One (Baptist) netfriend wrote:

I think one _can_ hold scripture up as an absolute authority _and_ advocate for freedom of conscience - only so long as one does not at the same time advocate a simplistic approach to biblical interpretation.

A second Baptist responded:

I want to respond only to one comment made here, which for me is crucial : scripture never should hold ABSOLUTE authority, for to give it such is to elevate it to divinity. Baptists have historically argued that it holds supreme authority, which I am most comfortable with. But to give it absolute authority is to grant it a status it has neither claimed nor deserved.