The Wesley Quadrilateral

Trying to figure out what is theologically sound is no easy matter for most of us.  Theology may sound like too big a word for many folks who would like to say it is just a word for preachers, but it is actually a word that has a bearing on all of us seek to live a life of faith in Christ.  Differences in theology have caused bloodshed and disruption in the life of the Church.  These are days when the winds of change are blowing so hard that it seems the church will either make significant changes or be blown away.

 

One of the guiding factors for the denomination that ordained me (The United Methodist Church) has always been something known as the Wesley Quadrilateral which simply means that four things are used to determine sound theology.  Those four elements are Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience with Scripture always holding the trump card.  When these four elements of faith are in alignment, there is a greater likelihood of sound theology and doctrine being at the core of our individual spiritual life as well as the life of the church.

 

We live in a day when experience and the reason birthed by the popular opinion is having a great influence on the shaping of our personal faith and the life of the church.  It is difficult to understand how some would declare common consensus to have such power as to shape what the Word (Scripture) is saying.  It would seem to make more sense for the Word to shape what is regarded as common consensus.  Looking at what we are giving authority is an important matter for each one of us for it is the decision that results in the foundation for our life.