The Wesleyan Quadrilateral is a methodology for theological reflection that is credited to John Wesley, leader of the Methodist movement in the late 18th Century. The term itself was coined by 20th century American Methodist Albert C. Outler in his introduction to the 1964 collection John Wesley (ISBN 0195028104).
Upon examination of Wesley's work, Outler theorized that Wesley used four different sources in coming to theological conclusions:
- Scripture - the Holy Bible
- Tradition - the two millennia history of the Church
- Reason - rational thinking
- Experience - one's personal journey in Christ
See also