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Ergun Caner and Truth in Advertising

April 2nd, 2010 at 01:09pm Albert McIlhenny

Almost three and a half years ago, I wrote a review for Ergun and Emir Caner’s book Unveiling Islam. With 9/11 still a vivid memory, I thought it important to understand Islam from the perspective of those who lived under it and how best they could be reached with the Gospel message.

The Caners seemed almost too good to be true: they were not the only converts but they certainly were the ones who understood both Islamic and Western popular culture the best. It was almost as if they came from central casting. That might not have been too far from the mark.

Some damaging accusations have been circling around the Caners – particularly Ergun who is president of Liberty University Theological Seminary. At first they were in relation to his claims to have debated Muslims and his naming particular ones with whom he had debated and the contents of those exchanges. James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries questioned whether any such debates took place. It appears they were at best quick, informal exchanges and some of those mentioned denied ever had any such exchanges with Caner.

I had been willing to let all of this pass and give Caner the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps he had not undestood the term “debate” in the context of an apologist’s claims would be construed as a far more formal setting than he had claimed. Perhaps a lapse in memory had confused two individuals – I have done that myself on occasion. Besides, it had no bearing on his testimony as an ex-Muslim and the points made in the book.

Recently, more damaging accusations have been made against Caner. These call into question whether he was ever a Muslim at all. I had heard such things from some Muslim apologists against others and they all had the tone of the “no true Scotsman” fallacy. Thus, until now, I had again given Dr. Caner the benefit of the doubt.

Now it turns out these may have been more than just vague accusations. This item gives evidence that Dr. Caner may have been dishonest in describing his past and stating he was Muslim. If the accusations are true, it would appear his knowledge of Islam is neither as extensive nor his commitment to Islam as deep as he claimed.

I have absolutely no way of telling whether he was truly a Muslim or not. It is now important that Dr. Caner step forward and give an honest account. His current policy of editing his website as various inconsistencies appear will not stand. He should give a full disclosure of the nature of his previous status as a Muslim and either defend himself with evidence or apolgize for misrepresentation and let the chips fall where they may.

I have no doubt he has a better grasp of Islam than many Christians. He had some exposure to Islamic culture at least at the basic level from his father. But this is far from being the committed Muslim he has stated in the past. If he was not truly a Muslim but only an occasional wanderer into his father’s mosque and subculture, then he has misled the public about his past.

This is not only unfair to Muslims but to Christians as well. Those who have pointed to the Caners as examples of how Muslims can be brought to faith in Christ may now have their credibility called into question as well. Then there are the effects any such discrepancies might have on the work of Liberty University and his publisher Kregel Publications. Both have placed great trust him and have invested in his personal integrity.

For now, I am not removing the review but will wait to see how this affair plays out. I will add a note at the beginning of the review pointing to this post. The review may be withdrawn or substantially changed in the future.

Entry Filed under: Miscellaneous