How long do I have to pray before I start "speaking in tongues"? Is there any evidence that people really are?

Question

really are speaking in the language of God? scientific or otherwise? Not just because Cousin/Brother/Preacher- Dupree said so!!!

Answer 1

I've been a Christian for almost half a century...been around 1,000's of Christians in 100's of denominations...

And it is my observance that 0% of any so-called "glossolalia" is of God the Holy Spirit.

Answer 2

I seriously doubt when I see people "speaking in tongues". I went to a church and EVERYONE had it. How is it that what is considered a special gift from God...EVERYONE has? Even 7 year old kids were speaking in tongues. I think even studying the Bible, that speaking in tongues wasnt the jibberish you hear today. There is nothing about it being a "special language". Most scholars believe that this gift was that those people could literally speak in other "tongues" or languages to spread the Word of God. This makes sense considering another "spiritual gift" was to interpret the "tongues". If this was a "special language to God" then why should anyone interpret it?

I personally don't believe it is in existence today. Though I can't say anyone knows for sure. Just as you can't prove it exists, noone could prove it DOESNT exist either.

Answer 3

There are two manifestations of speaking in tongues. Both are a gift of the Holy Spirit. One is a prayer language that is known to you and God in heaven. This language prevents the "Lord of the Air"(Satan) from understanding and reacting negativly to your prayer. The bible states that the Holy spirit gives utterance to these prayers. When you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, he will give you the prayer language. The Gift of speaking in tongues in service is only useful if there is one there that can translate the tongues. This is seperate from the private prayer language you are given. The gift of tongues is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, however the Apostle Paul tells us that of the Gifts of the Spirit, the one to pray for is Prophesy.
I hope this helps.Stay Blessed
Rev. Jerry
P.S. Those who will not believe can't know the blessings. There is no scientific proof. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is the key.

Answer 4

I pray quite often and I have yet to speak in tongues, I was under the impression that speaking in tongues is God speaking through you in a language other than your own that you would otherwise not be able to speak, it is specifically for witnessing purposes in the bible. Its not gibberish. So, if you were to speak in tongues The Holy Spirit would be guiding you for witnessing purposes but as far as I can see the only time the disciples spoke in tongues was during the Pentecost. i don't think it continued after that, just like the healings and things.

Answer 5

U can speak in tongues. But, not in the sense you are thinking. This is a mis-interpretation of the bible. But, do not believe me. I do not believe in the bible. I have read it. makes a good story.

Look under Corinthians II Chapter 13-16 I believe might be Cor. I.

You need an interpreter for one. And speaking in tongues would be like speaking "French" or German if you knew nothing of the languages not some jump and down foaming slang stuff.

Sorry...it is there

Answer 6

Well, my family is Pentecostal which means that "speaking in tongues" is something they believe in.

And to start off I don't think it is a matter of how much you pray, but more of the feeling behind it and your complete and utter devotion to God. It happens when you are filled with the Holy Ghost.

There is only one person in my family that can speak them, and that is my mamaw. She says that when you speak in tongues you are talking directly to God, and Satan or no one else can understand you.

Hopefully my grandmother isn't a fraud (and I really don't think she is), but you never can be sure about these things until they happen to you.

Answer 7

There's no time frame. Speaking in "tongues" is a gift from God, and He will give it to you if you ask Him, but in His timing. He knows your heart, and He knows your motives.

I speak in tongues. There are two types. First type is speaking in a foreign language, which is to benefit people of other nations to hear the gospel. Seen it, done it.

The second type is the heavenly language, which is different, and is between you and God. It's called "praying in the Spirit." After you do, you feel such a weight lift, for the Spirit prays for you and reveals your innermost thougths, needs and desires to the Father.

Answer 8

There is no evidence beyond anecdotal tales of someone's buddy/relative/aquaintence doing something odd. It's an emotional release of emotional excitement that is regarded as acceptable by the faithful. The babbling is outright nonsense...merely noise from an overstimulated fan. Or outright play-acting to whip up others into emotional ecstasy. People who are emotionally excited are easier to manipulate.

Answer 9

I have seen it happen and witnessed another person receive a message relevant to them from a tape played of the person doing the speaking. I do not believe everyone is going to be given the gift of speaking in tongues and to be truthful i would probably wig out if it ever happened to me. But I know it happens so it cannot be discounted.

Answer 10

There is no set time limit on when a person will start speaking in tongues once they start praying. It happens when you totally surrender yourself to God. I don't know about science evidence or such, but I know that I have spoken in tongues and it was of God. Speaking in Tongues is the evidence of the Holy Ghost to unbelievers.

Answer 11

Glossolalia is crap.

http://www.meta-religion.com/Linguistics/Glossolalia/contemporary_linguistic_study.htm

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Goodman concludes that "when all features of glossolalia were taken into consideration--that is, the segmental structure (such as sounds, syllables, phrases) and its suprasegmental elements (namely, rhythm, accent, and especially overall intonation)-- she concluded that there is no distinction in glossolalia between Christians and the followers of non-Christian (pagan) religions . The "association between trance and glossolalia is now accepted by many researchers as a correct assumption," writes Goodman in the prestigious Encyclopedia of Religion (1987).

Goodman also concludes that glossolalia "is, actually, a learned behavior, learned either unawarely or, sometimes consciously." Others have previously pointed out that direct instruction is given on how to "speak in tongues," ie. how to engage in glossolalia.
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