Liberty University is Investigating Ergun Caner’s Purported Muslim Background

Liberty University, the Baptist school founded by the late Jerry Falwell, will investigate claims that its seminary president lied about his Muslim background to make his conversion to Christianity seem more dramatic. Ergun Caner was named dean of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in 2005, when he became the first former Muslim to lead an evangelical seminary, according to Christianity Today. Bloggers and online activists say Caner, 43, has misrepresented key parts of his biography, including where he was raised. Liberty Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said Monday (May 10) that the school “does not initiate personnel evaluations based upon accusations from Internet blogs.” But, he said, “in light of the fact that several newspapers have raised questions, we felt it was necessary to initiate a formal inquiry.”

It’s not wise to ignore the insights of the blogosphere. But I suppose Liberty is behind the curve in technology as much as it is in biblical studies, archaeology, and theology.

Anyway, it’s good to see that their going to look into Caner’s claims. I hope they use an independent, outside investigator though, or they won’t find out anything they don’t want to find out.