Update the Theological Guide/ Theological Topic Workflow for the Methodist Quadrilateral
MJ. Smith
MVP Posts: 54,536 
Why the Methodist Quadrillateral? Because it easily covers a broad swath of denominations - by modifications in the weight given the elements or the blurring the distinctions between the elements. For those not familiar with this model, I offer this from Wikipedia:
"Scripture
Wesley insisted that scripture is the first authority and contains the only measure whereby all other truth is tested. It was delivered by authors who were divinely inspired. It is a rule sufficient of itself. It neither needs, nor is capable of, any further addition. The scripture references to justification by faith as the gateway to scriptural holiness are well known to true Wesleyans: Deut. 30:6; Ps. 130:8; Ezek. 36:25, 29; Matt. 5:48; 22:37; Luke 1:69; John 17:20-23; Rom. 8:3-4; II Cor. 7:1; Eph. 3:14; 5:25-27; I Thess. 5:23; Titus 2:11-14; I John 3:8; 4:17.
Tradition
Wesley wrote that it is generally supposed that traditional evidence is weakened by length of time, as it must necessarily pass through so many hands in a continued succession of ages. Although other evidence is perhaps stronger, he insisted: "Do not undervalue traditional evidence. Let it have its place and its due honour. It is highly serviceable in its kind, and in its degree". Wesley states that those of strong and clear understanding should be aware of its full force. For him it supplies a link through 1,700 years of history with Jesus and the apostles. The witness to justification and sanctification is an unbroken chain drawing us into fellowship with those who have finished the race, fought the fight, and who now reign with God in his glory and might.
Reason
Although scripture is sufficient unto itself and is the foundation of true religion, Wesley wrote: "Now, of what excellent use is reason, if we would either understand ourselves, or explain to others, those living oracles". He states quite clearly that without reason we cannot understand the essential truths of Scripture. Reason, however, is not a mere human invention. It must be assisted by the Holy Spirit if we are to understand the mysteries of God. With regard to justification by faith and sanctification Wesley said that although reason cannot produce faith, when impartial reason speaks we can understand the new birth, inward holiness, and outward holiness.
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."
I see this as meeting the needs of the Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Catholics, Anglican, Wesleyans, Methodists ... i.e. 4 traditions for which Faithlife offers base packages.
This requires the following modifications to the Theology Guide:
1. For Scripture, there needs to be a broader selection of verses. I would suggest that the Bible references used in the church fathers and major theologians where speaking on the topic be used as the Bible references. In the particular instance I am viewing, the LST key verses reflect only the Reformed position. I take no position on whether or not it is necessary to identify the passages with a theological tradition.
2. For Tradition, something along the lines of broadening the Catholic Topical Index into a new resource that has Orthodox, Anglican, Wesleyan/Methodist reference groups would provide the information needed.
3. For Reason and for Experience, Logos should support them within a workflow. At some time, when features supporting apologetics, difficult passages, and theological disputes have matured, there will be data for reason and, perhaps, experience.
For the Theological Topic Study Workflow
1. Replace the Read the Theological Related Passages with the broader scripture list used in the Guide.
2. Add a section for reading and analyzing the traditional materials.
3. Add a section for exploring your experience with respect to the topic.
4. Replace the "Share Insights" section with a section for logically analyzing your data, reaching conclusions, and noting issues that are still open.
"Scripture
Wesley insisted that scripture is the first authority and contains the only measure whereby all other truth is tested. It was delivered by authors who were divinely inspired. It is a rule sufficient of itself. It neither needs, nor is capable of, any further addition. The scripture references to justification by faith as the gateway to scriptural holiness are well known to true Wesleyans: Deut. 30:6; Ps. 130:8; Ezek. 36:25, 29; Matt. 5:48; 22:37; Luke 1:69; John 17:20-23; Rom. 8:3-4; II Cor. 7:1; Eph. 3:14; 5:25-27; I Thess. 5:23; Titus 2:11-14; I John 3:8; 4:17.
Tradition
Wesley wrote that it is generally supposed that traditional evidence is weakened by length of time, as it must necessarily pass through so many hands in a continued succession of ages. Although other evidence is perhaps stronger, he insisted: "Do not undervalue traditional evidence. Let it have its place and its due honour. It is highly serviceable in its kind, and in its degree". Wesley states that those of strong and clear understanding should be aware of its full force. For him it supplies a link through 1,700 years of history with Jesus and the apostles. The witness to justification and sanctification is an unbroken chain drawing us into fellowship with those who have finished the race, fought the fight, and who now reign with God in his glory and might.
Reason
Although scripture is sufficient unto itself and is the foundation of true religion, Wesley wrote: "Now, of what excellent use is reason, if we would either understand ourselves, or explain to others, those living oracles". He states quite clearly that without reason we cannot understand the essential truths of Scripture. Reason, however, is not a mere human invention. It must be assisted by the Holy Spirit if we are to understand the mysteries of God. With regard to justification by faith and sanctification Wesley said that although reason cannot produce faith, when impartial reason speaks we can understand the new birth, inward holiness, and outward holiness.
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."
I see this as meeting the needs of the Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox, Catholics, Anglican, Wesleyans, Methodists ... i.e. 4 traditions for which Faithlife offers base packages.
This requires the following modifications to the Theology Guide:
1. For Scripture, there needs to be a broader selection of verses. I would suggest that the Bible references used in the church fathers and major theologians where speaking on the topic be used as the Bible references. In the particular instance I am viewing, the LST key verses reflect only the Reformed position. I take no position on whether or not it is necessary to identify the passages with a theological tradition.
2. For Tradition, something along the lines of broadening the Catholic Topical Index into a new resource that has Orthodox, Anglican, Wesleyan/Methodist reference groups would provide the information needed.
3. For Reason and for Experience, Logos should support them within a workflow. At some time, when features supporting apologetics, difficult passages, and theological disputes have matured, there will be data for reason and, perhaps, experience.
For the Theological Topic Study Workflow
1. Replace the Read the Theological Related Passages with the broader scripture list used in the Guide.
2. Add a section for reading and analyzing the traditional materials.
3. Add a section for exploring your experience with respect to the topic.
4. Replace the "Share Insights" section with a section for logically analyzing your data, reaching conclusions, and noting issues that are still open.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."
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