Dr. Aaron Werner is a pastor and teacher of religion whose academic interests focus on epistemology and reason in the development of faith. He had a long career as Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University in Georgia and as a pastor at churches with memberships ranging from 50 to over 16,000 in Florida, Kentucky, Arkansas, Indiana, California and Maine.
In 2019, Dr Werner was hired as Assistant Professor of Religion at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. There, he had an exemplary teaching record and, while upholding the religious principles of Liberty University, encouraged vigorous questioning of any and all topics including statements by church leaders. In 2023, two weeks into his courses for the spring semester, Dr Werner was abruptly terminated with no explanation except for a vague reference to “something” -- or “everything” -- he said in class.
Dr Werner can only assume that his affinity for questions is what led to his termination. Since his dismissal, he has been a self-employed commercial lobsterman and a pastor at First Baptist Church in Freeport, Maine.
For his courage to pursue free inquiry and a questioning spirit in the teaching of theology, the Columbia Academic Freedom Council is honored to present Dr. Aaron Werner with the 2025 Academic Freedom Award.
