Wesleyan Quadrilateral Notes

Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Christian Epistemology

Introduction

  • The Wesleyan Quadrilateral is a way of understanding Christian epistemology.
  • Epistemology: The study of how we know things; sources and methods for understanding a subject.
  • In theology, epistemology is based on the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.
  • Consists of Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
  • Not unique to the Wesleyan denomination, John Wesley used these sources in his writings.

Four Sources

  • Scripture: Primary source
  • Tradition: Conciliar work of the church; teachings handed down across time.
  • Reason: Philosophical discussions.
  • Experience: Personal or societal experiences.

Scripture

  • Scripture: The Word of God, Christian writings inspired by the Holy Spirit.
  • Definition: Writings Christians believe are inspired by the Holy Spirit.
  • Gives information about God's revelation.
  • Central to Christian epistemology because it's considered the primary, overriding, and transcendent source.
  • When conflicts arise, Scripture has the final say because it is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
  • The Bible contains everything needed for salvation.
  • Tradition, reason, and experience are needed to differentiate between accurate and inaccurate understandings of Scripture.
  • Scripture is used to justify things that are wrong or nonsensical.
  • It is the foundation: the most authoritative source of Christian epistemology.

Tradition

  • Tradition refers to teachings handed down across time.
  • Root word "trade," which means handover.
  • Teachings of the Apostles passed down through generations.
  • Tradition and Scripture developed alongside each other.
  • Not everything Jesus taught was written down in the Gospels.

Examples of Tradition:

  • Creeds (Apostles' Creed, Nicene Creed): Consistent with Scripture.
  • Liturgy: Practices dating back to the early church (e.g., "The Lord be with you" / "And also with you").
  • Tradition does not include minor things like Christmas trees or worship style.
  • Overvaluing Tradition: Being stuck on the way things have always been done, preventing evolution.
  • Undervaluing Tradition: Thinking the past has nothing to teach us.
  • If tradition contradicts Scripture, Scripture prevails.
  • The Reformation aimed to bring the church back into alignment with Scripture.

Reason

*Quote from Dorothy Sayers: "It is fatal to let people suppose that Christianity is only a mode of feeling. It is vitally necessary to insist that it is first and foremost a rational explanation of the universe."

  • Christianity is rational; it makes sense.
  • Reason is the highest imprint of the image of God in humanity (Thomas Aquinas).
  • God gave us the ability to reason, which sets us apart from the rest of God's creation.
  • Limitations on Reason:
    • We are not all-knowing.
    • We are fallen; our reason is influenced by sin.
    • We are not infallible; we make mistakes in logic.
    • We need the reason of others and discussion.

Benefits of Reasonable Faith:

  • Shows that Christianity doesn't defy logic.
  • Reassures us that our faith is coherent.
  • Even when we experience doubt, we can trust God's revelation.
  • If reason contradicts Scripture or tradition, Scripture has the last word.
  • This gets complicated when we talk about like the natural sciences. For example, debates about creation and evolution.

Experience

  • Listed fourth in the Wesleyan Quadrilateral because it is subjective.
  • Varies from person to person.
  • Includes individual life experiences (mission trips, formative events) and societal/cultural experiences (9/11, the Reformation).
  • Knowledge gained from experience cannot override Scripture, tradition, or reason.
  • For example, Gwyneth Paltrow's pseudo-medical advice is based on personal experience but disproven by facts.
  • Experience can provide a trust and assurance of God's love.

Value in Emphasizing Personal Experience:

  • Makes faith personal, not just intellectual assent.
  • Shows that the truth of the faith makes a difference in our lives.

Overemphasizing Experience:

  • Can lead to the idea that the truth of the gospel depends on our feelings.
  • Concerns about not feeling God the way we think we're supposed to.
  • During times of doubt, look to Scripture, tradition, and reason.
  • The Holy Spirit is present regardless of our feelings.
  • Experiences and emotions change, so rely on Scripture, tradition, and reason.

Conclusion

  • The Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, Experience) helps us understand doctrines and develop a coherent understanding of the Christian faith.