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Christianity Today and Ergun Caner

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Paul33, Jul 2, 2010.

  1. Paul33

    Paul33 New Member

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    Christianity Today has been at the forefront of the Ergun Caner story. This is the third article published by CT, the first making reference to "bloggers."

    http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/julyweb-only/36-51.0.html

    The subheading of the article is interesting.

    Ergun Caner Out as Seminary Dean
    Geisler, Ankerberg defend former Muslim despite non-renewal of contract.
    John W. Kennedy | posted 7/02/2010 10:41AM

    Take a close look at Geisler's comments.

    Norman L. Geisler, distinguished professor of apologetics at Veritas Evangelical Seminary in Murrieta, California, says the investigation's outcome vindicates Caner.
    "They exonerated him on everything except some misstatements on nothing that was crucial," Geisler told CT on Wednesday. "No moral or doctrinal charges were established; no culpability was proven."

    Geisler blames Muslims for inspiring the probe and "extreme Calvinists" for "shoving him under the bus." Geisler believes Liberty made a mistake in letting Caner go as president because it implies guilt.
    "People who know Ergun know he is a man of honesty, integrity, and Christian commitment," Geisler says. "The charges that he intentionally lied and embellished are totally unfounded."

    What are your thoughts on the coverage by CT and other news magazines, both secular and Christian?
     
  2. Paul33

    Paul33 New Member

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    Geisler's comments to CT are deeply disappointing. CT has done an excellent job of chronicling the Caner issue and revealing the bankruptcy of our celebrity apologists, especially Geisler and Ankerberg.

    It appears that lying in the pulpit and giving these embellishments a pass is acceptable to the inner circle of the religious elites. Thankfully CT has exposed this for all to see.
     
  3. John Toppass

    John Toppass Active Member
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    I do not think LU made a mistake by discontinuing Caner's presidency. I was not privy to all that was discussed (which probably went into a whole lot more than the information any of us did). Now maybe LU can heal and get back to teaching the true gospel that Jesus Christ died for all and there is no such think as some got pick and others didn't.
     
  4. Rippon

    Rippon Well-Known Member
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    Maybe, but I think not.

    Wow, what a truncated and poor substitute for the true Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ that you subscribe to! Tis a pity.
     
  5. Grasshopper

    Grasshopper Active Member
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    As I suspected, the defense of Caner is all about defending a calvinist hater.
     
  6. ReformedBaptist

    ReformedBaptist Well-Known Member

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    If that is the case, it is truly sad to see.
     
  7. Grasshopper

    Grasshopper Active Member
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    It seems to be the only possibility as even Normam Geisler heads that direction:

    "They exonerated him on everything except some misstatements on nothing that was crucial," Geisler told CT on Wednesday. "No moral or doctrinal charges were established; no culpability was proven."
    Geisler blames Muslims for inspiring the probe and "extreme Calvinists" for "shoving him under the bus."

    Here is an excellent refutation of Geisler's defense of Caner, ( it seems Geisler did no research):

    http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=4024
     
  8. Paul33

    Paul33 New Member

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  9. Charles Meadows

    Charles Meadows New Member

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    It seems like there is always more to this type of situation than is known to most. On the surface Caner seems like a great emissary for Christianity, able to bring the message to young people in particularly. Conversely James White, for example, has always seemed fairly uncharitable and mean-spirited toward anyone with whom he disagrees even slightly.

    But are there factors behind the scenes that are not apparent? Is Caner the genuine guy that he seems? Is this all about something he said 9 years ago or is there more?

    Any "gut feelings" about this?
     
  10. Paul33

    Paul33 New Member

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    The LU faculty and students that commented raise interesting questions that I think you are referring to. I agree with your assessment of James White. I think LU crafted an official statement that can be interpreted either way. They did not state that he misrepresented his past and they allowed him to remain a professor. They did state that he made contradictory statements, that he apologized for discrepancies and misstatements, and did not renew his contract as dean (president).

    I would not be happy serving along side him if I were at LU. I think LU dropped the ball on this one. Caner lied. Period. The facts are obvious. He intentionally misrepresented his past to gain a hearing. Jerry, Jr, the lawyer, did a nice spin on this one. But if he was the one who wanted to keep Caner, as it is being reported, he was just plain wrong.

    As an LU alum, I am deeply disappointed. Caner needs to repent. Geisler and Ankerberg should be encouraging him to repent. And the official LU statement should have stated that Caner misrepresented his background and is no longer a professor at the university or seminary.
     
  11. Paul33

    Paul33 New Member

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    Just last year, in TN, he stated that he learned English as an adult, and that if he could do it, anyone could. So Caner has been lying, not just nine years ago, but up to the very present. Caner did not learn English as an adult. He learned it as a three year old in Ohio. His statement with regard to immigration and immigrants is a total fabrication of the truth.
     
  12. Peggy

    Peggy New Member

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    Caner is hiding behind LU. He needs to come clean with a statement of apology on his own. I'm pretty sure he knows how to read and write English.

    Then he can go far away and think about the damage he has done to people's trust in the integrity of LU.
     
  13. Major B

    Major B <img src=/6069.jpg>

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    There is, within evangelical circles, a desire for excitement (human generated or not), and a perceived need to accompany the preaching of the Word with "oooh" and "ahhh" stories to elicit emotional reaction that has all of the nutrition content of cotton candy. This is what many churches want, so they can generate this "excitement." But what, pray tell, can be more exciting than the Gospel? The Gospel does not need the support of falsehoods, lies, and exaggeration, if it is rightly preached. The problem is that (2 Tim 4:1-5, Heb 5:11-14) many professing believers cannot tolerate God's Word--it is a diet not to their taste. This is one reason why men of God who preach the Bible find themselves ignored, "retired" or pushed aside.
     
    #13 Major B, Jul 5, 2010
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 5, 2010
  14. Dale-c

    Dale-c Active Member

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    Major B, very well said.

    The gospel, when preached right is the most exicting story ever told.
    Yes, it is a story. It is a TRUE story. And what a story it is.

    How pathetic that we think that we even CAN improve upon it, let alone that we NEED to.
     
  15. Berean

    Berean Member
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    I realize this is an opinion site in general but I would like your opinion on what is the nearest thing to the whole truth about his Saga. I am certain it is like a divorce case three (3) sides ( his, hers and the actual factual) I have been following Christianity Today and FBC JAX Watchdog blog.
    Your replies as to what you think is the most factual source of info will be appreciated.
     
  16. Paul33

    Paul33 New Member

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    The most factual source of information is from Caner himself through audio, video and text. His statements are well documented through these means. Then, compare Caner to Caner.
     
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