Figuring It Out

It is not always easy to do what Jesus often seems to be telling us to do.  Certainly there were times when He was quite explicit about what to do.  But, there were also those moments when His parting admonition is "Go figure."  Jesus did not see Himself as the Answer Man who kept us from doing our own thinking.  Actually, He taught in such a way as to encourage truth seeking through personal reflection.  And while some church groups are very specific in telling its people what to believe and what can or cannot be done, some seem patterned more after the teaching style of Jesus giving some room for personal reflection.

 

One thing I have always appreciated about the United Methodist tradition is the focus on experiencing faith as it speaks of "hearts being strangely warmed."  However, this does not mean the same tradition calls people to leave their heads at home.  Most United Methodists have come to appreciate what is known as "the Wesley Quadrilateral."  It is a term used to describe how John Wesley, the founder and father of Methodism, developed good theology.  He said there were four things to guide us in our search for good theology.  One is the Scripture.  The second is orthodox tradition.  The third is personal experience.  And, the fourth is reason.  With all four of these lights to guide us, we are much more likely to come to a belief system that can be characterized as good theology.

 

The Wesley Quadrilateral helps us avoid extreme theological positions that are impractical and unrealistic.  Wesley maintained that the primary source of influence was the Scripture.  When in doubt, or when struggling, let the Scripture be the primary guide, not something as volatile as emotions, or experience.  Unfortunately, many today have a different view.  The Scripture is not held as the sacred authoritative Word of God.  For many people the Scripture does not have the last word.  It is no surprise that theological confusion runs rampant.