First Freedom: The Baptist Perspective on Religious Liberty

First Freedom is an important gathering of messages from a recent conference on religious liberty held at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Editor Jason B. Duesing explains:

"The purpose of this collection is, first, to provide an introductory look into the biblical and historical foundations of religious liberty combined with several instances of contemporary expression and defense for the purpose of instruction, edification, and encouragement to all who take the time to read this volume. Second, however, we wish to remind Baptists in the twenty-first century of the price that was paid by their forefathers for the establishment and defense of religious liberty. To be sure, there were people of various religious and denominational preferences that providence used to implement the religious freedoms now enjoyed by all, but for Baptists to overlook the contribution of their own would be a travesty."

Thomas White is director of the Smith Center for Leadership Development and a faculty member at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jason G. Duesing is chief of staff in the office of the president, at SWBTS.

Malcolm B. Yarnell III is assistant dean for theological studies, director of the Center for Theological Research, director of the Oxford Study Program, and associate professor of systematic theology at SWBTS.