Anglican tradition, per N. T. Wright, states that interpretation is a “three-legged stool.” Text, Church tradition, and reason. Wesley adds a fourth (disputed by Wright) “experience.” Thus, the “Wesley Quadrilateral.” Henry Blackaby, writing for the Baptists in Experiencing God, says that “God speaks to us by the Spirit through the Bible (text,) prayer, circumstance, and the church to reveal Himself, His purposes, and His ways.”
According to the Book of Discipline
Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. Scripture [however] is primary, revealing the Word of God ‘so far as it is necessary for our salvation
What does Wesley mean by “experience?”
Apart from scripture, “experience” is the strongest proof of Christianity. “What the scriptures promise, I enjoy”. Again, Wesley insisted that we cannot have reasonable assurance of something unless we have experienced it personally. John Wesley was assured of both justification and sanctification because he had experienced them in his own life. What Christianity promised (considered as a doctrine) was accomplished in his soul. Furthermore, Christianity (considered as an inward principle) is the completion of all those promises.
Although traditional proof is complex, experience is simple: "One thing I know; I was blind, but now I see." Although tradition establishes the evidence a long way off, experience makes it present to all persons. As for the proof of justification and sanctification, Wesley states that Christianity is an experience of holiness and happiness, the image of God impressed on a created spirit, a fountain of peace and love springing up into everlasting life.
What is the place of societal change on scriptural interpretation?
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