THE WESLEYAN SYNTHESIS RECONSIDERED

Howard A Snyder

doi:10.46362/quaerens.v3i2.68

Abstract

This article purpose finds what is “the Wesleyan synthesis,” and will also briefly revisit the much-discussed Wesleyan Quadrilateral. Wesley effectively combined in thought and practice these five elements, namely: (1) Divine sovereignty and human freedom, (2) Doctrine and experience, (3) Experience and structure, (4) Charismatic and institutional elements, and (5) Present and future salvation. This article argues that this synthesis is powerful, but also that it is biblical. In fact, the reason this synthesis is powerful is that it faithfully embodies the revealed truth of Scripture. The results of the Wesleyan synthesis are drawing three general conclusions. First, Wesley's theology was broader and more profound than has often been realized. Second, Wesley's theology can help us develop a biblical understanding of culture and culture change. Third, Wesley's theology is thus an open invitation to continue to develop a theology of church, mission, and culture that is profoundly biblical and sharply relevant to the present age.

Highlights

True renewal in the church always weds new insights, ideas and methods with the best elements from history
The same dynamic is at work in culture and in deep social change
Unless the key elements in change are consistent with the Good News of the kingdom of God, such cultural change can do more harm than good

Summary

INTRODUCTION

True renewal in the church always weds new insights, ideas and methods with the best elements from history. Wesley’s genius, under God, lay in developing and nurturing a synthesis in doctrine and practice that kept biblical paradoxes paired and powerful He held together faith and works, doctrine and experience, the personal and the social, the concerns of time and eternity. Wesley’s theology speaks to the contemporary need to build a more radical and biblical ecclesiology and especially a more biblically faithful community of believers In affirming both divine sovereignty and human freedom, Wesley does not endorse paradox or contradiction or illogic. 13 It is important to note that Wesley’s concern was not primarily for subjective inner spiritual experience per se, but for the inward working of God’s Spirit in the heart evidenced by truly Christ-like behavior in the world—“Justice, mercy, and truth,” as Wesley often phrased it. In church history such groups have often been called eclesiolae, a Latin term meaning little churches within the larger church.[19]

The Charismatic and the Institutional

CONCLUSION