Paul's letter to the Corinthians: Speaking Tongues

[grannymh]

At least 4 different uses of this charismatic gift of tongues have been observed among Catholic charismatic prayer groups. Listed by order of frequency, they are:

1. 
   *]Prayer tongue- used to praise and worship the Lord - relatively common among charismatics
   *]Ministerial tongue- used when praying over for healing - rarer
   *]Prophetic tongue- prophecy is spoken in tongues - quite rare, requires interpretation
   *]Language tongue- uttering foreign languages unknown to the speaker- very rare
   
   All 4 types of tongues sound quite differently from each other.
   
   Prayer tongue is the least of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as it builds up the individual and not the church. Sometimes the prayer tongue sounds like sighs or groans, but among persons highly gifted by the Holy Spirit, they can sound like sweet harmony as in song- think of “angelic voices”. To pray properly in tongues requires a surrender of the self (particularly the intellect) to the control of the Holy Spirit- to be able to let go and utter non-intelligible gibberish. Hence prayer tongue is often a ‘threshold gift’ that opens the way to higher gifts like healing and prophecy which builds up the church. The Spirit grants His gifts to those whom He chooses, particularly those who are surrendered to the Spirit- they use His gifts in the service of the Lord and not for their own personal glory.
   
   Ministerial tongue is used by those with the gift of healing when praying over sick or afflicted persons with laying-over of hands. Strictly speaking, the persons doing the praying-over are just human instruments and it is Jesus who is the healer,
   
   Prophecy in tongues in normally accompanied by interpretation of tongues. It is rare but is quite an awesome experience when it happens. Often the prophecy is not a prediction about the future, but words of edification or encouragement. On rare occasions, the prophecy may be specific instructions to the community from the Holy Spirit- see for example Acts 13:1-3.
   
   Language tongue- very rare today, but must have been quite common during the apostolic era when the apostles were strongly empowered by the Holy Spirit so that the church could grow rapidly. Note that in Acts 2:4-18, Peter spoke in tongues and was simultaneously understood in many foreigners, each in his own foreign language. This was truly a miracle that reversed the effects of the Tower of Babel.
   
   Grace be with all of you!

 

[grannymh]

At least 4 different uses of this charismatic gift of tongues have been observed among Catholic charismatic prayer groups. Listed by order of frequency, they are:

1. 
   *]Prayer tongue- used to praise and worship the Lord - relatively common among charismatics
   *]Ministerial tongue- used when praying over for healing - rarer
   *]Prophetic tongue- prophecy is spoken in tongues - quite rare, requires interpretation
   *]Language tongue- uttering foreign languages unknown to the speaker- very rare
   
   All 4 types of tongues sound quite differently from each other.
   
   Prayer tongue is the least of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as it builds up the individual and not the church. Sometimes the prayer tongue sounds like sighs or groans, but among persons highly gifted by the Holy Spirit, they can sound like sweet harmony as in song- think of “angelic voices”. To pray properly in tongues requires a surrender of the self (particularly the intellect) to the control of the Holy Spirit- to be able to let go and utter non-intelligible gibberish. Hence prayer tongue is often a ‘threshold gift’ that opens the way to higher gifts like healing and prophecy which builds up the church. The Spirit grants His gifts to those whom He chooses, particularly those who are surrendered to the Spirit- they use His gifts in the service of the Lord and not for their own personal glory.
   
   Ministerial tongue is used by those with the gift of healing when praying over sick or afflicted persons with laying-over of hands. Strictly speaking, the persons doing the praying-over are just human instruments and it is Jesus who is the healer,
   
   Prophecy in tongues in normally accompanied by interpretation of tongues. It is rare but is quite an awesome experience when it happens. Often the prophecy is not a prediction about the future, but words of edification or encouragement. On rare occasions, the prophecy may be specific instructions to the community from the Holy Spirit- see for example Acts 13:1-3.
   
   Language tongue- very rare today, but must have been quite common during the apostolic era when the apostles were strongly empowered by the Holy Spirit so that the church could grow rapidly. Note that in Acts 2:4-18, Peter spoke in tongues and was simultaneously understood in many foreigners, each in his own foreign language. This was truly a miracle that reversed the effects of the Tower of Babel.
   
   Grace be with all of you!

1. 
   Thank you for this inspirational post. May I present the four above uses of tongues as they are used in the U.S., especially the Midwest.
   1. Prayer tongue- used to praise and worship the Lord - relatively common among charismatics.
   Here prayer groups often sing this gift. This singing at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is especially angelic.
   
   The gift of praying in tongues is often used as an intercessory prayer. It is also used as an immediate request for guidance in special circumstances. For example, when one is explaining Catholicism to someone, one prays to the Holy Spirit, for guidance as to what to say. Many times this type of prayer is said internally, i.e., without sound.
   
   2.Ministerial tongue- used when praying over for healing - rarer
   
   I am not familiar with this classification. Here the gift of praying in tongues is used for praying over someone which means that anyone with this common gift can use it.
   Would “Ministerial Tongue” refer to the classical list of Gifts in 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11?
   We do have people with the Gifts of Healing and of Miracles and these are definitely ministries. As to their rarity, I do not have any information.
   
   3.Prophetic tongue- prophecy is spoken in tongues - quite rare, requires interpretation.
   
   In our area, there are a number of people who have the Gift of Tongues (speaking in tongues)–whereby the person gives God’s message, in a language unknown to him, for the community present. A person with the Gift of Interpretation is present. It is awesome.
   
   In our area when there are conferences, there are usually a number of people with these two gifts. Since some of these people would not be known locally, we also have people with the Gift of Discernment–whereby a person is enabled to know the source of an inspiration or action. These people, after prayer, validate the speaker and the interpretation.
   1. Language tongue- uttering foreign languages unknown to the speaker- very rare
   Acts 2: 1- 36 happened at Pentecost which is one-time event. Even what is considered “little Pentecost” is not the same because it wasn’t the apostle who was using a gift, but rather the recipient of the gift of prayer tongues.
   
   What would be the Scripture references for number 4?
   
   Regarding someone praying in an actual foreign language, usually an ancient one, this occurred in the early years of Charismatic Renewal in the U.S. What was happening was that a person had received the gift of prayer tongues, number 1 above, and would be praising God in a group. As a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit to impart this gift, someone in the prayer group would recognize phrases from a foreign language. This was rare.
   
   Thank you for your clear explanations. Sadly, here there is so much confusion about the tongue gifts, that it is rare to find someone, other than an instructed Catholic Charismatic, who knows the difference between the common gift of praying in tongues and the ministerial gifts listed by St. Paul.
   
   Blessings,
   Charismatic granny
   
   A Key to Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church** ISBN: 0-87029-033-9**
   
   by Msgr. Vincent M. Walsh
   Key of David Publications

 

[Reuben_J]

2.Ministerial tongue- used when praying over for healing - rarer

I am not familiar with this classification. Here the gift of praying in tongues is used for praying over someone which means that anyone with this common gift can use it.
Would “Ministerial Tongue” refer to the classical list of Gifts in 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11?
We do have people with the Gifts of Healing and of Miracles and these are definitely ministries. As to their rarity, I do not have any information.

Hi, this tongue is the same category in what you call the prayer tongue. The poster has done a great job to categorize tongue according to how one could it.

You pray in tongue to minister. I mention about prayer tongue being a gift for personal edification which is a statement that’s not complete though. All Charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit are for the edification of the body – the community. Here, it is a good example how prayer tongue is being used for service in the community – when we pray for another individual. Many times this gift can multiply and other gifts may be present, example the gift of (1) Prophecy, (2) Knowledge and (3) Wisdom, (4) Healing and (5) Miracle.

Praying over a person should not just stop there though many a times that is commonly happen – it should include leading a person being prayed over with words that God want to say to him/her. And to tell him/her what that words are, in order to help him/her dealing with the situation being prayed for.

1. Language tongue- uttering foreign languages unknown to the speaker- very rare

Acts 2: 1- 36 happened at Pentecost which is one-time event. Even what is considered “little Pentecost” is not the same because it wasn’t the apostle who was using a gift, but rather the recipient of the gift of prayer tongues.

What would be the Scripture references for number 4?

Why do you confine it to a one-time event? On the contrary we cannot limit the power of the Holy Spirit – healings, miracles, acts of great faith continues to happen over the centuries. There should be no reason why this type of tongue is particularly excluded.

A Key to Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church ISBN: 0-87029-033-9

by Msgr. Vincent M. Walsh
Key of David Publications

That’s useful book for beginner. I thought I got a copy sometimes back in the eighties. However through the years the Spirit and through the experience of the community over the years has shed more light in the proper use of the charism.

God bless you.

 

[Reuben_J]

To avoid skewing up the thread into unfruitful accusation and wanton labeling of people who experience the Charismatic gift of tongue, here again is a short summary to remind us on what it is all about.

Generally speaking there are two types of tongues that should not be confused with:

(1) Praying in tongue

(2) The Charismatic gift of speaking in tongue which is mentioned in 1 Cor 12:10. This gift should be exercised together with another gift, the interpretation of tongue, for it to be useful. In reality this gift is quite rare and when available, there should be another gift, the gift of discernment; here the NAB mentions it as a gift of the power of distinguishing spirits - to ensure that the tongue is from the Holy Spirit.

1 Cor 12 (NAB)
8 To one is given from the Spirit the gift of utterance expressing wisdom; to another the gift of utterance expressing knowledge, in accordance with the same Spirit; 9 to another, faith, from the same Spirit; and to another, the gifts of healing, through this one Spirit; 10 to another, the working of miracles; to another, prophecy; to another, the power of distinguishing spirits; to one, the gift of different tongues and to another, the interpretation of tongues. 11 But at work in all these is one and the same Spirit, distributing them at will to each individual.

Again, please always note that these gifts are not ends to themselves but for the purpose of building the body of Christ. They are gift from the Holy Spirit.

Catholics, for many years, are quite ignorant of who is the Holy Spirit. We speak of God the Father and of the Son, but when it comes to the Holy Spirit most average Catholics out here do not know exactly who He is.

The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and for brevity, He is the One who Sanctifies. But if we look into the history of the people of God in the Bible, particularly the NT, the action of the Holy Spirit is two-folds:

(1) sanctifying action – in Baptism He stays with us and transforms us into personal holiness. In Ps51, the psalmist said, “do not take your Spirit away from me …” and in Eze 36, “ I will pour my spirit on you …”

(2) charismatic action – given to some people, NOT for sanctification but for edification of the community. This is where the Charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit come in. There is a list in 1 Cor 12 and many others that include preaching and teaching.

St Paul talks about the Charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor 12 but he also talks about the sanctifying action of the Holy Spirit in 13 and 14. The Charismatic and Sanctifying actions need to be balanced to foster the sanctifying action otherwise the charism can destroy unity (through pride and boastfulness).

God bless.

 

[OnceLostSoul]

Thank you for this inspirational post. May I present the four above uses of tongues as they are used in the U.S., especially the Midwest.

1. Prayer tongue- used to praise and worship the Lord - relatively common among charismatics.

Here prayer groups often sing this gift. This singing at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is especially angelic.

The gift of praying in tongues is often used as an intercessory prayer. It is also used as an immediate request for guidance in special circumstances. For example, when one is explaining Catholicism to someone, one prays to the Holy Spirit, for guidance as to what to say. Many times this type of prayer is said internally, i.e., without sound.

2.Ministerial tongue- used when praying over for healing - rarer

I am not familiar with this classification. Here the gift of praying in tongues is used for praying over someone which means that anyone with this common gift can use it. Would “Ministerial Tongue” refer to the classical list of Gifts in 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11?. We do have people with the Gifts of Healing and of Miracles and these are definitely ministries. As to their rarity, I do not have any information.

3.Prophetic tongue- prophecy is spoken in tongues - quite rare, requires interpretation.

In our area, there are a number of people who have the Gift of Tongues (speaking in tongues)–whereby the person gives God’s message, in a language unknown to him, for the community present. A person with the Gift of Interpretation is present. It is awesome. In our area when there are conferences, there are usually a number of people with these two gifts. Since some of these people would not be known locally, we also have people with the Gift of Discernment–whereby a person is enabled to know the source of an inspiration or action. These people, after prayer, validate the speaker and the interpretation.

1. Language tongue- uttering foreign languages unknown to the speaker- very rare

Acts 2: 1- 36 happened at Pentecost which is one-time event. Even what is considered “little Pentecost” is not the same because it wasn’t the apostle who was using a gift, but rather the recipient of the gift of prayer tongues.

What would be the Scripture references for number 4?

Regarding someone praying in an actual foreign language, usually an ancient one, this occurred in the early years of Charismatic Renewal in the U.S. What was happening was that a person had received the gift of prayer tongues, number 1 above, and would be praising God in a group. As a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit to impart this gift, someone in the prayer group would recognize phrases from a foreign language. This was rare.

Hi Charismatic Granny!

Among the prayer groups I attend, singing in tongues occurs during Praise and Worship before the Mass begins. Singing in tongues may also happen during intercessory prayer. Fewer charismatics are able to sing in tongues, so this seems to be a higher gift than praying in tongues.

‘Ministering tongue’ may be a better term than ‘Ministerial tongue’ to describe the kind of tongues used for in the healing and deliverance ministry. It is basically just another form of prayer tongue but there’s a difference in the ‘vocabulary’ of sounds and sometimes slight differences in tonal quality, more repetitive, more like pleading sounds than joyful praising. Both ‘Ministering tongue’ or ‘Ministerial tongue’ are not commonly used terms within the Renewal. Can you suggest a better term?

Prophetic tongue is much less common than the previous 2 tongues and is significantly different in ‘vocabulary’ and tonal quality. When it does happen, you would notice the difference because of the awesome manner it is uttered. A translation is given by 1 or more interpreters of tongues. If the prophecy is not a simple message of edification or exhortation. a discernment process may be needed to validate the prophecy.

More commonly, prophecy is recieved as a insight when members of the group pray in tongues. The prophetic message is delivered in normal speech without the use of prophetic tongue or interpreters.

Praying in tongues can open the mind to recieving other words besides prophecy, such as word of wisdom or word of knowledge.

For a scriptural reference to speaking in new (foreign) languages, read the Gospel passage Mark 16:15-18

And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved; but the one who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.’

Perhaps we should be talking more about love than about tongues, since speaking in tongues has no value without love. In 1st Corinthians Chapter 13, St Paul tells us:

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing

The distinguishing mark of all charismatic prayer groups should be love, not tongues.

May the Holy Spirit enlighten, strengthen and guide us all.

 

[grannymh]

Hi Charismatic Granny!
For a scriptural reference to speaking in new (foreign) languages, read the Gospel passage Mark 16:15-18

Speaking the language of native people is an obvious part of missionary work which was being described in this passage. Mark seems to be referring to a learned foreign tongue not one “4. Language tongue- uttering foreign languages unknown to the speaker- very rare”

It is hard for this old granny to imagine going into a foreign land and uttering something I didn’t know I was saying. How would I know if I preached about the Real Presence? Would I have told them enough about the Sacrament of Confession so that they could receive it properly?" If someone listening, interprets, how would I know if the person was interpreting the intentions of my preaching correctly? How would my being dumb about what I was saying help me prepare a clearer explanation?

Pardon me for being dense. But I am having a hard time finding the kind of “4. Language tongue- uttering foreign languages unknown to the speaker- very rare.” in Apostolic times.
Luke is so very clear about Pentecost. Even at Pentecost, the Apostles knew what they were preaching.

St. Paul is so very clear about the nine ministry gifts. Where is this “missionary” type 4 language mentioned after the death of Christ?

Unfortunately, I cannot respond to yours and others’ excellent posts because I have to leave town due to a serious medical emergency being experienced by one of my kids.

I did spot the Mark reference and I do hope that when I have some peace, we can further discuss this. I would sincerely like to learn how St. Paul treats this --to me-- rather unusual gift. The reason being is that there is so much confusion on CAF regarding tongue gifts, I would not like being one of the confused.

Blessings,
granny

The quest for knowledge is worthy of the adventures of the journey.

 

[OnceLostSoul]

Speaking the language of native people is an obvious part of missionary work which was being described in this passage. Mark seems to be referring to a learned foreign tongue not one “4. Language tongue- uttering foreign languages unknown to the speaker- very rare”

Granny,

You ought to read Mark 16:17 more carefully:

…And these signs will accompany those who believe: by using my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues…

In the Gospels, the terms ‘signs’ and ‘signs and wonders’ refer to ‘miracles’.

If Mark is referring to foreign languages that have been learned by missionaries, why would speaking in new tongues be miraclous?

With the love of Christ!

 

[OnceLostSoul]

Speaking the language of native people is an obvious part of missionary work which was being described in this passage. Mark seems to be referring to a learned foreign tongue not one “4. Language tongue- uttering foreign languages unknown to the speaker- very rare”

It is hard for this old granny to imagine going into a foreign land and uttering something I didn’t know I was saying. How would I know if I preached about the Real Presence? Would I have told them enough about the Sacrament of Confession so that they could receive it properly?" If someone listening, interprets, how would I know if the person was interpreting the intentions of my preaching correctly? How would my being dumb about what I was saying help me prepare a clearer explanation?

Dear Charismatic Granny,

Why should you doubt the power of the Holy Spirit to speak meaningfully through you in tongues?

Consider this scripture passage where Jesus warns His disciples (and future missionaries):

See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
(Matt 10:16-20)

Lord, increase our faith!!

 

[grannymh]

Granny,

You ought to read Mark 16:17 more carefully:

I am very familiar with Mark 16: 14-18 because it is extremely important to put a single verse citation into its context. See Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition. Link:
www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
Normally, I would direct a person to all proper paragraphs, but I need to catch a bus.

Not only am I familiar with this section, I have heard personal testimony regarding poison in this section from one of the leaders of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the U.S. He was definitely believable.

In the Gospels, the terms ‘signs’ and ‘signs and wonders’ refer to ‘miracles’.

True.
In the Nicene Creed, the four marks of the true Church established by Jesus Christ have been seen as another meaning to signs. In other words, regarding common words, one needs to study context in relationship to the whole of Catholic teaching.

If Mark is referring to foreign languages that have been learned by missionaries, why would speaking in new tongues be miraclous?

Mark is not referring to “foreign languages that have been learned by missionaries” – the verb in this interpretation is past tense, i.e., something which has already happened. Please note that Mark uses future tense in verses 16-18
In my Bible, the translation uses new languages–not the word tongues – coupled with the future tense of “will speak”. I am not convinced that “will speak” would always be considered miraculous. However, “will speak” would be miraculous for me.

Blessings to all,
granny

 

[Reuben_J]

Mark is not referring to “foreign languages that have been learned by missionaries” – the verb in this interpretation is past tense, i.e., something which has already happened. Please note that Mark uses future tense in verses 16-18
In my Bible, the translation uses new languages–not the word tongues – coupled with the future tense of “will speak”. I am not convinced that “will speak” would always be considered miraculous. However, “will speak” would be miraculous for me.

Blessings to all,
granny

Hey, maybe both of you should not confine the new tongue in Mk 16 as “either” or “or”.

It says they speak new language (or tongue) – obviously not their mother tongue. The new language can be the native language of the land. We heard how fast our missionaries in foreign lands learned the language of the natives and able to speak them fluently. That in itself could be a gift.

If the new tongue is meant to be the language of prayer tongue as in Rom 8:26, then one is not wrong either.

If it is as in the Pentecost, one also could not be wrong, though this occurrence must be exceptional rare, if at all. I have not witnessed one myself but heard it from a Charismatic priest with vast experience in this area that it did happened once, according to him and he witnessed it. In reality, if it happens it will most probably during ministry as an one-off occasion for the ministry of the person being prayed over.

If it’s the Charismatic gift of speaking in tongue as in 1 Cor 12, then it must be accompanied by at least the gift of interpretation. The gift of discernment is a necessity too. The minimal three gifts should be available in a Charismatic community for the gift of speaking in tongue to be really effective.

God bless.

 

[grannymh]

Hey, maybe both of you should not confine the new tongue in Mk 16 as “either” or “or”.

It says they speak new language (or tongue) – obviously not their mother tongue. The new language can be the native language of the land. We heard how fast our missionaries in foreign lands learned the language of the natives and able to speak them fluently. That in itself could be a gift.

If the new tongue is meant to be the language of prayer tongue as in Rom 8:26, then one is not wrong either.

If it is as in the Pentecost, one also could not be wrong, though this occurrence must be exceptional rare, if at all. I have not witnessed one myself but heard it from a Charismatic priest with vast experience in this area that it did happened once, according to him and he witnessed it. In reality, if it happens it will most probably during ministry as an one-off occasion for the ministry of the person being prayed over.

If it’s the Charismatic gift of speaking in tongue as in 1 Cor 12, then it must be accompanied by at least the gift of interpretation. The gift of discernment is a necessity too. The minimal three gifts should be available in a Charismatic community for the gift of speaking in tongue to be really effective.

God bless.

Personally, I dislike the mutually exclusive or. Thank you for calling me on it.

Blessings,
granny

P.S. I have been witnessing the work of the Holy Spirit during the hospitalization of one of my kids. His sibling said some amazing things to expedite the process which could only have come from the Holy Spirit. In addition, this sibling is starting to think about coming back to Catholicism.

 

[Reuben_J]

Personally, I dislike the mutually exclusive or. Thank you for calling me on it.

Blessings,
granny

God bless you grannymh.

P.S. I have been witnessing the work of the Holy Spirit during the hospitalization of one of my kids. His sibling said some amazing things to expedite the process which could only have come from the Holy Spirit. In addition, this sibling is starting to think about coming back to Catholicism.

This is why the work of the renewal is so effective in bringing back souls to the Church. The incredible signs and wonders no doubt act as a jump start to many lapsed and ordinary Catholics. Sometimes we need the sign that God is ever present in order to be convinced and to move our hearts. Jesus did not look kindly to the category of people who asked for signs and wonders but he nevertheless never turned away those who came to him for healing and ministry.

If you are involved in some kinds of ministry work perhaps you would notice that people are touched not only by the prayers but also the love and the concern of those who minister to them. We have one ministry that is specifically set-up for praying for the deads – attending funerals and following up with saying memorial prayers in the departed family’s house, usually for a week continuously. Many of the feedbacks we received included being touched by the devotion of the members (who work in secular job) who went about to their house every night to pray with them and proclaiming the word (of comfort). So moved were they that many of them started to go for RCIA and those already are Catholics started going to the church again.

Similarly, there is this ministry that minister to the sicks in the hospital and elsewhere. What is amazing, in the process of doing all this, members find that their own faith and zeal for God is also being upbuilt.

God bless.

 

[Charlotte408]

Hello, sorry to jump in here- but I’m just curious…a Pentacostal friend of mine says that they believe that you can not be saved unless you speak tongues at your conversion and says that its in the bible…Has anyone heard that before??? I found a peice that says that you will go out in the world and speak of me, speak in tongues, and they will believe you…something to that extent, but where would they get the idea that it was neccessary to be saved??

 

[NotWorthy]

Hello, sorry to jump in here- but I’m just curious…a Pentacostal friend of mine says that they believe that you can not be saved unless you speak tongues at your conversion and says that its in the bible…Has anyone heard that before??? I found a peice that says that you will go out in the world and speak of me, speak in tongues, and they will believe you…something to that extent, but where would they get the idea that it was neccessary to be saved??

It is not necessary. It’s listed in Corinthians as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but hat doesn’t mean everyone receives this gift.

 

[Charlotte408]

It is not necessary. It’s listed in Corinthians as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but hat doesn’t mean everyone receives this gift.

Yeah…

I figured it out…it took me like, an hour, LOL…but thats EXACTLY where I ended up…Corinthians

 

[grannymh]

Hello, sorry to jump in here- but I’m just curious…a Pentacostal friend of mine says that they believe that you can not be saved unless you speak tongues at your conversion and says that its in the bible…Has anyone heard that before??? I found a peice that says that you will go out in the world and speak of me, speak in tongues, and they will believe you…something to that extent, but where would they get the idea that it was neccessary to be saved??

Your friend may be referring to where Paul is specifically talking about prayer tongues. To me, Paul is expressing a wish that all would use prayer tongues because it is a common gift and good for the person. But there is no necessity connected with it.

The difficulty with Paul’s letter to the Corinthians is that there are actually two completely different gifts of tongues. Those in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal usually associate the gift of praying in tongues or prayer tongues with what is referred to as Baptism in the Spirit (or similar name). This is a renewal of Sacramental Baptism in that one prays that the graces given during this Sacrament will be stirred up or become active in the person. Maybe some Catholics would call this a conversion experience in the sense that we constantly need to convert our lives to God.

What is known as speaking in tongues is a special charism, often referred to as one of the classical gifts since it is listed by Paul. There is a great deal of confusion about the two kinds of gifts. Neither gift is necessary for salvation. I do not know your friend, but I do know that both Pentecostals and Catholics can fall into the trap of pride regarding the common gift of praying in tongues.

A good source book filled with basic information about the Catholic Charismatic Renewal is:

A Key to Charismatic Renewal in the Catholic Church** ISBN: 0-87029-033-9**

by Msgr. Vincent M. Walsh
Key of David Publications

Easter Blessings,
granny