The Wesleyan Quadrilateral is an important tool for theological study and understanding. Although the title includes Wesley’s name, it was not given this formal name until the 1960s by Albeit Outler who summarized Wesley’s methodology in theology.1 The quadrilateral keeps Scripture in supreme authority while giving tradition, reason and experience authority to influence theology.2 Donald Thorsen points out, “The quadrilateral sees not just dependence but interdependence among Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.”3 Therefore, every student of the Bible needs to engage in the four legs of the quadrilateral, yet keep each leg in its proper relationship and authority with all the others. Therefore, understanding the purpose each leg of
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Wesley was a student of history and tradition within the church. In fact, he thought, “Protestants undervalued history—especially church history and tradition.”5 Tradition refers to the basic tenants of the faith and practices of the church throughout history. Such as, there is one God, Jesus was fully man and fully God, Jesus’ death on the cross brought forgiveness to those who would receive it; as well as, how the church has gathered for prayer, singing, reading of Scripture and communion for all time. Of course, the traditions of the church are vast; and while some have remained and others have disappeared, Outler points out an important role of tradition by stating, “Holy Scripture is clearly unique. But this in turn is illuminated by the collective Christian wisdom of other ages and cultures between the Apostolic Age and our own.”6 What is more, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral keeps theology inside the boundaries of what the church has believed for all time.7 Similarly, Winfield Bevins writes in the Journal Of Pentecostal …show more content…
One area in which Sola scriptura has been misunderstood is thinking that the Bible contains all knowledge that can ever be known. Indeed, there is much wisdom and knowledge within the Scriptures, yet as Thorsen points out, “The Bible is not a scientific textbook, a manual on governmental procedures, or a catalog of automobile engine parts. The Bible does not claim to give us every bit of knowledge that we could ever obtain.”9 Therefore, reason and logic must be applied to theology. Basically, Christians are not asked to check their brains at the door when it comes to faith; but rather, fully engage thier minds in theology. In fact, Jesus said people are to love him with all of their minds.10 Furthermore, Wesley affirmed the use of reason and said, “Reason is much for same with understanding. It means a faculty of the human soul; that faculty which exerts itself in three ways; by simple apprehension, by judgment, and by discourse.”11 In many ways, the progression of science has helped theology by bringing the best of thought to the forefront of biblical study, let alone the evidence science has given to the Bible’s
Wesley was a student of history and tradition within the church. In fact, he thought, “Protestants undervalued history—especially church history and tradition.”5 Tradition refers to the basic tenants of the faith and practices of the church throughout history. Such as, there is one God, Jesus was fully man and fully God, Jesus’ death on the cross brought forgiveness to those who would receive it; as well as, how the church has gathered for prayer, singing, reading of Scripture and communion for all time. Of course, the traditions of the church are vast; and while some have remained and others have disappeared, Outler points out an important role of tradition by stating, “Holy Scripture is clearly unique. But this in turn is illuminated by the collective Christian wisdom of other ages and cultures between the Apostolic Age and our own.”6 What is more, the Wesleyan Quadrilateral keeps theology inside the boundaries of what the church has believed for all time.7 Similarly, Winfield Bevins writes in the Journal Of Pentecostal …show more content…
One area in which Sola scriptura has been misunderstood is thinking that the Bible contains all knowledge that can ever be known. Indeed, there is much wisdom and knowledge within the Scriptures, yet as Thorsen points out, “The Bible is not a scientific textbook, a manual on governmental procedures, or a catalog of automobile engine parts. The Bible does not claim to give us every bit of knowledge that we could ever obtain.”9 Therefore, reason and logic must be applied to theology. Basically, Christians are not asked to check their brains at the door when it comes to faith; but rather, fully engage thier minds in theology. In fact, Jesus said people are to love him with all of their minds.10 Furthermore, Wesley affirmed the use of reason and said, “Reason is much for same with understanding. It means a faculty of the human soul; that faculty which exerts itself in three ways; by simple apprehension, by judgment, and by discourse.”11 In many ways, the progression of science has helped theology by bringing the best of thought to the forefront of biblical study, let alone the evidence science has given to the Bible’s