Speaking in Tongues

Chris from TN · Jun 4, 2004

I'm new here and hesitant to start a controversial thread, but here goes.

I was raised as a Southern Baptist, and identify with that denomination. I've strayed, but God has recently placed some burdens and conviction upon me. I'm getting my life back in order, but that's another story.

Without going into deep detail on how this question came about (it's an interesting story of a Blessing from God, but I'm at work and can't sit here and type forever), here it is:

As a Baptist, I was never exposed to or taught much about speaking in tongues. Recently that changed; I met a Penecostal who is no doubt a strong Christian. At one point, the subject of speaking in tongues came up. I was ashamed that I had never studied the idea or the relevant scripture. I had always accepted that it happened, but was no big deal, nothing to specifically seek out or worry about. In the last week, I've read everything I could find on the subject, trying to come to peace with the concept, one way or the other. I've sought out theological opinions from others. However, I have not specifically asked other Baptists (except my father) about the subjects.

So I'd like to ask:

As a baptist, what do YOU think about speaking in tongues?

I don't intend to start a debate, and unless specifically asked to, I won't even respond again in this thread if it turns argumentative. I just want some honest opinions, from scripture, from other Baptists.

FreeinChrist · Jun 4, 2004

My understanding from scripture is that the gift of tongues was given to some and that others understood what the person was saying. the Apostles received the gift on the Day of Pentecost, and people heard the gospel in their own language. This doesn't sound like the babbling type stuff I have heard in Pentecostal churches.

Read I Corinthians 12-14 too.

jenptcfan · Jun 4, 2004

I believe that there is a spiritual gift of tongues. It was recorded in the bible. There are specific guidelines laid out in the bible for the use of tongues too(such as there being an interpreter present), and I believe that those should be used.

I don't believe that everything you see on TV or in some churches regarding this is "the real deal", but I do believe there is such a thing as "the real deal."

Chris from TN · Jun 4, 2004

So is it something you should accept, but place no importance on unless it happens to you? Or something to be sought out?

SBfaithful · Jun 4, 2004

FreeinChrist said:
Read I Corinthians 12-14 too.

I agree with FreeinChrist that you should read these chapters.

Speaking in tounges is great as long as it is used for edification of the entire church body--not the individual in church. Speaking in tounges is a spiritual gift and I have no doubt that it truly exists. But, on the other hand, I feel it is sometimes used as a gimmick and made out to be a bit more prevalant than it really is.

Chris from TN · Jun 4, 2004

So, if spoken without an interpreter, it's still a positive, real thing.....but of no 'benefit' to anyone other than the speaker?

SBfaithful · Jun 4, 2004

Chris from TN said:
So is it something you should accept, but place no importance on unless it happens to you? Or something to be sought out?

If you have the gift God will let you know. I know of some churches that teach that everyone can speak in tongues and they have classes that will teach you how to do this. In my opinion, speaking in tongues is of no help unless there is an interpreter present that can let other members know what you are saying.
Use discernment--only you and God know if this is your gift.

SBfaithful · Jun 4, 2004

Chris from TN said:
So, if spoken without an interpreter, it's still a positive, real thing.....but of no 'benefit' to anyone other than the speaker?

Just because there is no interpreter doesn't mean that it is not real. You can pray to God in tongues if that is your gift. I am only saying that if it is used in front of a church body there should be an interpreter.

SBfaithful · Jun 4, 2004

Chris from TN said:
Without going into deep detail on how this question came about (it's an interesting story of a Blessing from God, but I'm at work and can't sit here and type forever)

Sorry I missed that in your original post. It seems to me that you already have your answer. If that is your gift use it for God's glory. But in 1 Corinthians Paul lays out some warnings about the use of tongues and they could probably be of some use to you.

In Christ,
Anthony

Chris from TN · Jun 4, 2004

SBfaithful said:
Sorry I missed that in your original post. It seems to me that you already have your answer. If that is your gift use it for God's glory. But in 1 Corinthians Paul lays out some warnings about the use of tongues and they could probably be of some use to you.

In Christ,
Anthony

Wait, no, I should have been clearer there. The blessing I recieved was a day spent in the company of a Christian who opened my eyes, pinted out some weaknesses, and inspired me to make some big changes in my life.

I did not recieve a gift.

SBfaithful · Jun 4, 2004

Chris from TN said:
Wait, no, I should have been clearer there. The blessing I recieved was a day spent in the company of a Christian who opened my eyes, pinted out some weaknesses, and inspired me to make some big changes in my life.

I did not recieve a gift.

Sorry about that. I have had eye opening experiences myself due to some insights from wonderful christians.

Smidlee · Jun 4, 2004

I personally believe the speaking in tongues died out with the apostles along with the public miracles (still believe in miracles but not take away form the Word) after the scriptures are completed. 1 Corinthians 13:10 "but when that which is perfect (complete = which I believe is referring to the new testament (Gospel)), that which is part (this include tongues) shall be done away. Since hind sight is 20/20 it seem that tongues did cease until recent decades (with the help of TV). Also "tongues" was a sign gift which usually signs are used for a short time. But this is my interpretion of what "Perfect" is. It was obvious the tongues movement in Corinth was done is total disorderly. Also notice that speaking in tongues doesn't mean someone is spiritual since the Corinthians seemed to be the most carnel of the first churches. Sadly most churches today fit and has the exact same problems that Corinth had.

I married a Penecostal which believe in tongues so we agreed to disagreed and never really bring it up.( same with women preachers) So never let "tongues" sow discord with the other believers.

Chris from TN · Jun 4, 2004

Smidlee said:
I personally believe the speaking in tongues died out with the apostles along with the public miracles (still believe in miracles but not take away form the Word) after the scriptures are completed. 1 Corinthians 13:10 "but when that which is perfect (complete = which I believe is referring to the new testament (Gospel)), that which is part (this include tongues) shall be done away. Since hind sight is 20/20 it seem that tongues did cease until recent decades (with the help of TV). " But this is my interpretion of what "Perfect" is. It was obvious the tongues movement in Corinth was done is total disorder. Also notice that speaking in tongues doesn't mean someone is spiritual since the Corinthians seemed to be the most carnel of the churches. Sadly most churches today fix and has the exact same problems that Corinth had.

I married a Penecostal which believe in tongues so we agreed to disagreed and never really bring it up.( same with women preachers) So never let "tongues" sow discord with the other believers.

If that's the case, you're exactly who I was wanting to hear from. So which church do you go to? How do/will you broach the subject with your children?

kayanne · Jun 5, 2004

First of all, thanks to the original poster for the correct spelling of "tongue." For some reason, it's a pet peeve of mine that most people seem to spell this word as "tounge," which would rhyme with "lounge." Honestly, it's rare to find this word spelled correctly! OK, so I'm a bit obsessive sometimes.

Now, for my opinion on the subject:
Our pastor believes and teaches that tongues was a temporary gift, at the time of the apostles only. He goes so far as to say that it is not of God, therefore must be of the enemy to confuse and divide. I have a hard time accepting that, but yet if it is not from God, then what other alternative is there? The thing that disturbs me most is that it does seem to be a "learned behavior." In the past I have prayed that God would help me know the truth about this, that I would not "quench the spirit" by my doubts about this gift, and that God would give me this gift if it was His will. I have never spoken in tongues. I suspect that if I spent enough time around people who do, however, that I might "pick it up." Sorry if that sounds offensive, it's just in keeping with my experience.

TwistrAndy · Jun 6, 2004

I wasn't gonna say anything because I'm not Baptist, but please allow me to do so.
(I mean to cause NO debates, or hard feelings, and I'm not a "Oneness Pentecostal, Whatever that is)

In the book of Acts it talks about in the last days, when the children will prophecy, ok we are in the last days, so according to the Bible here is a gift that should still be in existance.
Then below that it talks about the gift of the Holy Ghost, is there for their sons and it will be there for their descendants.
Now, some people say that the gift of tongues is only there to carry the gospel around the world. I don't think thats true, because if it is then it makes the need for "interpretation of tongues" erroneous.
In our church people pray in tongues sometimes during prayer, but NEVER does anyone burst out praying in tongues while the word is being delivered, but if someone speaks in tongues than an interpretor WILL ALWAYS interpret, as a matter of fact it happened this morning at church, this man was in the choir and after the song was over he spoke in a language that I know wasn't some mindless babble and I know he didn't just make it up, because it was far from "babbling", and when he was speaking in tongues (he spoke for about 1 minute), he pointed at the congregation and used hand gestures, and then a woman who was in front of him, and saw nothing of what he was doing, interpreted in english, and did every hand point and gesture as he did.
And let me say, that we don't teach people how to speak in tongues, it's something that happens to people that ask for it, I know some people do teach you how, but then yes it is a learned experience, but at our church the people aren't taught, it is something that happens to people that accept this gift from God.

kayanne · Jun 6, 2004

Andy,
Thanks for sharing your opinion and experiences. When I read something like that, I really try not to respond internally like "no way" or "what a crock" or anything else negative. I really want to believe you! It is just so far removed from my own experience that it is hard to grasp. Like I said, I have prayed for God to give me this gift if it is His will, so either it is not His will even though the gift may be genuine in this day and age, or the gift is simply no longer genuinely given. But you know, I really try not to get too caught up in the things I don't understand. I mean, I'm curious of course, but I'm past letting things like this divide me from other Christians, or from feeling like I have got it "all figured out" and everyone else is wrong.
So, I praise God for what He's doing in your life, and in mine, even though He is working differently.
kayanne

jenptcfan · Jun 7, 2004

For those who believe that these spiritual gifts died out, what do you make of the rest of the spiritual gifts like teaching,etc.? Do you believe that they still exist? If so, why would some still exist and some not?

Smidlee · Jun 7, 2004

Chris from TN said:
If that's the case, you're exactly who I was wanting to hear from. So which church do you go to? How do/will you broach the subject with your children?

We started going to an independent Baptist church (her home-church was too far anyways). It had Baptist doctrine with a Penecostal atmosphere. In fact some of my friends who visit told me it seem more like a Penecostal church than Baptist. There wasn't no speaking in tongues nor women preachers yet we both loved this church. (Women preachers was more of an issue than tongues for me.)
I don't think the subject ever came up with the children though they understood we did have our differences.Also my wife has passed away a few years ago so now I still raise one on my own.

@@Paul@@ · Jun 7, 2004

jenptcfan said:
For those who believe that these spiritual gifts died out, what do you make of the rest of the spiritual gifts like teaching,etc.? Do you believe that they still exist? If so, why would some still exist and some not?

Well, because Paul tells us...

Eph 4:8-12 KJV
(8) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
...
(11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The gifts which were given to perfect the saints and for edifying the body were gifts of pastors and teachers.

jenptcfan · Jun 8, 2004

@@Paul@@ said:
Well, because Paul tells us...

Eph 4:8-12 KJV

(8) Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
...
(11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

The gifts which were given to perfect the saints and for edifying the body were gifts of pastors and teachers.

So the gift of evangelism no longer exists?

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