The Wesleyan Quadrilateral is a
methodology for theological reflection that is credited to John Wesley, leader of the Methodist movement in the late 18th Century. The
term itself was coined by 20th century American Methodist,
Albert C. Outler, in his introduction to the 1964
collection:
John Wesley (ISBN 0-19-502810-4).
Upon examination of Wesley's work, Outler theorized that Wesley used four different sources in coming to theological conclusions. The four sources are:
· Scripture – the Holy Bible (Old and New Testaments)
· Tradition – the two millennia history of the Christian Church
· Reason – rational thinking and sensible interpretation
· Experience – a Christian's personal and communal journey in Christ
In practice, at least one of the Wesleyan denominations, The United Methodist Church, asserts that "Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by Tradition, vivified in personal Experience, and confirmed by Reason. Scripture [however] is primary, revealing the Word of God 'so far as it is necessary for our salvation.”
John Wesley (ISBN 0-19-502810-4).
Upon examination of Wesley's work, Outler theorized that Wesley used four different sources in coming to theological conclusions. The four sources are:
· Scripture – the Holy Bible (Old and New Testaments)
· Tradition – the two millennia history of the Christian Church
· Reason – rational thinking and sensible interpretation
· Experience – a Christian's personal and communal journey in Christ
In practice, at least one of the Wesleyan denominations, The United Methodist Church, asserts that "Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by Tradition, vivified in personal Experience, and confirmed by Reason. Scripture [however] is primary, revealing the Word of God 'so far as it is necessary for our salvation.”