Speaking in Tongues?

Question

In my opinion, speaking in tongues in the modern church is a huge misinterpretation of the Bible. As I understand it, speaking in tongues is a gift from God that allows a person to speak a language that can be understood by every culture in the world. This gift would be very beneficial to a missionary. So when a person is speaking in tongues, everyone should be able to understand what they are saying, right? So why then, in many christian churches of today, does an overly emotional individual throw himself on the ground and begin to speak jibberish, and then call it speaking in tongues. If it were truly speaking in tongues, then wouldn't everyone understand what they were saying? Why does someone need to interpret? What do you think?

Another point I forgot to make is that god is so powerful, he is a form of "controlled chaos". Controlled is the key word there. From what I've seen of tongue speaking, it sure seems like "uncontrolled chaos" to me.

Answer 1

From what I have seen of the modern "tongues speaking" crowd (of which I got saved in), tis very much likely more demon than of God. The devil and demons can walk through the church building if not bound before services through prayer, and can take possession of the people within... God is not the creator of chaos, and the very thing that the wiggling on the floor foaming at the mouth speaking jibberish is jsut that..chaos. It usually happens when the music is revved up, full of emotion, can't think cuz it's so loud...and then the flopping begins.. I saw this when I started out in the Pentecostal church. You do not see this in a good solid bible believing/preaching independent fundamental baptist church. Our men pray together before services to bind satan from our building and services and never never never has anyone flopped on the floor jabbering in some unknown language. Our music isn't revved up..we focus on the Word rather than the emotional music...there's nothing wrong with a soul stirring hymn, but it sholdn't be the focus of our worship... If for some reason someone felt the need to speak in tongues, biblically, there must be an interpreter. Speaking in tongues is simply speaking in a foreign language...not something emotionally charged and chaotic. We learn to speak in tongues in school...remember spanish class? ;)

Answer 2

If you only read the beginning of Acts and focus on the tongues at Pentecost, yes, you may come to that conclusion, that tongues were a known language. However, the natural rendering of the passage is that the disciples who were all speaking in tongues were all speaking different languages such that the Jews there from many nations could all hear at least one tongue that was their native language.

Fast forward to the book of 1 Corinthians though, specifically in Chapters 12-14 and you have something a bit different. Paul says that there is a spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues, and it is a supernatural gift, along with prophect, tongues and the other supernatural gifts, therefore it isn't simply a learnt language. Paul says that when someone speaks in a tongue in the church, people should pray for the interpretation - this suggests the tongue is in a language no-one can understand apart from a spiritual gift of interpretation of tongues, as opposed to a tongue that is a known one that can be understood by a person who speaks that language. Paul also suggests in 1 Corinthians 13 that there are both known tongues (tongues of men) and unknown tongues (tongues of angels).

So there is a case for both known and unknown tongues. Now with the modern phenomenon of tongues, yes, there are fakers and there is immature application of tongues today. But not all churches take the 'overtly emotional' approach, and not all tongues are fake. I have heard tongues given in church and people interpret them - sometimes it's a general rendering, other times a translation that follows the exact speech pattern. I've seen more stirred up styles of tongues usage, and more ordered, sedate usage. I operate in them myself. The 1 Corinthians passage also suggests that tongues has a private application - Paul wished everyone could speak in tongues and he says that it edifies the speaker and also suggests that one can speak to themselves in tongues and it is fine (1 Cor 14).

The bible never says that a tongue has to be a known language or sound a certain way for it to be real. It only says that anyone who speaks by the Spirit of God will be able to declare Jesus as Lord, and one who is not operating by the Spirit of God but another spirit will not be able to do that. It is the fruit of what is produced by the gift that is the best test, not the sound of the tongue. That being said, there are both examples of known tongues and unknown tongues you can find and read about today. The known variety seems to be rarer, and some can actually use them in a foreign country, but a majority of people have one that is best for devotional, private edification, building up their inner spirit and enabling them to live the christian life with power.

If we look carefully at scripture with objectivity and putting aside our feelings or expectations, we'll find that in fact scripture allows for the modern phenomenon of tongues. I think of Jesus and how he fulfilled prophecy, but some disbelieved him simply because he didn't fit expectations. Read "Chasing the Deagon" by Jackie Pullinger and "The Cross and the Switchblade" by David Wilkerson, especially the last two chapters. Read "They Speak in Other Tongues" by John & Elizabeth Sherrill as well for a further look.

Answer 3

I am no expert but I think you have this wrong. Speaking in tongues means that the speaker has been given the gift of speaking in the tongue of angels which man can not normally understand. The gift of interpretation is the gift of understanding the tongue of angels and it is also given as a gift of the holy spirit just like the gift of tongues. These are some of then gifts promised to us. Again I am not sure but try reading the Bible - the book of acts - which I believe is the apostles after Jesus goes to heaven to be with his farther - GOD. Jesus tells them they will receive the holy spirit. Some churchs no longer believe in this but almost all fundamental and Pentecostal Church's still believe in these gifts of the spirit.

Answer 4

One hand I would agree what you are saying. On another, it is a gift and we all gifted differently. Person who speaks English, Korean, French and German will not understand another person who speaks Russian, Chinese and Turkish. And yet both of them are gifted.
There should be a reason why all people in the church don't understand tongues, the same reason why only few become preachers, teachers, prophets and pastors. Usually those who speaks tongues can interpret what they said or was told. Have you had chance to talk with them in person?

Answer 5

As I have read it, the bible says that tongues my be both other languages or only a language that God understands(praying with your spirit to God). Someone needs to interpret because otherwise it would not benefit anyone else but yourself. Why not focus on building up other believers. Paul says that he would rather say five understandable words than a thousand words in a tongue. Why? Because otherwise it is no good for anyone else. And Paul was on of the most selfless people ever.

Answer 6

First of all to speak in tongues you have to be baptized in the holy spirit. When you speak in tongue it is a special kind of prayer to God. when someone gets a word from God and they speak out in tongue, then there will be someone there to translate it. It isn't because they can speak the language and understand, it is because they are getting a word from God on how to translate. It is a very special gift. Read 1st Cor. Most of the time though, you pray in tongue and no-one is translating. But when they do, you need to listen because it is God talking through them.

Answer 7

I think the current fad of speaking in "tongues", being "slain in the spirit" (that one is scary, given that "slain" means killed), "holy laughter", "holy drunkeness", etc is a sign of the final apostasy of the church. Has anyone else noticed how unfriendly these folks become as they sink deeper into this rage?

When I see people lining up at an altar to be "slain", or wallowing around on the floor making noises like barn animals (I actually saw one woman "under the power of the spirit) do a very passable imitation of a chicken), I can almost hear demonic laughter in the background.

Answer 8

I have spoken in Tongues and interpreted 18 years now, and I have fluently interpreted Prophetic Tongues that were for me..not understood by anyone else. Ok I have learned that if you don't understand it , its either not for you, or its Demonic...Why is it Demonic ....those who speak in tongues are an open Vessel to what ever is in Fellowship. Hillsong is being dubbed Hellsong...and true Tongues...Now I interpret fluently! and I didn't understand it. So its either Demonic or its not for me or both...so ! Let's ask in English what it all means?Spirit: Its not for you and Brian has established Satan's Synagogue , there is a plan he is ignoring.

Answer 9

Speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit. You need only use this language when speaking to Him directly. It is not for anyone else to hear unless He lets you speak it loudly and then there must be an interpreter who can make it clear for all who hear. I have been given such a gift because I asked about it and He allowed me to receive it. Like I said you need only use it when you are speaking to Him from your spirit.

Answer 10

It is a gift that EVERYBODY gets when he receives the baptism in the Holy Spirit that John said Jesus would baptise with. You should really study to find out the TRUTH before you have too much of an opnion because you may want to have the full benifit of the deck. Nobody, including God will force you to manifest any of the gifts of the Spirit unless you are a willing vessel.
They are a sign to the unbeliever and we are all suppose to be miinsters of the Word.
Let your freedom be between you and God.




http://www.bible-truth.org/tongues.htm