Kregel Publications is standing behind author Ergun Caner following his removal as dean at Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in the wake of "self-contradictory" statements made in sermons and speeches. Liberty has retained him as professor.

Kregel reviewed Caner's books in light of reports alleging that Caner had exaggerated or embellished the facts of his life story. Kregel Publisher Dennis Hillman said that the company had concluded the titles it has published by Caner--including Unveiling Islam and More Than a Prophet, both which Caner co-authored with his brother, Emir Fethi Caner--were "trustworthy, factually accurate and helpful to both Christians and seekers wanting to know more about Islamic beliefs and how those beliefs compare and contrast with biblical Christianity."

The publisher added: "We accept as sincere Dr. Caner's statement, posted on his Web site in February, that said he ‘never intentionally misled anyone. ... For those times where I misspoke, said it wrong, scrambled words or was just outright confusing, I apologize and will strive to do better.' "

Caner's story "has been verified by numerous persons who knew the Caner brothers as teens and throughout their adult lives," a Kregel statement said. "Kregel Publications has found no credible evidence that contradicts the biography as presented in Dr. Caner's books. Moreover, court documents related to his parents' divorce, posted on pro-Islamic, anti-Caner Web sites, confirm beyond dispute that his father was a devout Muslim who did his utmost to insure his sons' training in the Muslim faith."

Liberty University's June 25 statement said: "After a thorough and exhaustive review of Dr. Ergun Caner's public statements, a committee consisting of four members of Liberty University's Board of Trustees has concluded that Dr. Caner has made factual statements that are self-contradictory. However, the committee found no evidence to suggest that Dr. Caner was not a Muslim who converted to Christianity as a teenager, but, instead, found discrepancies related to matters such as dates, names and places of residence. Dr. Caner has cooperated with the board committee and has apologized for the discrepancies and misstatements that led to this review."

Harvest House Publishers, which has published The Popular Encyclopedia of Apologetics, co-authored with Ed Hindson, stated: "We are saddened by the controversy that has risen as a result of the self-contradictory statements made by Ergun Caner over the years. And, we are concerned that the allegations surrounding his statements have not yet been adequately addressed by him, and we are hopeful that he will personally respond to them soon."

Abingdon Press, which has published Caner's Holier Than Thou: When Faith Becomes Toxic and is slated to release this fall The Audacious Love of Jesus, declined comment. B&H Publishing Group, which has published multiple titles by Caner, had not responded to inquiries for comment at press time.

• Prev
• Next