Abstract This article begins by analysing the principles at the heart of Stephen R. Holmes’ vision of Baptist theology and ecclesiology. It then examines Holmes’ work on the authority of theological Tradition. It is demonstrated that Holmes argues for a pneumatologically rooted and consensual understanding of Tradition that locates its authority in the testimony of the whole church to the voice and will of the Spirit interpreting the texts he inspired. In the final third of the argument, these two areas of Holmes’ work are brought into dialogue to generate an authentically Baptist conception of the authority of Tradition to bind the local church. It is suggested that this can help Baptists and others holding to some form of congregational church government resolve issues in their commitment to the catholicity and unity of the Church, provide a more secure ground for theological discernment, and enable more fruitful ecumenical dialogue.
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