Conflicts within and between nations themselves sometimes are predicted on religious intolerance. Indeed history bears all too frequent testimony to the fact that religious differences have been at the core of innumerable conflicts and even wars. Religious freedom seems to be a scarce commodity. Yet the biblical witness to religious freedom calls Christians to a better way, both in the vertical dimension of one's personal relationship with a Redeeming God and in the horizontal dimension of relationships within the human family. That better way goes beyond mere toleration of the right of every person to chose in matters of faith and conscience.
Religious toleration is a privilege granted by man.
Religious liberty is a right bestowed by God. For Baptists, soul liberty is not optional. If it ever becomes so, Baptists cease being Baptists. This is part of their birthright of which they need to be reminded today. Baptists are not Baptist unless they are free to think for themselves and, yes, to interpret Scripture for themselves.