Lecture 5: The Sources of Theology

Question 1

The Wesleyan Quadrilateral

Answer 1

Scripture –> Tradition –> Reason –> Experience

Question 2

Source 1: Scripture

Answer 2

• Scripture preserves divine revelation
• Scripture is the primary source of theology
• Scripture requires interpretation. Its correct interpretation needs to be safeguarded

Question 3

Source 2: Tradition

Answer 3

• ‘Tradition’ has many possible definitions
• What type of ‘tradition’ should function as a source of theology?

Question 4

3 Concepts of ‘Tradition”

Answer 4

• The Dual-Source Theory of Tradition
• The Single-Source Theory of Tradition
• The ‘Tradition 0’ Theory

Question 5

The Dual-Source Theory of Tradition

Answer 5

• Also called ‘Tradition 2’
• It states that ‘tradition’ is a distinct source of revelation, separate from scripture
• “tradition was understood to be a separate and distinct source of revelation, in addition to Scripture”
• ‘tradition’ refers to unwritten teachings of the apostles handed down and preserved by the church
• scripture and unwritten tradition are said to be separate and equal sources of divine revelation

Question 6

The Single-Source Theory of Tradition

Answer 6

• Also called ‘tradition 1’
• ‘tradition’ refers to the church’s consensus interpretation of scripture
• tradition is not a separate source from scripture, it is the record or the church’s interpretation of scripture
• “tradition is simply the history of the believing community’s exegesis of Scripture”

Question 7

The Rule of Faith

Answer 7

• A summary of the essential points of the Gospel
• It functioned as a baptismal formula, as a guide for interpreting scripture correctly, and as a test for proposed teachings
• The Nicene Creed is a specific articulation of the Rule of Faith

Question 8

The ‘Tradition 0’ theory

Answer 8

• sometimes called solo scriptura
• this approach does not distinguish between the single and dual-source theories of tradition, instead rejecting them both
• the view was first adopted by Protestant Christians who were involved in the radical reformation
• this approach advocates that each individual should interpret scripture on their own, without any outside influences
• “the way was thus opened for individualism, with the private judgement of the individual raised above the corporate judgment of the church”

Question 9

What is being referred to when tradition should be the second source of theology:

Answer 9

the single-source theory (Tradition 1): tradition as the church’s consensus interpretation of scripture

Question 10

Source 2: Tradition

Answer 10

• (The single-source theory)
• Tradition passes on the believing community’s interpretation of Scripture

Question 11

Source 3: Reason

Answer 11

• Reason ensures internal consistency in our interpretations of scripture
• reason allows us to take account of historical and scientific knowledge to inform and test our theological worldview
• reason allows us to draw a multitude of individual theological facts into an integrated whole
• Reason does not trump tradition - though it does evaluate it
• assuming that my own reason is more capable than the unified reason of the church is chronological snobbery

Question 12

Source 4: Experience

Answer 12

• Experience validates our interpretation of scripture
• Experience is last one this list. BUT, experience is still on this list
• My experience should resonate with my theological framework
• There is equal danger in over-reliance and under-reliance on personal experience

Question 13

The 4 Sources of Theology

Answer 13

1. Scripture - preserves divine revelation
2. Tradition - passes on the believing community’s interpretation of scripture
3. Reason - ensures internal consistency in our interpretations of scripture
4. Experience - validates our interpretation of scripture