The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture, Tradition, Reason & Experience as a Model of Evangelical Theology

In this important study, Thorsen assesses John Wesley's use of sources for theology. Although Scripture was his highest source, Thorsen shows how Wesley made use of other sources as well.

The authority of Scripture has been a subject of continuing, intense debate among Christians for many years. In the Wesleyan tradition this debate has focused on the socalled quadrilateral--a term that refers to the four elements John Wesley viewed as the basis for theological method: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. Both evangelicals and liberals invoke the quadrilateral in defense of their view, thus bringing confusion to the debate.

This book seeks to dispel confusion and enlighten discussion by showing that Wesley always affirmed the primacy of Scripture and saw the other three elements as necessary and complementary in order to interpret, illuminate, and apply scriptural truth to life.