who is now a Reformed Christian's perspective, please check out "Desperate Muslims and Ignoramus Christians" http://www.cracksinthecrescent.com

For many (not all) Evangelicals 'the end justifies the means'. That is to say that if you want to get people 'saved' or to live upright lives is it justified for one to exaggerate, misquote, tamper with statistics or downright lie in order to get results?

Basil,

You say, "if you want to get people 'saved' or to live upright lives is it justified for one to exaggerate, misquote, tamper with statistics or downright lie in order to get results?"

I do not know who you are responding to but here is what Jesus said: John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

No man or woman can bring another man or woman to salvation. The Lord is the one who saves.

God bless Ergun he's on the front line and is motivated.Good for him.
Having said that: he's hardly seems qualified to head up a large Seminary. He's way outside of the bounds of The great Baptist Confessions. I.E. The London Conf.,the Connecticut Conf, the Philadelphia Conf we could go on and on.He's at odds with some of the major tenants of the S.Baptist statements of faith.He speaks as if he is smarter than them all. Fortunately for the Church of Christ he is a great speaker...in his areas thats good.Outside of that, his understanding of Eschatology,Ecclesiology,Providence,
and the like are very,very sophomoric.Let him speak to the College Kids .he's entertaining and speak on his knowledge of Islam but he's hardly Seminary material. Email me if serious and I can defend my position.

Nice to finally see where all the division is stemming from. Good job, guys. Now the enemy has an opened door in front of him.

There should be no division over falsehood. Untruth is the enemy of God, not exposing untruth for what it is. We *must* 1) expose that untruth and 2) do so in great love. If we do not judge rightly within the kingdom of God, how will we later on judge the world (see 1 Cor 5:12--6:3)? If we fail to act with high standards of both righteousness and love, we will be mocked by those who hold no allegiance to the Great King as having no standards, and this is unworthy of Him.

The ends do not justify the means: both the end and the means must be noble and give glory to our Father. Only this is worthy of the Lamb. None of us should be afraid of having our deeds exposed and scrutinized---its going to happen One Day anyway. But when we refuse to address things that are obvious to others, how is that not being two-faced? We must continue to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance" (Mat 3:8).

Ergun Caner is not indispensible. Nor are you and I (thank goodness!). Only the Lord Jesus is. Hopefully, Caner is not preaching himself, but the Lord Jesus (2 Cor 4:5), but his deeds will ultimately be exposed for what they are, as will all of ours. Jesus' great kingdom will not be shaken if Caner can't preach anymore.

Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.

Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.

Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

PSALM 2:10-12

In Christianity, repentance means you can keep your relationship with God intact. It doesn't mean you get to keep your job or even your reputation. If an embezzler "repents," he doesn't get to keep the money. And if a public figure lies his way into his position, he doesn't get to keep his position, even if he does repent.

God bless Ergun Caner and his family as they walk through this difficult time! Our prayers are with you!

Up until now I have steered clear of this fray for obvious reasons. My name is Jerry Tackett and I am THE Jerry Tackett from Doctor Caners past. The things that are begining to trouble me is the fact that his conversion and early story are in dispute. No one has ever spoken to me, No one has asked for an interview and no one has tried to contact me other then the Muslims who lead this witch hunt. I cannot attest to where he lived prior to him coming to our school but I can attest to the process from that point on. His father was a devout muslim. His mother and grandmother are from Sweedan and his grandmother never spoke a word of English. As proven in the court documents the divorce was hotly contersted and his father did disown Ergun once he came to Christ. Those are facts not disputable becuase I was there and lived them. What saddens me the most is I am watching Christian brothers and sisters being driven to a battle by non Christians. You may have an axe to grind, you may disagree with someone biblically but they are still brothers and sisters in Christ. No one should celebrate someone who is being pursued by non christians in this manner. Often I think of Christ when he said "He that is without sin let him cast the first stone" when I see all of those crushing another of our faith. I do not know where this is going and I do not know the facts as stated after the time we spent togehter as teenagers I do know this Christ Forgives and I am afraid many of us if held under the microscope of the muslim world would come up short. Try to keep things in prospective.

One thing that puzzles me about this story is this. I hear a lot of these articles saying that Dr Caner has fabricated his past. Yet. Not one bit proof by video or print. Just then the articles and the accusers saying he made it up.

When is the written thing by Dr Caner and video footage? I have seen his site before the accusations by “Khan”. I does not remember seeing his bio.”Khan” showing a capture video does not prove it was Dr Caner’s page at all. “Khan”, the accuser could have made the whole thing up.

Please show links or proof or something……..

Danny

PS: Really, one should not get their information off of a You Tube site.

If Doctor Caner proves he was born in Turkey, can speak either Dari, Arabic, Urdu, Turkish or Pashtu and learned English in Brooklyn will Dr. James White repent of his false accusations?

James White has two phony degrees from Columbia Evangelical Seminary which operates out of a small one room upstairs office in Buckley Washington. He should take care of his own credibility problem before accusing others.

I listened to Ergun Caner’s message given at Prestonwood Baptist Church in 2001 as replayed on Focus on the Family.

Ergun Caner stated the following:

I was born in Sweden.
I was raised in Turkey.
I was trained in Islamic Jihad to do what the terrorist did on 9/11.
I was like a preacher’s kid.
I was taught to believe that Americans hated me.
I came to America in 1978.
I arrived in Brooklyn.
I spoke broken English.
I went to a revival at the invitation of a friend.
I was saved in 1982.
I preached my first seven minute sermon and my younger brothers got saved.
I led my mom to Christ in 1991 over the phone.
My brother led my grandmother to Christ in 1995.
He defined rakats as prayers.
He defined injeel as angels.
I rolled out my rug and prayed in the bathroom at school.
I wore a turban on my head.
I had an accent and spoke broken English.
I was not made fun of by Christians because of what I wore.

What is the truth? Who knows, but the following contradictions exist. Ergun Caner has stated on The John Ankerberg Show that he was born in Istanbul, Turkey. In other places he states that he had nothing to do with his brothers coming to Christ. Court records indicate that Ergun immigrated to America in 1969 and was raised in Ohio. His high school yearbook shows that he was very active in school, including drama. There are no pictures of Ergun wearing a turban on his head. Since he was raised in Ohio from age three on, he speaks fluent English. Rakats means verses, not prayers. Injeel means Gospel, not angels. His dad was not like a pastor in Islam. He wasn’t trained in Islamic Jihad in Turkey or Europe. He didn’t meet Americans for the first time in 1978 and discover that they didn’t hate him. He was not disowned by his family, only his non-custodial father.

From just one sermon, given at Prestonwood Baptist Church in 2001 and replayed on Focus on the Family in 2010, flows numerous falsehoods. Did he just misspeak all of the following? Is that even possible? Or was he intentionally misrepresenting his testimony to make it more appealing to the audience?

Please take the time to read two articles in defense of Dr. Caner. Do not judge without reading these first. "In Defense of Dr. Ergun Caner:

http://www.normangeisler.net/indefenseofcaner.html "

In Further Defense of Dr. Ergun Caner" at

http://www.normangeisler.net/infurtherdefenseofcaner.html

All of the above comments are refuted by these two articles.