Former Muslim Becomes New Dean of LBTS

Dr. Ergun Caner, a converted Sunni Muslim and son of a Muslim scholar, is the first former Muslim to become the dean of an evangelical seminary in the history of U.S.

Last month, Liberty University celebrated the appointment of Dr. Ergun Caner as the new Dean of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (LBTS). Caner’s appointment filled the post of Dr. Danny Lovett who left to assume the presidency of Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Caner, a converted Sunni Muslim and son of a Muslim scholar, is the first former Muslim to become the dean of an evangelical seminary in the history of U.S. He is quoted as a very popular professor whose sense of humor and direct preaching have energized the students since joining the faculty in 2003, as the Professor of Theology and Church History at the university.

Dr. Jerry Falwell, the university’s president 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.”

The Turkish immigrant, who converted to Christianity in 1982, has an extensive academic background. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Languages in 1989 from Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky and obtained his Master of Arts in History from the Criswell College in Dallas, Texas in 1992. In 1994, he received his Master of Divinity as well as Master of Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1994 and 1995, respectively. Finally, he completed his Doctor of Theology at the University of South Africa in 2000.

Dr. Caner’s previous teaching experience was at the Criswell College where he taught in the same field for two years. And it was year 2002 his name became nationally renowned when his book Unveiling Islam (Kregel Publications) became a best-seller and eventually won the Christian Booksellers Association Gold Medallion Award. In addition, Dr. Caner is a co-author of 11 books based on apologetics and history which he wrote in collaboration with his brother Dr. Emir Caner.

“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,” said Caner, expressing his new vision for LBTS.

The newly appointed dean, Caner has two sons, Braxton and Drake, from his marriage of 11 years to his wife, Jill.