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University Relations
First Former Muslim to Become Dean of an Evangelical Seminary in the U.S. Liberty University announces Dr. Ergun Caner as the new Dean of the Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. Caner fills the post vacated by Dr. Danny Lovett who leaves to assume the presidency of Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga.
Caner, the first former Muslim to become the dean of an evangelical seminary in the United States, has spent two years at Liberty University teaching Theology and Church History in the School of Religion. A very popular professor, Caner energizes his listeners through both his humor and direct preaching.
“We will develop the seminary into the leading evangelical institution for training Christians for a new generation. It is no longer sufficient to simply train graduate students in theory and abstract; we must challenge them to reach a world with 140 major religions, many of whom inhabit our shores. Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary will set the standard for global apologetics on a world stage,” Caner said.
Dr. Jerry Falwell recently said, “He [Caner] is today one of the most electrifying speakers and defenders of the faith that I have ever heard. I am proud to call him a friend and so thankful that God has sent him to Liberty to lead what I believe will be a revolution in seminary education on this campus. Dr. Caner has also become a voice for evangelical Christianity in the national media, debating Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Bah’ai leaders on more than 50 college and university campuses.”
Dr. Daniel Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary said, “Dr. Ergun Caner is a fine scholar and an outstanding communicator of Christian truth. He will bring energy and passion as Dean of this fine seminary. I commend Dr. Falwell on such an excellent choice.”
After accepting Jesus Christ into his life and surrendering to the Gospel ministry, Caner continued his education receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Languages in 1989 from Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky. He then received his Master of Arts in History from the Criswell College in Dallas, Texas in 1992. In 1994, he received his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina, and in 1995, he completed his Master of Theology at Southeastern. In 2000, Caner received his Doctor of Theology from the University of South Africa in residence in Johannesburg.
Prior to coming to Liberty University, Caner taught Theology and Church History for two years at Criswell College. Caner and his wife of 11 years, Jill, are the parents of two sons, Braxton and Drake.
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