Experience is the catalytic element of the Wesleyan quadrilateral by virtue of its unique function within the dynamic. Scripture does not experience, per se. Rather, Scripture is experienced via the process of comprehension. Likewise, Tradition does not experience in and of itself. Instead, it becomes manifest through the experience of it. It seems to me that this is true in both the past and future tenses, with experience always occurring in the existential now which I define as the sum of human perception-sensory and transcendental-which translates as being alive.
Drawing a clear distinction between reason and experience is not as simply done. If it can be argued that sentience requires a comprehending intelligence, does it not then follow that intelligence is measured by the ability to reason? As reason functions in the context of authentic experience, the existential, experiential now serves as the eternal moment of comprehension. From this vantage, Scripture and Tradition are actually the products of Experience and Reason (my apology to those who argue for the primacy of Scripture) and as such are codependent in contrast to the dynamic interdependency of Scripture, Tradition and Reason with Experience.
Recalling Descartes’ maxim, I think, therefore I am, all we truly know is the experience of being alive in the moment, and it is the human ability to comprehend our own mortality that fundamentally influences our perception and behavior. If to deny mortality is sinful, then, again, is not reasonable acceptance and preparation for death the way to blessedness? The now is experienced as both precious and sacred when comprehended in the context of mortality, and this in turn generates significance, purpose, and meaning through the recognition of the incomprehensible infinite, the immortal, the eternal, the divine.
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