In his presentation, Baptist Pavement, Baptist Potholes, and a P.S. Concerning Baptist Freedom, 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.
