Making Square Sense

Did that make any sense? Back about 20 years ago I attended a lecture about the Wesleyan Quadrilateral - don't remember anything about the lecture except for the concept attributed originally to the 18th cent. clergyman John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement. It suggested that theological decision making relied on four sources: Scripture, tradition, reason and experience. The name quadrilateral was a little misleading since the four sources were not seen as equal. Scripture always had preeminence: the Bible was the highest authority. Tradition referred to both the historical teachings of the church, and contemporary theological thinking. Personal religious experience also plays a role as does God given reason. I did note that one blogger is suggesting changing the name to the Tetrahedron of Authority. Umm...ok, that's not helping much (never did like geometry).

I've been reflecting on church decision making lately. You know Wesley's method wasn't far off how contemporary Christian leaders use various sources to make sense out of their religious worlds. Most would still hold to various degrees the Bible as the authority. Some branches of Christianity might put different weight on tradition (ok I couldn't resist the link); evangelicals might be less inclined to turn to creeds and canons of the church but may be more likely to be influenced by contemporary theological trends and writings. As I listen to church folks wrestling with decision-making, personal histories play a significant role. This usually take the form of storytelling "I remember some years back when...." Then there is reason "well to my mind, it only makes sense...." There is also room here for "secular" information to be introduced (stats, marketing, psychology etc.). But I'm beginning to see another category here and I'm not sure where it fits. When I've figured it out I'll suggest my own geometric shape. In the meantime you can practice your geometry here.

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