I'm thankful today for the many faithful readers of this blog, now starting its 7th year. And I am very thankful for the many friends I've made along the way. And thankful for no door knocks on Thanksgiving Eve this year!
While I'm getting ready to feast on a turkey bone, I did want to give an important update on the Ergun Caner lawsuits that broke yesterday on Jason Smathers' blog here. As most of you know, earlier this year Ergun Caner did file a lawsuit against pastor Jason Smathers, and Liberty University grad Jonathan Autry for copyright infringement related to their posting of the most damning video of Ergun Caner speaking to the U.S. Marines in 2007.
It seems there is finally some movement in the case, as some court filings have been made by the defense. Please take time to read Jonathan Autry's pleading with the court. If you've followed the Ergun Caner case over the past three years, and wonder what kind of "Man of God" could mislead congregations for an entire decade, read this filing and things about Ergun Caner will make sense - in a sick sort of way. Read it. Carefully. It is disturbing. I have embedded the document below, or you can hyperlink to it here.
Jonathan and Jason have very different legal representation. Because of the significant first amendment and "Freedom of Information Act" implications of Smathers' case, he is being represented by Kel McClanahan of the National Security Counselors just outside of Washington, DC. Jonathan on the other hand, can't afford legal representation and his younger brother is defending him.
Kel McClanahan's brief to the court to support their motion to dismiss Caner's lawsuit is also interesting reading. It is one thing to read some blogger like myself popping off about Caner's deceptions. It is another thing altogether to read a long court filing written by a great legal mind, summarizing many of the events we have blogged about since the transformation of Butch Caner into Ergun Mehmet Giovonni Caner on 9/11 - it is carefully footnoted and detailed, arguing to the court the merit-less claims of Caner's copyright assertions. I have also embedded this court filing below as well.
Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!
39 comments:
God is going to allow Egypt (Ergun) to attack His people (these two bloggers). As the enemies of God get right in the midst of the sea (the legal system), I believe that God will bring down His judgment on them. Just as it was in the Exodus, the very thing that God brings His people through will be the very thing that destroys His enemies. Ergun forced them into the legal system, and now his whole charade will be uncovered by the courts. I am praying that God will do to Ergun just as He said he would do in Jeremiah chapter 23.
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful that the Lord Jesus opened my eyes to the apostasy that I was involved in in the apostate harlot religious system. The top down management form of Nicolaitan leadership with its false pastoral/elder authority is not what Jesus told us His church would be like in Matthew 20:
25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
The lie about tithing is nothing but an extortion scam much like indulgences was to the catholic religion.
The false teaching that a church building is the house of God, when the bible is clear in Acts 17:24
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
The preachers saying that we have to go to the house of God to hear the "man of God", as if a born again laymen is not just as much a man of God as he is, often times so much the more as most clergy men are spiritually dead.
Yes I am thankful that God delivered me out of the Babylonian institutional religious system, and I am learning more from His Spirit through His Word than I ever did in that wretched system. The fellowship I enjoy with like minded believers is sweeter than it ever was shaking hands across a pew for a few seconds while we played a church version of Simon says. Simon says, "Open your hymnal, Simon says, stand and sing."
I am also thankful for bloggers like you, and Steve Lumley, and the guys over at Wicked Shepherds, who dared to stand against this monster called institutional religion, and expose her for the harlot that she is.
To God be the glory!!!
This is incredible. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought Ergun would go this far to keep his lies from reaching people.
Where does he get the money for attorneys and this lawsuit? He has to have backers or is far more wealthy than what we first believed.
Number 35 in the document you linked to had me reading it twice to make sure I had not misread it the first time. Making Moses's wife and children (age 4,5,7) sign this agreement? Are you kidding? That is harassment and beyond anythng a person who calls themselves a Christian should demand. Ergun Caner's speeches are based on lies. Any job he got was based on lies. In the secular world that would lead to being fired, not having backers and able to file a lawsuit. I am disgusted. I am speechless.
If anything I hope this lawsuit backfires on Ergun, and his lies exposed in a court of law. Keep us informed Jax. This could prove to be Ergun's undoing. I hope so.
Anon 9:54
I agree with much of what you wrote and hope your Red Sea analogy plays out as you predict.
I am also frustrated by organized religion, especially mega churches.
I believe we are supposed to BE the church not simply go to church. Being the church is about others, not about ourselves. This ties right into the humility Jesus prescribed in the passage you quote.
Of course the word also tell us this:
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24, 25 ESV)
I am also curious as to why you chose the KJV version of Matthew 20:26 where the word "minister" is used. Most translation render this word as "servant" which would seem to make your point more effectively.
diakonos: Original Word: διάκονος, οῦ, ὁ, ἡ
Definition: a waiter, servant; then of any one who performs any service, an administrator.
Ooops! s/ Butch Caner
Count III - Dr. Caner recently decided to grow an ugly beard that looks a lot like Muslim religious people wear. Therefore, he really is who he claims he is.
What jumped out at me to illustrate Caner's evil desires to harass and intimidate others is his "informal interrogatories" and demand that private conversations WITH OTHERS ABOUT ERGUN CANER" be disclosed. He wants names! Beware of God's Man!
Similar to what happened to the Watchdog, these bullies tried to push the wrong guy too far. They expect all Christians to be weak and bow down to them under pressure. But once you drag these delusional "men of God" out of their cult atmosphere and into the real world of courts and laws, they are no longer big bad bullies, but turn into embarrassing punks. The Dog won lawsuits against FBC Jacksonville AND the City of Jacksonville in the justice system. Thank God for separation of church and state! These punks and bullies are so arrogant and live in such a closed cult life, they don't even realize that the last thing they want to do is bring their actions into the public arena where reasonable, non Kool-Aid drinkers will render decisions.
I love the timing of this filing. There must be something about the day before Thanksgiving. :)
To Anonymous 9:54 AM
Thank you, you have put into words what I believe but could not express with words.
Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
The defendants should be countersuing for abuse of the legal process to harass. The Caner suit has no merit and is baseless in law and in fact. It is an attempt to cause the defendants to have to employ attorneys to defend the case. A countersuit is a stronger tactic that an answer or motion for summary judgment that asks for attorney fees. The Caner suit is so laughable that a counter-suit is in order.
How could 4, 5, and 7-year-old children understand or legally sign any agreement?
How could 4, 5, and 7-year-old children understand or legally sign any agreement?
________________________________
Hey, if they are old enough to "make a decision for Christ" at that age, as SBC churches love to teach, then they can promise not to criticize the man of God. The majority of baptisms and conversions that SBC churches report are from innocent children that got "saved" in Vacation Bible School, or walked an aisle just to make mom and dad so proud of them. This shows how these phonies like Caner really feel about innocent children. That crap can be enforced in a cult, but NOT by any judge in the country.
What is it with Mac Brunson? He seems to bring hurt to people right before the Holiday Season - I''m sure the church could find in their budget a way to keep the 47 people who were downsized until after the Holidays - I'm confident if Mac Brunson would have taken up a special offering these people would still be employed - the FBC members are very generous people. I'm wondering if Mac Brunson was truly called by God - as one quoted on this blog, the church is crumbling!
I just wanted to mention that we are seeking legal fees from Dr. Caner. We don't have to file a counter-claim in order to seek legal fees.
"He that troubles his own house, shall inherit the wind; and a fool shall be a servant to the wise of heart". Proverbs 11:29
Caner is a shameful man.
Wouldn't the amount Caner was paid by gov to speak be available via foia? Maybe he made enough $$ from gov to hold him over & fund the suits.
Josh,
My reading is that Caner has filed a lawsuit that he has no hope of winning in court. That means it was filed solely for harassment, to make you spend money to defend yourself. Seeking attorney fees by the defense is very reasonable, but a countersuit for harassment will keep the suit alive and he could drop it suddenly and your request for attorney fees would die unless you have a live counterclaim. Sue him for harassment. And check out the state where his lawyer is licensed. In some states, filing a suit you know cannot be won will result in state bar discipline or discipline by the judge. Most state bars do not like what filing a harassing suit does to the image of the profession.
If it is proved in court that Caner lied in delivery to the Marines, the Marine Corps can recover whatever was paid. I do not know what the Statute of Limitations is for that sort of thing. On occasion such false statements to government employees or in delivery of a product under a government contract can be a federal criminal offense.
I do not believe that Caner wants to go to court where he would have to either perjure himself under oath to maintain his lies or admit that he lied. That is another reason for filing a counterclaim.
When you think about these mega star pastors and their mega ministries, and all the works that they have done, just remember what Jesus said about the religious leaders in Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Jesus knew full well that the religious world would be full of mega preachers that would do big works, and yet they would be complete strangers to the Lord that they claim they serve.
They are those that do what they do for profit, selling the Word of God for personal gain. If you would study to show yourself approved as scripture demands, this would be no great surprise, because God's Word already warned us that:
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
God is pulling back the curtains and exposing the truth about these men. Fear them not. Our God is in control. Jesus Christ is separating His bride from these men, and causing them to no longer feed off of His little flock. Before our very eyes we are seeing Mystery Babylon the great beginning to crumble.
Attorney,
We can recover attorney fees by winning the motion to dismiss under the Copyright Act, which is more fee-shifting than comparable federal statutes. Although the Court can award defense fees even in meritorious cases, I think my motion to dismiss makes clear that this case is frivolous. In any event, it is unlikely in my view that Dr. Caner will withdraw his case given his actions thus far.
Also, you may have mistaken me for my brother, Jonathan. I am representing Jonathan.
Your desire to file a counter-claim is understandable. But such a claim would be costly for my brother, a Virginia resident, to litigate in Texas. Whether such a claim is in his best interest is for him to decide.
The simple fact that such a claim would likely hurt Dr. Caner does not mean that it would necessarily help Jonathan. Ultimately, Jonathan will not have to decide whether to file a counter-claim until after the judge rules on our motions to dismiss.
When you get Ergun to pay those legal fee's, I sure do hope you are charging premium prices. Phone call $6000, text message $7000, having to drive to the courthouse $12000, etc.
Why is this still called FBCJAX WATCHDOG if there is no longer any commentary about FBCJAX? HUGE news came out this past week about the layoffs of 47 people right before the holidays and with the exception of a comment on this thread, all we get from the watchdog is the sound of crickets.
Come on, Dog, let's hear you bark!
May I/We bark for you WD?
Honorably Not doing so. FBC leadership is killing its own revenue stream...the church...in plain sight of everyone. No "pile on" needed. And I dont think he can be baited. :). Have a great Lords Day WD
It is always "fun" until someone get hurt.
BTW 6:02 - If you were really intent on reflecting Christ, you would be on your knees praying for FBC, instead of spewing your venom all over.
http://fdluxe.dallasnews.com/2013/11/dear-god-are-the-park-cities-ready-for-pastor-ed-and-lisa.html/
Did Ed Young get a new hair style?
Brewton-Parker HAS elected Caner.
http://www.bpc.edu/PresidentialSearch/canerpressrelease.html
Let's dance, Butch
Looks like Butch just got elected to be the president of a Georgia Baptist college in South Georgia -- Brewton Parker.
I love the assumption that if someone says any negative about FBC that they aren't praying for the church. Just like the morning Brunson informed congregation of firings of church employees, he said those who were let go were very mature about it. As if to say, if you aren't ok with it then you aren't being mature. How can one not notice there are problems and they started about 7 yrs ago. Someone on the other thread pointed out that there are some very wealthy members who could take care of the money problems. Maybe they aren't because they don't like that the long standing cash only policy of the church has been changed. Now stretched too thin, some lost their jobs. OT can't believe Caner was hired, will be interesting to see how his testimony goes.
So is Tom is Walid Shoebat making up his story too? Just wondering about this also. Thanks for informing us about Ergun
According to numerous sources, Dr. Caner is leaving Arlington Baptist College to become president at Brewton-Parker Collegein Georgia.. Interesting developments: http://www.bpc.edu/PresidentialSearch/canerpressrelease.html
Re. Butch.
No, no. Butch died on 9/12/01. He was replaced by E. M. Caner who was born and grew up some place else. Butch was reborn as someone who did a lot of really strange things and then overcame. This is the person we are talking about now. Not old dull Butch who lived a normal (for the diverse US) life.
He has reinvented his life and the folks in Georgia seem to be happy for him.
Interestingly, Brewton-Parker's press release states that Caner was born in Sweden in 1966 and that the "family immigrated to the United States first in 1969 and settled in Ohio." This flies in the face of the claims in dispute.
Can the press release be subpoenaed and used as evidence by Smathers and Autry in the Caner lawsuit? Given the second half of the press release, and its disparaging remarks about Smathers and Autruy, the irony would be hilarious.
Someone has gotta have said this before?
I understand Emir (Caner) to be of upright and honest character so... Why not just call on him to testify as some sort of reference?
Simply...Where did he freakin come from?
I dont think..."Duh I dunno...he just showed up." will work in court.
Then he can decide to stand with Truth or Err...gun.
Anonymous #36-
When Ergun threatened to sue James White this summer, White said he would do subpoena Emir to depose him (under oath) and ask questions like the one you suggest.
We have all noticed (if we kept up with such things) that EC has left JW strictly alone. He may have made a threat or two, but he won't mess with James. A well organized and determined opponent is more than he wants to work with--and I can understand.
Anyone sued or threatened to be sued by Caner needs to adopt the following strategy: (1) make sure he has sued in the correct forum, generally where the defendant lives. If not, file papers to have the case transferred and ask for court to award attorney fees for you to file the paperwork. (2) Countersue claiming suit was filed for harassment and to cause you to incur expenses to defend youself, b/c his suit has no merit; ask for attorney fees and compensation for your time to defend yourself from the harassment. (3) Schedule a deposition of Caner and subpoena him to attend and bring every bit of evidence he intends produce at trial. (you get to keep copies of everything). Be sure that the questions asked at his deposition cover every fact of his life that may have been falsified. Also that he is challenged to state whether every sentence he has ever been recorded as saying is literally true or not. Video of the deposition is yours to use and he will have to get a separate court order to prevent you from releasing it to the public.
Caner likely will not continue the suit. When he seeks to drop the suit, ask the court to make him pay you, since his dropping the suit is an admission it was without merit.
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