The Wesleyan Quadrilateral

When it comes to finding the way to sound doctrine and a clear theology, there is no better path to take than the one provided by John Wesley, the 18th century father of Methodism.  A 20th century thinker and theologian, Albert Outler, termed it the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.  This method of determining sound doctrine provides four check points.  Sound doctrine must be Scriptural, based on the Word of God.  It must be in keeping with tradition.  And a third check point brings to the table experience.  What is truth can be verified in the personal experience.  Finally, every sound doctrine must be rationale.  Scripture, experience, tradition, and reason were the four components of this Wesleyan Quadrilateral.     

Where this becomes unacceptable to many is Wesley's belief that tradition, experience, and reason were always subject to the Scripture.  If there is any confusion, the written Word has the deciding vote.  Wesley had such a high regard for the centrality and the authority of the Scripture that he called himself "a man of one book."  It is a simple formula for determining good theology, but one that is constantly overruled by what we think is a better way.  Many of those who are called Methodist in this day, and likely many who go by other names as well, can adhere to the Wesleyan Quadrilateral as long as a fifth dimension is added which is the common consensus of culture.  

And not only is popular cultural opinion given a vote, it is given the deciding vote.  It even trumps Scripture.  And therein is the reason for much of our theological chaos in these days.  Culture is trendy, always changing, and a product of human reasoning.  Scripture is the Word breathed into existence by the Holy Spirit.  Choosing culture over Scripture brings to mind the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.