The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: The phrase which has relatively recently come
into use [introduced by Albert Outler] to describe the principal factors that John Wesley believed illuminate
the core of the Christian faith for the believer. Wesley did not formulate the
succinct statement now commonly referred to as the Wesley Quadrilateral.
Building on the Anglican theological tradition, Wesley added a fourth emphasis,
experience. The resulting four components or "sides" of the
quadrilateral are (1) Scripture, (2) tradition, (3) reason, and (4) experience.
For United Methodists, Scripture is considered the primary source and
standard for Christian doctrine. Tradition is experience and the witness
of development and growth of the faith through the past centuries and in many
nations and cultures. Experience is the individual's understanding and
appropriating of the faith in the light of his or her own life. Through reason
the individual Christian brings to bear on the Christian faith discerning and
cogent thought. These four elements taken together bring the individual Christian
to a mature and fulfilling understanding of the Christian faith and the
required response of worship and service.
Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by Permission.
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