The Wesleyan Quadrilateral
The phrase "Wesleyan Quadrilateral" was coined in the 20th century by Albert Outler to describe how Wesley actually did theology. The four sources are Scripture (primary and final authority), tradition (the wisdom of the church across the centuries), reason (the mind God gave us), and experience (what God does in real lives). Scripture is supreme — the others serve as confirming witnesses. These ten passages establish the framework.
What Scripture says
All quotations from the World English Bible (public domain).
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2 Timothy 3:16-17
Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Scripture: primary. God-breathed. Sufficient for every good work.
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Isaiah 8:20
Turn to the law and to the testimony! If they don't speak according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.
The test of any teaching is Scripture. Tradition, reason, and experience are tested against this.
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2 Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter.
Tradition: real authority, derived from Scripture. Paul commends apostolic tradition.
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Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
A faith once for all delivered. Tradition transmits, not invents.
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Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, says Yahweh: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
Reason: God invites us to think. Faith is not anti-rational.
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1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:
A reason for the hope. Christianity stands up to thoughtful inquiry.
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Romans 12:2
Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Renewing of the mind. Sanctified reason is part of discipleship.
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Romans 8:16
The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;
Experience: the inner witness of the Spirit. Wesley's doctrine of assurance.
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1 John 5:10
He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who doesn't believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son.
The testimony in himself — internal experience confirms outward word.
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Psalm 34:8
Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Taste and see — experiential knowledge of God is invited and expected.
A prayer
Father, give us the wisdom to honor Your Word above all, to learn humbly from those who have gone before us in the faith, to use the minds You have given us, and to live in honest dependence on Your Spirit. Keep us from twisting any of these into a weapon against the others. Amen.