Dr. Ergun Caner, president of Liberty Theological Seminary, released a statement on the evening of February 25 to set the record straight about accusations, confusion, and rumors involving his heritage, integrity, and testimony. Dr. Caner seemed to be forthright in his clarifications and humbly repentant in regards to his failures in ministry. I appreciate his heart and applaud his statement.
The best part of his statement was his conclusion, which is being posted in italics for the faithful readers of Living With Fire:
"Criticism is many times helpful. In this particular instance, it has enabled me to correct the careless mistakes I addressed above. Nonetheless, I want to be clear about this current situation. This constant stream of criticism, blogging and berating is not acceptable between believers. I am as guilty as anyone else in instigating such things over the years, but these personal attacks are too much.
I shall not participate in this anymore.
This is absolutely of no interest to me.
So, may the Lord judge between us.
To all who are reading this, I want you to know– I am a clear example of a person who is constantly in need of God’s grace. Because Jesus Christ died on the Cross for the world, that includes all of us. He died to forgive my sin, and resurrected to give me life. He did the same for you. When I repented of my sin, and put my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, He gave me new life. He can do the same for you. We are all sinners, and in need of forgiveness. If you will trust Jesus Christ and turn from your sin, you can find forgiveness and freedom from all the guilt that is upon you. Jesus loves you."
It is my hope that all the critics of Ergun Caner, James White, and Tom Ascol will be reconciled with one another in Christ. When well-known ministers are attacked by one another, especially their own spiritual family, it really has the potential to send a bad witness to the lost world. Nevertheless, nothing is impossible for God, and Christ can reveal His glory in even the most hopeless of circumstances. Let's pray for these men who exercise spiritual authority over many precious souls in God's flock, and give each other the grace and love that Christ has given us.
ergun is a fraud he didnt answer even a single accusation
ReplyDeleteI thought it was sad to see this sort of thing playing out for all the world to see. I like a good debate, but it's no fun when it becomes personal and hurtful.
ReplyDeleteDawn
There are probably many opinions on just how publicly a man needs to address his critics, especially those who can appear to be relentless or appear to have ill intentions. Nevertheless, I stand with Dawn in believing that the bottom line is negative - two Christian brothers are engaged in a feud that can ultimately cast a negative light upon Christians and Christian ministers. While some would say many people already have this perception, I see no reason to compound any existing problem with non-sense like public feuds (if you want to label it as that, and many would certainly assign this situation that very label).
ReplyDeleteI consider James White to be presumptuous on one point - saying that Caner's repentance is the only possible recourse that will "properly befit his continued ministry" (see http://www.aomin.org/aoblog/index.php?itemid=3781 for White's full response). White obviously believes in God's sovereignty, and since Caner is popular enough to continue ministry whether or not a few hardcore opponents/enemies believe he should step down from ministry, then White will be waiting for God to sovereignly take Caner out of the pulpit and/or presidency at Liberty.
Repentance certainly has its place in public, but there is a private element to it as well that is reserved exclusively for the intimate relationship between the sinner and his merciful Lord. Caner may not have answered direct charges, but admitting fault should certainly not be discouraged.
The most serious issue here, in my opinion, is the relationship between these two men. Having oversight of souls in God's flock, they could get publicity other ways than this silly feud. Kudos to Caner for a step in the right direction.
Caner need to clear up the discrepancies (if he can) that are fueling this, if he wants it to end. Don't shoot the messenger.
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteI agree that it would be in Caner's best interest to clear up discrepancies and defend himself. However, White didn't seem too enthused with Caner's public statement of repentance.
White is the type of minister from whom I will keep my distance while I'm serving the Kingdom. And, given Caner's anti-Calvinistic rhetoric that divides rather than unites, I will not let him get too close to me, either. I love both brothers, but I would prefer to spend my energy winning souls, studying the Bible, and fulfilling the Great Commission rather than getting sucked into petty public feuds.
I don't debate to "win the argument" and I don't refer to my beloved Calvinist brothers as heretics (even though I do not adhere to all five points of the TULIP). Let's not forget, though, that Caner is ultimately responsible to God. James White isn't God's spiritual police officer, just as Caner isn't God's anti-Calvinistic security guard.
Jim, I'm not against James White. I am, however, against useless division that takes focus off the Great Commission.
If Caner is innocent, why did he remove his official bio as well as his statement that you linked above?
ReplyDeleteSince when does the PRESIDENT of a Christian university need to hide his own biography??? It's been missing from his site now for over two weeks.
It seems to me that Caner is shrouding his testimony in much darkness. And we all know what the Bible says about those who try to hide their deeds from the light.
I've been wondering the same thing. I was happy that Caner publicly admitted his shortcomings, and although he wasn't specific, I didn't feel that he needed to be. Perhaps the removal of his official bio is a good thing. Any false info on the bio may be in the process of being removed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit to Living With Fire and for your comment, Mr. McGough.