Speaking in Tongues

[MickeyM927]

Goes anyone know anything about this?

I’ve been hearing about a Charismatic Prayer movement that some Catholics I know have participated in … it involves speaking in tongues.

I also have a friend who is Protestant and she says she speaks in tongue quite often. I just found that out and was surprised by it. I don’t know why I was surprised … perhaps because it seems foreign to me.

If anyone has any information that you are willing to share, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you and God bless!!!
Michele

 

[Angela77]

Yeah, I’ve been hearing stuff about speaking in tongues lately too.

I have a Catholic friend who had hands laid on her while someone was speaking in tongues (this was a Catholic prayer gathering), and she felt the good effects of it (renewed desire for Jesus, etc).

I also have a Protestant friend who says he can speak in tongues whenever. I’m not going to deny that he can…but I question it a bit because I don’t think that tongues are the kind of thing you can just have happen whenever you feel like. I also heard from this Protestant friend about a conference that he went to–tongues, laying hands on people, etc. Apparently it made people faint and stuff. A girl I know who went to this (a Catholic) said when she fainted that she felt like someone was catching her/laying her down.

I also know a priest who’s involved in the Catholic Charismatic Revival. I’ve never seen him get all charismatic (haha), but he seems like a very holy guy.

I guess I think this stuff is legitimate—but not in ALL cases. I would be a lot more trusting of it in a Catholic setting with a priest.

 

[crumblymunky]

Just look at what St. Vincent Ferrer said about the subject.
faithfulanswers.com/charismatic-movement-spiritual-temptation-part-1/

Its dangerous.

 

[cjforJesus]

Goes anyone know anything about this?

I’ve been hearing about a Charismatic Prayer movement that some Catholics I know have participated in … it involves speaking in tongues.

I also have a friend who is Protestant and she says she speaks in tongue quite often. I just found that out and was surprised by it. I don’t know why I was surprised … perhaps because it seems foreign to me.

If anyone has any information that you are willing to share, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you and God bless!!!
Michele

The charismatic renewal is approved by the church however all charisms are to be examined by the proper authority as in your priest or bishop.

At many charismatic events I understand people routinely use tongues yet rarely is there an interpreter. I remain very guarded about some of these claims as the resemblance to being slain in the spirit after being prayed over or had hands layeon is eerily similar to a Hindu kundalini awakening.The involuntary utterances,falling down and ecstasy are virtually identical. I asked a wise friar if they are the same and he said ABSOLUTELY not,but I still prefer to be cautious.

 

[adawgj]

I just got back from a Catholic Youth Conference and during Eucharistic Adoration almost an entire youth group was having a “slain by the spirit” moment. One person was speaking in tongues with an emphasis in Spanish and Latin.

I don’t believe in the Protestant speaking in tongues whenever because it seems way too easy to fake.

 

[Casilda]

The charismatic renewal is approved by the church however all charisms are to be examined by the proper authority as in your priest or bishop.

At many charismatic events I understand people routinely use tongues yet rarely is there an interpreter. I remain very guarded about some of these claims as the resemblance to being slain in the spirit after being prayed over or had hands layeon is eerily similar to a Hindu kundalini awakening.The involuntary utterances,falling down and ecstasy are virtually identical. I asked a wise friar if they are the same and he said ABSOLUTELY not,but I still prefer to be cautious.

You at correct. Prophetic messages given in an unknown tongue are rare, hence why interpretations are rare also. However, praying in unknown tongues is quite common, it does not require interpretation because it is between the speaker and God.

 

[cjforJesus]

You at correct. Prophetic messages given in an unknown tongue are rare, hence why interpretations are rare also. However, praying in unknown tongues is quite common, it does not require interpretation because it is between the speaker and God.

Between the speaker and God? If he does not know what he is saying then why is this important? I had never heard of this phenomenon until a few years ago and from my research until about 1830 it was the general consensus that tongues was a foreign language,not a special language between the prayer and God.

Until I am certain that some of these prayer experiences are not the kundalini spirit.I remain quite guarded and skeptical.

 

[crumblymunky]

"The first remedy against the spiritual temptations which the devil plants in the hearts of many persons in these unhappy times, is to have no desire to procure by prayer, meditation, or any other good work, what are called revelations, or spiritual experiences, beyond what happens in the ordinary course of things… such a desire of things which surpass the common order can have no other root or foundation but pride, presumption, a vain curiosity in what regards the things of God, and, in short, an exceedingly weak faith… "
What makes St. Vincent such a perfect witness against the errors of the Charismatics is the fact that he experienced in abundance miracles and spiritual experiences to a degree far surpassing most men who have ever lived. And yet St. Vincent clearly teaches us that it is prideful and presumptuous of us to desire and pursue these spiritual experiences beyond the ordinary course of things. That God wills they happen in any given situation is not a matter of question. But desiring that they happen is described by St. Vincent as “a vain curiosity in what regards the things of God.” Such a one is said to have “weak faith.” Notice he does not say “no” faith, but “weak faith.” Thus it is presumed that one can be at least imperfectly united to the Soul of the Church and still succumb to this spiritual temptation.

Second, the actual desire to obtain spiritual experiences or insights beyond the natural course of things is punished by God. And this is not surprising since sins against faith are especially dangerous to the soul. St. Vincent continues on this subject thus:

“It is to punish this evil desire that God abandons the soul, and permits it to fall into the illusions and temptations of the devil, who seduces it, and represents to it false visions and delusive revelations.”

Now the Charismatic Movement is well known to report numerous private visions and revelations from its adherents. And these should be a great cause for caution on the part of the faithful who hear of them. The first part of the punishment begins to tell the horror of this punishment: abandonment by God. To my mind this would assume that in such a case the sinful desire is grave and thus mortal, causing the sinner to lose the theological virtues of hope and charity. The sinner, thus under the power of the devil, is permitted to be seduced by “false visions and delusive revelations.” How many stories are there today of those who describe trips to Heaven? How many false Marian apparitions? How many reports of special revelations that contradict the constant teaching of the Church?
faithfulanswers.com/charismatic-movement-spiritual-temptation-part-1/

 

[total_Catholic]

I want no part of it. Grew up in a very fundie Pentecostal church and still have bad memories, some of which drove me to tears while talking with a shrink. Won’t knock anybody who’s into it, but it’s not necessary to get to Heaven IMO.

 

[Rosarydevotion]

I’m involved in the charismatic renewal and it has done wonders for my spiritual life. Going to my prayer meetings is like a vitamin B-12 shot to your prayer life. There is nothing I can compare it to. I leave there in love with Jesus every week. I just received the gift of tongues and this gift strengthens my bond with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongue looked foreign to me at first but now seems very normal and natural to me. It’s the power of the Holy Spirit. I just open my mouth and out it comes. I cant recommend it enough to people.

 

[Rosarydevotion]

"The first remedy against the spiritual temptations which the devil plants in the hearts of many persons in these unhappy times, is to have no desire to procure by prayer, meditation, or any other good work, what are called revelations, or spiritual experiences, beyond what happens in the ordinary course of things… such a desire of things which surpass the common order can have no other root or foundation but pride, presumption, a vain curiosity in what regards the things of God, and, in short, an exceedingly weak faith… "
What makes St. Vincent such a perfect witness against the errors of the Charismatics is the fact that he experienced in abundance miracles and spiritual experiences to a degree far surpassing most men who have ever lived. And yet St. Vincent clearly teaches us that it is prideful and presumptuous of us to desire and pursue these spiritual experiences beyond the ordinary course of things. That God wills they happen in any given situation is not a matter of question. But desiring that they happen is described by St. Vincent as “a vain curiosity in what regards the things of God.” Such a one is said to have “weak faith.” Notice he does not say “no” faith, but “weak faith.” Thus it is presumed that one can be at least imperfectly united to the Soul of the Church and still succumb to this spiritual temptation.

Second, the actual desire to obtain spiritual experiences or insights beyond the natural course of things is punished by God. And this is not surprising since sins against faith are especially dangerous to the soul. St. Vincent continues on this subject thus:

“It is to punish this evil desire that God abandons the soul, and permits it to fall into the illusions and temptations of the devil, who seduces it, and represents to it false visions and delusive revelations.”

Now the Charismatic Movement is well known to report numerous private visions and revelations from its adherents. And these should be a great cause for caution on the part of the faithful who hear of them. The first part of the punishment begins to tell the horror of this punishment: abandonment by God. To my mind this would assume that in such a case the sinful desire is grave and thus mortal, causing the sinner to lose the theological virtues of hope and charity. The sinner, thus under the power of the devil, is permitted to be seduced by “false visions and delusive revelations.” How many stories are there today of those who describe trips to Heaven? How many false Marian apparitions? How many reports of special revelations that contradict the constant teaching of the Church?
faithfulanswers.com/charismatic-movement-spiritual-temptation-part-1/

All you have to do is read the Bible and there you will find in Acts 2,1 the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles who began speaking in foreign tongues. Also in Acts 2,17 where it was said that God would send out his spirit to His sons and daughters who will prophesy, have visions etc. Not sure how that can be evil.

 

[crumblymunky]

There is no new revelation, so prophesies have nothing to offer us. We know everything we need to know.

Secondly, the Apostles spoke in foreign tongues, and people from every nation understood them. This is evident by the same verses you reference. Until this protestant incursion into Catholicism, no one thought this was in reference to speaking in incomprehensible babel.

 

[MickeyM927]

I cannot thank you all enough for you valuable insight!

Thank you and God Bless!
Michele

 

[Tuxedo_Mark]

I don’t trust it. It’s way too easy to fake. Speaking in an “unknown” tongue is also just completely pointless.

 

[grannymh]

Just look at what St. Vincent Ferrer said about the subject.
faithfulanswers.com/charismatic-movement-spiritual-temptation-part-1/

Its dangerous.

Please accept my apology. I am traveling with limited access to a computer.
Consequently, I briefly scanned your link. Thank you for providing it because in order to undersand Tongues, one should also know the objections.

My first impression is that the link’s article does not address the Holy Spirit’s gifts which employ the use of Tongues. Instead it addresses “spiritual experiences” which is a very broad topic. Would you kindly provide the information section on the gifts which employ Tongues–apparently I missed it.

I am not sure when I will have access to a computer. However, the role of Tongues in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal deserves explanations since the thread’s title is “Speaking in Tongues.”

 

[Rosarydevotion]

If one looks to the Bible as an authoritative guide on this topic. Read Acts chapter 2 as well as Corinthians chapter 14 where St. Paul discusses the important role of prophesy (as occurs in Charismatic prayer) as well as the role of tongues.

 

[crumblymunky]

But before the protestants invented speaking in tongues like we know today, we thought speaking in tongues meant speaking in foreign tongues.

 

[total_Catholic]

There is no new revelation, so prophesies have nothing to offer us. We know everything we need to know.

Secondly, the Apostles spoke in foreign tongues, and people from every nation understood them. This is evident by the same verses you reference. Until this protestant incursion into Catholicism, no one thought this was in reference to speaking in incomprehensible babel.

Pretty much sums up how I feel. I will say I have heard hints of Hebrew in modern day speaking in tongues but, weirdly, there were no Jews around to be converted amongst all us lilly white southerners. Again, not my thing but tongues, compared to other manifestations I’ve seen isn’t that bad, but still it reminds me too much of a part of my life I’d soon not remember.

 

[janiruchan]

I do speak in tongues, but I couldn’t validate it. I haven’t talked about this to my Spiritual director since I don’t mind it that much. I first experienced it while I was in the blessed sacrament praying for three hours. The second was while I was preparing and disposing myself in the mass. It comes as well when I am in deep prayer too. I’ve heard other catholics speak in tongues and many protestants.

In so far as gift is concern, speaking in tongues actually facilitates prayer without the use of the faculty (although when one is in doubt, the intellect could interfere). You don’t think much, but allow the Spirit to do it (In my experience, it’s as if the Spirit is speaking in behalf of me or the cry of the Spirit in some way).

For me, it’s a gift of prayer.God gives us the gift to communicate to him better to some-- some vocal prayers, some meditation, some contemplation, others dancing, singing, art etc…All are gifts and must be appreciated in their uniqueness and commonality. If God does not give you this gift, then perhaps, you are lead by another road. Maybe there is just some sensationalization of speaking in tongues since it is rare among Catholics.

I dont try to induce speaking in tongues, but when I’m stirred I allow it to (mostly only in the blessed sacrament and the mass) but only briefly…I am not sure where this is coming from because I don’t know much about it. I would still resign to praying the rosary and other vocal prayers as the safer path in my daily routines.

 

[guanophore]

Goes anyone know anything about this?

Yes, happily.

I’ve been hearing about a Charismatic Prayer movement that some Catholics I know have participated in … it involves speaking in tongues.

I also have a friend who is Protestant and she says she speaks in tongue quite often. I just found that out and was surprised by it. I don’t know why I was surprised … perhaps because it seems foreign to me.

If anyone has any information that you are willing to share, that would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you and God bless!!!
Michele

One does not have to speak in tongues to be involved in Charismatic prayer meetings, but I highly recommend it! If you are curious I recommend that you avoid Protestant gatherings. Contact:

nsc-chariscenter.org/

and get in touch with a center or parish in your area that is submitted to your bishop.

I also have a Protestant friend who says he can speak in tongues whenever. I’m not going to deny that he can…but I question it a bit because I don’t think that tongues are the kind of thing you can just have happen whenever you feel like.

Like any gift of the Holy Spirit, it is subject to the will of the person who receives it. We can all either yield to the gifts we are given, or stifle them. The HS is a gentleman, and does not operate in and through people against their will. One must offer one’s voice and heart in yielding to the gift.

In that sense, it is no different than praying a Rosary.

  I also heard from this Protestant friend about a conference that he went to--tongues, laying hands on people, etc. Apparently it made people faint and stuff. A girl I know who went to this (a Catholic) said when she fainted that she felt like someone was catching her/laying her down.

I have had this happen to me as well as to people for whom I have been praying. It is not fainting, though it looks that way. The HS so overpowers a person that their own frail human ability to stand fails.

An example in scripture is found in John 18:6
6 When he said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

But there was no one there to catch them!

Since it happens frequently in charismatic prayer, the person being prayed for will be asked to be seated, or if this is not possible, an usher or “catcher” will stand behind them to keep them from hitting the floor hard or their skirts flying.

I also know a priest who’s involved in the Catholic Charismatic Revival. I’ve never seen him get all charismatic (haha), but he seems like a very holy guy.

There are many charismatic and holy priests involved in the shepherding of this lay movement. One of our Archbishops here in the SW has been a consistent supporter and faithful shepherd to keep the faithful on track. He generally does the closing Mass at the conference every year.

 I guess I think this stuff is legitimate---but not in ALL cases. I would be a lot more trusting of it in a Catholic setting with a priest.

Good advice.

Just look at what St. Vincent Ferrer said about the subject.
faithfulanswers.com/charismatic-movement-spiritual-temptation-part-1/

Its dangerous.

There are dangers involved in any lay movement, certainly, but such a position is contrary to the Teachings of the Church.

800 Charisms are to be accepted with gratitude by the person who receives them and by all members of the Church as well. They are a wonderfully rich grace for the apostolic vitality and for the holiness of the entire Body of Christ, provided they really are genuine gifts of the Holy Spirit and are used in full conformity with authentic promptings of this same Spirit, that is, in keeping with charity, the true measure of all charisms.

One need not be afraid of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I just got back from a Catholic Youth Conference and during Eucharistic Adoration almost an entire youth group was having a "slain by the spirit" moment. One person was speaking in tongues with an emphasis in Spanish and Latin.

Would that all those in adoration be equally overcome by the presence of God!

I don’t believe in the Protestant speaking in tongues whenever because it seems way too easy to fake.

This is much too broad and prejudiced. The Catechism affirms that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit are active and well in Protetsant ecclesial communities.

819 “Furthermore, many elements of sanctification and of truth” are found outside the visible confines of the Catholic Church: “the written Word of God; the life of grace; faith, hope, and charity, with the other interior gifts of the Holy Spirit, as well as visible elements.” Christ’s Spirit uses these Churches and ecclesial communities as means of salvation, whose power derives from the fullness of grace and truth that Christ has entrusted to the Catholic Church. All these blessings come from Christ and lead to him, and are in themselves calls to “Catholic unity.”

That being said, I agree that it is easy to fake, and has been. This happens primarily in those communities that mistakely believe that the person has not been filed with the HS unless and until they burst out in tongues. To avoid shame and to comply, some people do fake it.