Running Head: WESLEYAN QUADRILATERAL 1

Wesleyan Quadrilateral
Wendy Flores
Azusa Pacific University, Azusa
EDUC 526
Dr. Courduff


WESLEYAN QUADRILATERAL
It is strange to feel at such a loss when describing my spiritual journey. As someone who
grew up in the church and attended Christian universities I feel that my testimony should be
clear. Perhaps it would start with a conversion experience and followed by a life of good
Christian service and blessings. However, I think that the lifelong experience in the church and
theological education has left me in a constant state of analysis. How is my relationship with
God right now? What could I be doing better? My journey always begins in the abstract rather
than the spiritual.
Throughout my life Reason and Tradition have been the components I most rely on.
When something troubled me, when I felt myself doubting, I would reason my way back to faith.
I would look to theologians and apologetics to help me feel comfortable in my faith. When doubt
was not an issue I relied on my church tradition to help me sustain my faith. If it was not for my
parents I do not know how strong my faith would be. Over the decades their faith has evolved,
continuing with many of their Salvadoran-Pentecostal tradition but they have adapted their
tradition to their experience. They let go of the legalism and fire and brimstone mentality and
helped adapt their beliefs to one that understood the challenges and opportunities we would face
in America.
Then came the anxiety. I started to feel overwhelmed by everyday activities. For the first
time in my life I could not trust reason or my church tradition. It was the first time in my life that
I completely submitted to God and began praying relentlessly. I had not experienced many
moments of spiritual connection to God. At this time the reason, or the tradition did not matter. I
knew I needed God. I needed scripture. I began with Philippians 4:4-7.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to
all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer
and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
WESLEYAN QUADRILATERAL
Jesus.
Through that difficult time I first understood the importance of seeking to be in the
presence of the Holy Spirit. Even though I grew up Pentecostal the power of the Holy Spirit was
a foreign concept to me. I was always a bystander or observer of this truth, perhaps out of fear.
Once I relied on the Holy Spirit to guide me through anxiety I understand that the Holy Spirit
does not manifest itself in just one way and I did not have to look to my tradition to tell me how I
would experience the presence of God.
When I think about the difference between Scripture and Tradition I think about the
emphasis of the Tradition. Historically, the Pentecostal tradition has focused on manifestations of
spiritual gifts. In many ways the movement brought back a tradition that had been ignored by
other denominations. But in doing so many churches began practicing this erroneously or
without the control that Scripture dictated.
Knowing that these issues exist I look to Scripture and Reason first to help me make
decisions. And when it comes to difficult areas that the Bible does not directly address, I am
reminded that Scripture culminates with Jesus. And his example of love and compassion helps
me make decisions that are based in compassion, love and understanding and allows me to let go
of decisions based on fear and anxiety.
It is a scary thing being a teacher. It is overwhelming to know that all your actions,
words, and beliefs are under constant scrutiny. As hard as it is being a teacher the reward of
providing a safe and compassionate haven for students is even more rewarding. As a teacher who
naturally gravitates towards Reason, (in a math class no less!) I need to consciously make room
for the experience that my students will bring to the room and allow myself to share in with
theirs. Being emotionally present has been a tough task, but when it comes to making the right
decisions for my students it is what I will need to help them all know that they too are loved and
WESLEYAN QUADRILATERAL
made in the image of God.