Extra-biblical Revelation

Anglican theological method is characteristically described by the 'three-legged stool' of Scripture, tradition, and reason — a framework associated with Richard Hooker. Scripture is the primary and supreme authority; tradition (the teachings of the early church, creeds, councils, and the practice of the historic church) provides the authoritative interpretive context; and reason (including natural theology and contemporary knowledge) aids in the application of Scripture to new situations. This does not mean tradition or reason add new revelation to Scripture, but that they are indispensable for rightly understanding it.

Anglicanism does not endorse ongoing prophetic revelation that would add to the deposit of faith. The Thirty-Nine Articles' article on Scripture (Article VI) implies its sufficiency. However, the positive role given to tradition in Anglican hermeneutics distinguishes the tradition from stricter forms of sola Scriptura and has given Anglican theology a more generous attitude toward the church fathers, liturgical tradition, and natural law than some Reformed traditions. Charismatic Anglicanism acknowledges the contemporary work of the Spirit but does not claim new binding revelation.