In an attempt to help us focus on some of the historic Baptist principles, this series of columns in The Vine will highlight some of the most historically significant Baptist positions which have helped shape who we are as a denomination. I want to begin, not with some doctrine, but with a certain mood. Baptists as a family of Christians have a certain mood. We are like any family which is characterized by a certain temperament. When you marry into a family, it is good to be aware of that family's prevailing mood.
Some families have a prevailing mood of optimism, or of depression, or of thoughtfulness.
You see what I mean. Without a doubt, the historical and contemporary mood which most characterizes Baptists is freedom. If you want to get Baptists riled up, then try taking away their freedom. What he observed was that people in many denominations were adopting a new mood of freedom, calling for choice and voluntarism in all matters religious. Martin Marty correctly identified this mood of freedom as fundamentally Baptist.