Speaking in Tongues...Do You? (ritual, reject, gospel, mystic)

[Master Vigil]

From my many experiences with the spirits and the spirit world, I have seen many fantastical things. And many I have come to realize are just manifestations of psychological intensity. I have also seen many speaking in toungues, in whcih (I believe) is one of them. I don't believe it is a "gift from god" nor do I believe the jibberish has any prophetic meaning.

[Scuba Pete]

Originally Posted by dawny0826

The Pentecostals believe that the true sign that you are saved is when you speak in tongues.

This is my biggest problem with most who claim to speak in tongues: they are looking for an outward sign instead of an inward one!

The first time the disciples spoke in tongues was to address a need. There were a TON of nationalities in Jerusalem at the time, and the disciples needed to communicate to them ALL. Everyone there heard the Gospel in their own language. I am sure that if I was in a place that warranted it, God would have me speak in a tongue.

[Searcher of Light]

Dawny, tongues is just another word for languages. The apostles most likely spoke hebrew, greek, latin, aramaic, and like languages of the region. The main point of the accounts is the listeners all heard their native language. Personally, I dont believe in speaking in tongues or other miracles today. We have the writings of the apostles and have no need for further proofs.
So, what languages do you speak?

[Aqualung]

Originally Posted by Popeyesays

To the best of my Biblical study, the purpose of "speaking in tongues" was to be understood by audiences who did not necessarily understand your language. In other words, it was for the purpose of communicating without let or hindrance to anyone within earshot.

The modern evangelical practice of tongues is exactly opposite. It is to put an interpreter between the speaker and the hearer. To put into mystic code, so that only the "believing" may understand. Compare that to speaking in tongues in the Gospels or the Book of Acts. The two things appear to be in direct opposition to me.

Regards,
Scott

Wonderful post!! You actually described the LDS pov of speaking in tongues with that one.

I frequently speak in tongues. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, in fact, in my spanish class.

[Jaymes]

I speak in broken tongues when practicing Chinese Dang tonal languages!

On a serious note, I don't think the gibberish that emerges from the mouths of those that claim to be speaking tongues could qualify as anything other than just that.

[Pah]

I used to speak in tounges. It was only in prayer to God - a private prayer

[TheGreaterGame]

the great theologian, John Stott remarked (about tounges), "there are only three possiblities of those who speak in a strange tounge: its demonic, its psyco-sematic, or its from God."

[Sunstone]

Originally Posted by TheGreaterGame

the great theologian, John Stott remarked (about tounges), "there are only three possiblities of those who speak in a strange tounge: its demonic, its psyco-sematic, or its from God."

How would you know the difference between the three?

[SPLogan]

Genesis 2:23
Then the man said,
"This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man."

As far as I can tell, the above statement by Adam is the earliest human quote ever recorded.
Let's suppose, for illustration purposes, that they were in fact the first words ever spoken by a human. Let's further suppose that Eve heard those words. Obviously, she could not have determined what language it was.
Did Eve hear Adam "speaking in tongues?"

At some point in history, "speaking in tongues" must have been the only way to speak. It wasn't deceptive. It was the only way something could have been said if there were no known languages. Right?

If my point is valid, then all known languages are merely descendants of once mysterious "tongues," like the ones used in Pentecostal worship. No?

[TheGreaterGame]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

How would you know the difference between the three?

Good question. I think one could know if it agreed in totality with scripture and it edified and made much of Jesus and brought praise and glory to God. Its been my experiance that a lot of people try to force this language to arise so that they make themselves into a prophet or something of the like . . . that may only be a few cases . . . but the point is does it glorify Christ and make much of God.