Freedom of Academic Inquiry Drives Authentic Theological Education‪.‬

The concept of freedom is the bedrock from which Baptists have been hewn. The cry for religious liberty has been the most characteristic trait of Baptist theology through the years; yet there is an amazing paradox apparent in any discussion of Baptists and freedom. While conceptions of religious liberty demonstrate the beauty and vitality of Baptist life and thought, the most despicable moments in Baptist life have occurred when the freedom of others has been denied and systematically abused. The saddest chapter in Baptist history has been the conscious violation of the freedom of our African-American sisters and brothers. Baptists have been quick to espouse ideals of freedom but often just as quick to forsake that heritage for small-minded causes. It is right that Baptists have begged for forgiveness for their racist past. However, racism is not the only example of this paradox within Baptist life. It is also true that our denominational history has been filled with examples of the denial of academic freedom as we have acted in ways oblivious to the key Baptist virtue of freedom of conscience. How is this possible, that a people so centered on freedom have so often ignored the call to liberty?