The Fad of Speaking in Tongues

Brother Kasper

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Some time ago, I came across an article (or blog, I can't remember) online that spoke about speaking in tongues, a common practice in the Pentecostal and Charismatic communities, as being a fad.

To be more clear, the writer wasn't saying that speaking in tongues wasn't real or no longer in operation in the Church, but instead saying that meaning people that profess the ability to do such things don't have the real deal.

I clear see the point the writer was trying to make. I have been in many churches where tongues seem fashionable rather than completely spiritual, especially when one analyzes the content of conversation. I've heard talk of people (first hand, I should add) that never mention that they were baptized with the Holy Ghost, but brag about how they speak in tongues.

There can also be evidenced when you took a look at the way one lives and the fruit that they bare. Many people seem eager to speak in other tongues, as some easy way of fitting in with the crowd around them (many of which have the legit ability), but don't want any part of conviction or holiness that comes with the fire of Pentecost and the tongues that signal the baptism in the Spirit.

As anyone else noticed something similar? Can speaking in tongues, in some cases, be a fad?
 

Carl Emerson

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Interesting topic.

There has been a strong tradition linking the speaking in tongues with the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
While gifts can be given at this time, I believe they are also given before and after.
Even in the case of tongues I had some fluency before being Baptised in the Holy Spirit. Today I consider it one of the most precious gifts I have.
I do not however believe that it should be 'on show' unless it is a tongue for translation. In this, the modern church has created a 'tongues tradition' that folks feel the need to be part of. This creates an atmosphere ripe for false utterances as the psychological pressure to conform is enormous. Worse still in some churches you are told that you are not truely 'spiritual' without it.
So yes, there is the real deal and also a psychological pressure to conform that leads to what you might call a tongue of pretence. In the worst case it might even be from a wrong spirit. Lastly I must underline that I am deeply thankful for this gift that often operates as I wake from sleep, speaking out on my behalf in a fresh language matters that I have no knowledge of, but the Lord does.
 
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Nina723

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Some time ago, I came across an article (or blog, I can't remember) online that spoke about speaking in tongues, a common practice in the Pentecostal and Charismatic communities, as being a fad.

To be more clear, the writer wasn't saying that speaking in tongues wasn't real or no longer in operation in the Church, but instead saying that meaning people that profess the ability to do such things don't have the real deal.

I clear see the point the writer was trying to make. I have been in many churches where tongues seem fashionable rather than completely spiritual, especially when one analyzes the content of conversation. I've heard talk of people (first hand, I should add) that never mention that they were baptized with the Holy Ghost, but brag about how they speak in tongues.

There can also be evidenced when you took a look at the way one lives and the fruit that they bare. Many people seem eager to speak in other tongues, as some easy way of fitting in with the crowd around them (many of which have the legit ability), but don't want any part of conviction or holiness that comes with the fire of Pentecost and the tongues that signal the baptism in the Spirit.

As anyone else noticed something similar? Can speaking in tongues, in some cases, be a fad?
A “fad” by definition would be something “followed for a time with zeal”. In other words...sort lived most likely. Speaking in tongues is mentioned in the NT in 1 COR 12, 13, and 14; Acts 2, 10, 19; Mark 16 and I’m sure elsewhere as I might be missing some verses. What this means is I think we can safely say these books were written prior to 100 ad and therefore conclude speaking in tongues would not be a “fad”. Whether it is being treated as such today I don’t think so. I do think it is being used as a litmus test to conclude if someone is in the faith or not. I think we could have an entirely different debate on that account.
 
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Josheb

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Paul addressed these and many other concerns in a pair of often over-looked sentences:

"...one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills."
"...in the church I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue."

Remember also that 1) not all expressions of tongues in the Bible are identical and 2) Paul laid a specific set of criteria by which we can tell whether what we're hearing is from the Spirit or the flesh. One of those metrics is interpretation. Tongues that have no interpretation does not meet the standard laid out in 1 Cor. 12 & 14.

Has it occurred to you the only congregations in which tongues ever needed to be addressed in the epistolary is that of Corinth? No one else had the problems Corinth had. Apparently, no one else needed this addressed.
 
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Some time ago, I came across an article (or blog, I can't remember) online that spoke about speaking in tongues, a common practice in the Pentecostal and Charismatic communities, as being a fad.

To be more clear, the writer wasn't saying that speaking in tongues wasn't real or no longer in operation in the Church, but instead saying that meaning people that profess the ability to do such things don't have the real deal.

I clear see the point the writer was trying to make. I have been in many churches where tongues seem fashionable rather than completely spiritual, especially when one analyzes the content of conversation. I've heard talk of people (first hand, I should add) that never mention that they were baptized with the Holy Ghost, but brag about how they speak in tongues.

There can also be evidenced when you took a look at the way one lives and the fruit that they bare. Many people seem eager to speak in other tongues, as some easy way of fitting in with the crowd around them (many of which have the legit ability), but don't want any part of conviction or holiness that comes with the fire of Pentecost and the tongues that signal the baptism in the Spirit.

As anyone else noticed something similar? Can speaking in tongues, in some cases, be a fad?
The important question is: What is the Holy Spirit's purpose including the ability to speak in unknown tongues, both in private and in church services?

A good definition of the gifts of the Spirit is that they are the Holy Spirit's "tools of trade". They are spiritual tools to build up the body of Christ in the same way that a mechanic has his set of tools to fix your car. Every tool in the toolbox has a purpose and a function and the mechanic choose the right tool depending on the type of work needed to be done on the car.

The Holy Spirit is an intelligent Person. After all, He is God, equal to the Father and the Son. So, we can say that these are the spiritual tools that the Father and the Son have designed for the church, along with the Holy Spirit. And tongues is one of those tools.

Private tongues is the tool for enhancing our prayer life, and is used effectively for intercession when we cannot express the burden we have in our natural language. Therefore the tongues language expresses the burden in a direct communication with God in order to make the intercessory request fully known to God. Also, private tongues enables worship and praise to God for His greatness and glory in ways that we could never express in our natural language.

Public tongues in tandem with interpretation is to assist the members in a church meeting to express worship and praise to God and it has the function of lifting the group to a higher level of awareness of the presence of God and His glory. Often it can bring the glory of God down in a service and activate the other gifts with the Spirit with greater freedom than before.

If people are just using tongues for no purpose and doing it to appear spiritual or to be one with the others, they are in effect grieving the Holy Spirit by making light of Him and His gifts to the church. I believe that speaking tongues in this manner could very well be meaningless babble to God and man.

When Paul told the Corinthians that when they spoke in tongues, albeit unadvisably in public without interpretation, they "gave thanks well", it was because he believed that they were sincerely praising and worshiping God in tongues; therefore their tongues were genuine. He went on to instruct them that there was a difference between private and public tongues and that public tongues needed interpretation to be edifying for the whole group.

I agree that many who speak in tongues are doing it in a self-indulgent manner so that it gives them a feeling of well-being. God does not support selfishness in any form. More chillingly, others speak in tongues to get some type of sensory experience, and if that is the motive, the devil is always right there to give them one; and often, much of the public babbling in tongues causes kundalini out of control manifestations that brings the pagan and demonic into conferences and meetings, giving people the wrong idea of what the presence of God is all about.
 
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SavedByGrace3

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Not really. I have received and heard others receive more ridicule for speaking in tongues than not. If one wanted to be popular or well liked, I doubt tongues would be the avenue of that goal.
The scripture speaks of speaking in tongues as a not so popular practice. Some may consider you crazy, drunk, or just making noise. Even in the church some (who are uneducated or misinformed) might think badly of you. Nevertheless, the scripture tells us to pray in tongues. So we do so in simple obedience.

1 Corin 14
5 Now I want you all to speak in tongues...

Some time ago, I came across an article (or blog, I can't remember) online that spoke about speaking in tongues, a common practice in the Pentecostal and Charismatic communities, as being a fad.

To be more clear, the writer wasn't saying that speaking in tongues wasn't real or no longer in operation in the Church, but instead saying that meaning people that profess the ability to do such things don't have the real deal.

I clear see the point the writer was trying to make. I have been in many churches where tongues seem fashionable rather than completely spiritual, especially when one analyzes the content of conversation. I've heard talk of people (first hand, I should add) that never mention that they were baptized with the Holy Ghost, but brag about how they speak in tongues.

There can also be evidenced when you took a look at the way one lives and the fruit that they bare. Many people seem eager to speak in other tongues, as some easy way of fitting in with the crowd around them (many of which have the legit ability), but don't want any part of conviction or holiness that comes with the fire of Pentecost and the tongues that signal the baptism in the Spirit.

As anyone else noticed something similar? Can speaking in tongues, in some cases, be a fad?
 
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Nina723

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If we are choosing and picking verses and cutting verses then consider: Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
This implies that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf “with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Meaning NOT SPOKEN. What do we do with that one might ask? I COULD use that to say tongues is a thing of the past.
Also, quoting a partial verse of Chapter 14 “Now I want you all to speak tongues...” and say you are doing something “in obedience” to Paul, let’s just post the entire chapter 14 because there’s a WHOLE LOT MORE TO THAT CHAPTER about a lot of other gifts way more important than tongues. Also dealing with other issues at the church in Corinth.

1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
 
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If we are choosing and picking verses and cutting verses then consider: Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
This implies that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf “with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Meaning NOT SPOKEN. What do we do with that one might ask? I COULD use that to say tongues is a thing of the past.
...
Some have interpreted this to mean "with groanings that cannot be uttered" in articulate language. It does not mean no sounds come out. No meaningful words come out. I have seen and experienced this, typically in times of deep intercession.
Thanks
 
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Some time ago, I came across an article (or blog, I can't remember) online that spoke about speaking in tongues, a common practice in the Pentecostal and Charismatic communities, as being a fad.

To be more clear, the writer wasn't saying that speaking in tongues wasn't real or no longer in operation in the Church, but instead saying that meaning people that profess the ability to do such things don't have the real deal.

I clear see the point the writer was trying to make. I have been in many churches where tongues seem fashionable rather than completely spiritual, especially when one analyzes the content of conversation. I've heard talk of people (first hand, I should add) that never mention that they were baptized with the Holy Ghost, but brag about how they speak in tongues.

There can also be evidenced when you took a look at the way one lives and the fruit that they bare. Many people seem eager to speak in other tongues, as some easy way of fitting in with the crowd around them (many of which have the legit ability), but don't want any part of conviction or holiness that comes with the fire of Pentecost and the tongues that signal the baptism in the Spirit.

As anyone else noticed something similar? Can speaking in tongues, in some cases, be a fad?
Yes..
Im a full supporter of speaking in tongues.
But as with all the gifts they are given by the Holy Spirit to aid in doing the will of the lord Jesus.
But there is im sure a huge difference between being able to speak in tongues.
And doing so BY the unction of the Holy spirit.
Or that is to say... Doing so IN the spirit or functioning the gift from the flesh.

No one recieves reward for speaking in tongues and speaking in tongues can NEVER atone for sin .
So it us our obedience to Christ that is of greater value then our speaking in tongues.
Tragically there will be many tongue speaking people in hell fire.
 
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Brother Kasper

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A “fad” by definition would be something “followed for a time with zeal”. In other words...sort lived most likely. Speaking in tongues is mentioned in the NT in 1 COR 12, 13, and 14; Acts 2, 10, 19; Mark 16 and I’m sure elsewhere as I might be missing some verses. What this means is I think we can safely say these books were written prior to 100 ad and therefore conclude speaking in tongues would not be a “fad”. Whether it is being treated as such today I don’t think so. I do think it is being used as a litmus test to conclude if someone is in the faith or not. I think we could have an entirely different debate on that account.
I agree. Speaking in tongues, in the literal and genuine sense, is not a fad. If one treats it as such, then he or she would be in the wrong spirit, attitude, or intent.

The topic of this thread, however, was the address the concern that speaking in tongues is merely a fad in some churches. It helps one feel a part of the clique, in the loop, one of the elite in some circles.

You know, the types that speak in tongues, but lack any conviction, standard of holiness and separation from the world; they want to leave their way, but still have God's language.
 
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As anyone else noticed something similar? Can speaking in tongues, in some cases, be a fad?

Hello Kasper. I posted on another thread about tongues a testimony from 2001:

Tongues A Sign To Unbelievers

In my humble opinion there is genuine tongues, an awesome sign from God. But as with all genuine things there is a counterfeit, demonic or just humans trying to get attention.

There is also an issue with speaking in tongues that is not often addressed. It is a gift from God. We all know that the Holy Spirit can be grieved, that the presence of God is more manifest in some situations and places than in others. The glory of the Lord filled the temple in Solomon's day and departed in Ichabod's day. When the presence of the Holy Spirit is not in evidence we need to seek the Lord, to pray, to repent, to humble ourselves. To plead forgiveness for whatever has been done to grieve the Holy Spirit.

But I have never known a Charismatic or Pentecostal church to do this. The leadership cannot admit that they have grieved the Holy Spirit, so they plough on regardless. They give thanks for the awesome things God is doing in the midst, even when there aren't any awesome things in the midst. Massaged healing testimonies, rumours, hype and ecstatic utterances fill in for the real gifts of the Spirit.

God Bless :)
 
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If we are choosing and picking verses and cutting verses then consider: Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
This implies that the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf “with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Meaning NOT SPOKEN. What do we do with that one might ask? I COULD use that to say tongues is a thing of the past.
Also, quoting a partial verse of Chapter 14 “Now I want you all to speak tongues...” and say you are doing something “in obedience” to Paul, let’s just post the entire chapter 14 because there’s a WHOLE LOT MORE TO THAT CHAPTER about a lot of other gifts way more important than tongues. Also dealing with other issues at the church in Corinth.

1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?

7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification.

11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.

14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?

17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified.

18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:

19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.

22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?

24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.

30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace.

31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.

32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

36 What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?

37 If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

As a "logical" Presbyterian (past not present) I had learned from my religious professor that tongues equaled glossolalia- that was the sum total of my teaching on tongues until my roommate, a very unreligious ex-gang member and his buddy went to some off-campus meeting and came back speaking in tongues-- as he was happy to demonstrate. I could tell he was not making it up but it was confusing that he could speak in tongues anytime he wanted. Case in point- He and his buddy would speak in tongues while playing ping-pong.

At the time I wasn't a Christian and looking back I now know it was part of God's education for me. Without giving you the whole and very long story and all that conspired against me speaking in tongues- I, alone, without a lick of teaching, in my little A-Frame was reading a book my roommate had cast aside written by Merlin Corouthers a Military Chaplin (I am a Marine). I think it was "Power in Praise"- In one of the chapters he must have invited me just to open my mouth and speak- I did and all of a sudden I was "triple tonguing"- something I found physically impossible in HS Band.- In addition and probably the most astounding, I found I could read the bible (or anything else for that matter) with understanding and continue speaking in tongues. It wasn't until years later that I learned Point #14 above from above post where the mind is unfruitful (not engaged).

Fast forward- I am now 73- Praying in tongues daily is one of the most power- yet surprisingly unemotional, components of my time with God. I love to read the scriptures while speaking in tongues. Think of it- A perfect prayer while reading the perfect words.. I encourage everyone to pray in tongues.
 
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Some time ago, I came across an article (or blog, I can't remember) online that spoke about speaking in tongues, a common practice in the Pentecostal and Charismatic communities, as being a fad.

To be more clear, the writer wasn't saying that speaking in tongues wasn't real or no longer in operation in the Church, but instead saying that meaning people that profess the ability to do such things don't have the real deal.

I clear see the point the writer was trying to make. I have been in many churches where tongues seem fashionable rather than completely spiritual, especially when one analyzes the content of conversation. I've heard talk of people (first hand, I should add) that never mention that they were baptized with the Holy Ghost, but brag about how they speak in tongues.

There can also be evidenced when you took a look at the way one lives and the fruit that they bare. Many people seem eager to speak in other tongues, as some easy way of fitting in with the crowd around them (many of which have the legit ability), but don't want any part of conviction or holiness that comes with the fire of Pentecost and the tongues that signal the baptism in the Spirit.

As anyone else noticed something similar? Can speaking in tongues, in some cases, be a fad?


I guess if forty years, every day must be a fad. I have long hair now. Used to be a brush. Anyone know what paisley is, used to be all the rage. Maybe shag rugs?

I am new here and this is my first podcast called seven-sons all done impromptu. Have a listen, I still don't believe it was me. Tongues? Seven Sons
 
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lismore

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As anyone else noticed something similar? Can speaking in tongues, in some cases, be a fad?

Hello. Perhaps just my opinion maybe not a fad but the work of the Holy Spirit can be quenched.

There seemed to be a move of the Spirit in the 1980s in Scotland, many members of my family were saved at this time, there was a Charismatic Home Fellowship we were part of.

At the same time there seemed to be some operating in the flesh and this fleshly effort eventually seemed to dominate. There were several books I remember as quenching the Holy Spirit at that time at least in the sense that these books had everyone at each other's throats. If we'd gone with bible study I think we would have been ok. God Bless :)
 
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spiritfilledjm

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Hello. Perhaps just my opinion maybe not a fad but the work of the Holy Spirit can be quenched.

There seemed to be a move of the Spirit in the 1980s in Scotland, many members of my family were saved at this time, there was a Charismatic Home Fellowship we were part of.

At the same time there seemed to be some operating in the flesh and this fleshly effort eventually seemed to dominate. There were several books I remember as quenching the Holy Spirit at that time at least in the sense that these books had everyone at each other's throats. If we'd gone with bible study I think we would have been ok. God Bless :)

That is exactly what happened with virtually every revival that has happened over the years, Brownsville, Pensacola, Toronto. Overall I would say that the whole charismatic movement is in decline. Even a lot of so-called Pentecostals are no longer practicing the gifts and prohibiting it in today's day and age. The state of Christianity is very dead in the gifts and I have no doubt it is because of the abuse of them and the lack of discernment that occurred over the last 20 years.
 
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Job3315

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Some time ago, I came across an article (or blog, I can't remember) online that spoke about speaking in tongues, a common practice in the Pentecostal and Charismatic communities, as being a fad.

To be more clear, the writer wasn't saying that speaking in tongues wasn't real or no longer in operation in the Church, but instead saying that meaning people that profess the ability to do such things don't have the real deal.

I clear see the point the writer was trying to make. I have been in many churches where tongues seem fashionable rather than completely spiritual, especially when one analyzes the content of conversation. I've heard talk of people (first hand, I should add) that never mention that they were baptized with the Holy Ghost, but brag about how they speak in tongues.

There can also be evidenced when you took a look at the way one lives and the fruit that they bare. Many people seem eager to speak in other tongues, as some easy way of fitting in with the crowd around them (many of which have the legit ability), but don't want any part of conviction or holiness that comes with the fire of Pentecost and the tongues that signal the baptism in the Spirit.

As anyone else noticed something similar? Can speaking in tongues, in some cases, be a fad?
My father speaks in tongues and I hear him often speak in tongues and then the interpretation. I remember hiding in the kitchen when I was little, listening to him speak in tongues while he was by himself. I’ve been exposed to it to the point that I can discern (most of the time) when is the Spirit talking and not someone making it up. There’s some sort of “rhythm” or pace that is hard to fake, it’s like they can speak a language without breathing. It’s weird but interesting. My dad describes it like bubbles coming from the inside that needs to come out. I know that many people might think that people with that gift can control it, but I know my dad sometimes can't. Ive seen him struggle at church trying to hold it in.

About people who have a gift from the Spirit but are living in sin, it happens all the time. The Bible even says some prophesy and casted out demons but Jesus never knew them. It also says demons do miracles. That’s why it’s so important to discern in which Spirit churches operate because just because they are a Church it doesn't mean the Holy Spirit is leading them. Thats why we need discernment.
 
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ARBITER01

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That is exactly what happened with virtually every revival that has happened over the years, Brownsville, Pensacola, Toronto. Overall I would say that the whole charismatic movement is in decline. Even a lot of so-called Pentecostals are no longer practicing the gifts and prohibiting it in today's day and age. The state of Christianity is very dead in the gifts and I have no doubt it is because of the abuse of them and the lack of discernment that occurred over the last 20 years.

Not trying to boast here,....A few years back, one of the district guys of our denomination in Ohio was visiting our church, and he made mention about how our church was a rarity in the state. I guess all the rest he had seen in his area and others didn't operate in the gifts. We were like a watering hole of sorts I guess.

There are a lot of folks who can't operate in the gifts properly, but the leadership in those churches refuse to make corrections when needed. Most people have no idea how inspired and uplifted you can be throughout the whole week by just being in a church where the gifts are flowing greatly. They are an absolute necessity.
 
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