Thorsen, Don. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture, Tradition, Reason and Experience as a Model of Evangelical Theology. Grand Rapids: Francis Asbury Press for Zondervan, 1990; Lexington, KY: Emeth Press, 2005.

The authority of Scripture has been a subject of continuing, intense debate among Chritians for many years. In the Wesleyan tradition this debate has focused on the so-called quadrilateral–a term referring to the four elements that John Wesley viewed as the basis for theological method: Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. Both evangelical and progressive Christians invoke the quadrilateral in defense of their views, thus bringing confusion to the debate.

This book seeks to dispel confusion and enlighten discussion by showing that Wesley always affirmed the primacy of Scripture and saw the other three elements as necessary and complementary in order to interpret, illuminate, and apply scriptural truth to life.