Religious Liberty Resources
Greetings on behalf of the Baptist History & Heritage Society! We are an 86-year-old organization incorporated in Tennessee with a mission to help Baptists discover, conserve, assess and share their history. Our vision is to “bridge the world of the academy and the congregation.”
It is a privilege to share several resources exploring religious freedom and the Baptist witness from our Baptist History & Heritage Journal from several Baptist historians and scholars.
The Baptist tradition in the United States has played a pivotal role in shaping and defending religious liberty, a legacy that remains essential in today’s conversations about threats to freedom such as Christian Nationalism. Rooted in a deep commitment to the separation of church and state, many Baptists have persistently championed the right of every individual to worship according to their conscience, free from government interference or coercion. These resources delve into this rich history, offering valuable insights into how these Baptists have been bold advocates for religious liberty and its essential corollary, the separation of church and state.
From the leadership of early Baptist pioneers like Roger Williams and John Leland, who courageously defied religious authorities to advocate for soul freedom, to contemporary debates surrounding the Johnson Amendment, Baptists have a legacy of dissent against efforts to conflate church and state. In a time when proponents of Christian Nationalism seek to impose a narrow vision of faith on American public life, these resources offer a vital counter-narrative grounded in the Baptist commitment to religious liberty for all and a free church in a free state.
These resources serve as both historical reflections and critical tools for today’s challenges. They highlight the ongoing importance of safeguarding religious liberty, not just for Christians but for people of all faiths and backgrounds. The Baptist tradition’s advocacy for freedom stands as a powerful rebuttal to the exclusionary and racist ideologies promoted by Christian Nationalists.
—BHHS Executive Director Aaron Weaver
Baptists and the First Amendment
By Dr. Doug Weaver, Baylor University
“Baptists and the First Amendment: An Historical Overview” by Dr. Doug Weaver explores the historical relationship between Baptists and the principles of religious liberty and the separation of church and state, particularly in the context of the First Amendment. Weaver highlights the role of early Baptists like Thomas Helwys, who called for freedom of conscience and non-interference by the government in religious matters. The article discusses key moments in Baptist history, such as the resistance to a tax for religious support and the influence of Baptist leaders on First Amendment rights, while emphasizing their longstanding commitment to religious freedom for all. [Download PDF here]
Baptists and the Johnson Amendment
By Dr. David Holcomb, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
“Baptists and the Johnson Amendment” by Dr. David Holcomb examines the Johnson Amendment and its implications for churches, particularly Baptist congregations. Enacted in 1954, the Johnson Amendment prohibits churches and other tax-exempt organizations from engaging in political campaigns. The article details President Donald Trump’s 2017 executive order attempting to weaken the amendment and explores varying Baptist reactions. The article also addresses the historical, legal, and constitutional debates surrounding the amendment and its impact on the relationship between religion and politics. [Download PDF here]
Baptist Pavement, Baptist Potholes, and a P.S. Concerning Baptist Freedom
By Dr. Walter B. Shurden, Mercer University (Retired)
In his presentation, Baptist Pavement, Baptist Potholes, and a P.S. Concerning Baptist Freedom, Dr. Walter B. Shurden reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of the Baptist tradition. He celebrates key “pavements” or strengths such as personal religious experience, biblical authority, believer’s baptism, church autonomy, and freedom of conscience. However, he cautions against “potholes” or weaknesses, such as spiritual narcissism, isolationism, and theological relativism. Shurden emphasizes the importance of freedom, particularly in the Baptist tradition, while acknowledging the balance needed between freedom and responsibility in both church and public life. [Download PDF here]
The Metaphor of the Wall of Separation
By Dr. William Underwood, Mercer University
“The Metaphor of the Wall of Separation: Baptists and the First Amendment” by Dr. William D. Underwood explores the historical relationship between Baptists and the concept of church-state separation. Underwood traces the origins of the metaphor, particularly through the influence of Roger Williams, and examines its significance during colonial America. The article highlights how Baptists, once a persecuted minority, championed religious liberty and the separation of church and state. However, it also notes the shift in perspective among some modern Baptists who challenge the separation, favoring government involvement in religious matters. [Download PDF here]
The Risk of Majority Faith
By Dr. Doug Weaver, Baylor University
In his sermon, The Risk of Majority Faith, C. Douglas Weaver reflects on the tension between religious liberty and majority faith groups, particularly Baptists. Weaver recounts historical examples of persecuted Baptists who championed religious freedom, such as Roger Williams and Obadiah Holmes, contrasting their struggles with the present-day comfort of Baptists as a majority. He warns that when religious groups hold majority power, they risk becoming oppressors, enforcing religious conformity. Weaver urges contemporary Baptists to remember their heritage of dissent and uphold religious liberty for all, especially minorities, as a fundamental Christian principle. [Download PDF here]
“Baptists to Know” Resource for Congregations
BHHS is excited to announce the forthcoming “Baptists to Know” digital discussion guide, a companion to More Witnesses to the Baptist Heritage: Twenty-Four More Baptists Every Christian Should Know (Mercer University Press).
This resource will equip congregations, Sunday school classes, and small groups to explore the lives of diverse Baptists like Obadiah Holmes, William J. Simmons, Fannie Lou Hamer, J.M. Dawson, Prathia Hall, Addie Davis, and others.
Highlighting the often-overlooked diversity within Baptist life, this new resource will proclaim a bold and innovative Baptist identity—an essential resource for Baptist congregations today as they shape the future ahead.
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Want to learn more about the Baptist History & Heritage Society? Connect with BHHS Executive Director Aaron Weaver at aweaver@thebhhs.org.