Tongues and charismatic movement

[Luisro1992]

I’ve been having a really hard time trying to come to a conclusion regarding what is the Truth about the gift of tongues. In coming back to the faith I found myself inside a charismatic group and I was quite confused to see them behaving with tongues and “resting” in the Spirit. I’ve read 1 corinthians 14 and acts and all three times the gift has been given. And if i base on acts and Cor14, the gift they are using is not a real language and is not being interpreted by anybody. However in the 2 times after pentecost the gift shows up in acts you aren’t sure if the gift was interpreted or if it was a real language as it only says they spoke in tongues. The charismatics defend this by saying it’s a type of prayer and that perhaps it could be an ancient language or an angelic language and they refer to romans 8:27. To add to my confusion I read commentaries from some priests saying this is demonic possession and that it roots from the pentecostals and their rejection of the sacraments. Then on the other hand there’s these charismatic priests that support it 100%. If I reject this as being a real gift am I committing the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the spirit ?? Why can’t I get a clear answer anywhere??? I hope you can help me. Sorry for the long message.
God bless

 

[Reuben_J]

You can reject it. It is not a sin. You are not forced to exercise it nor to believe in it. Those who do, do find that it builds them spiritually and helps them in their growth. Different stroke for different people.

 

[Francis]

@Luisro1992

thought am not a charismatic, i think this passage will help you understand, i have heard some preachers say, that it strengthens the Holy Spirit with in us,yes with the sacraments, Catechism of the Catholic Church, the rosary,etc and without all these and the 7 sacraments it’ll be demonic.

Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.” 12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them, “Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. 15 Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. 16 No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. 27 And God,who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

 

[Roseeurekacross]

Its something we have to discern and that can take some time. Judging by all the threads about Charismatic renewal on CAF its also quite controversial and can be very similar in nature to the pentacostals etc.

My group is quiet, prayerful and don’t fall all over the place. Some do speak , sing and pray in tongues.

 

[Pat_OC]

In my experience within the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, the gift of tongues that is seen most often today is not perceived to be an actual language. It is a form of prayer lead by the Holy Spirit when words simply do not suffice for the love and glory that God deserves. The Apostles at Pentecost received the ability to talk in other languages, and while it is believed this is possible today, myself nor anyone I know has ever experienced it. 1 Corinthians 14:2 - ‘For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious’. To the best of my knowledge, St Paul reprimands those who believe the gift of tongues to be the language of angels or indicate a superior holiness over those who do not have it. This is not the case. Though speaking in tongues, or praying in the spirit as it is sometimes called is a beautiful and often spiritually enriching practice, it does not indicate any kind of superiority over others.

Much like many other practices in the Charismatic Renewal, we must tread carefully in prayer and discernment, and cling tightly to the teachings of the Church and to scripture. These gifts can be wonderfully enriching and bestow a great love and devotion to our Lord and his Church, but if we aren’t careful they can lead to a sense of superiority or license to step outside the authority of the Church.

 

[PS3510]

What does the Church teach about the gift of tongues?

It’s mentioned in the Catechism as a special grace:

Grace is first and foremost the gift of the Spirit who justifies and sanctifies us. But grace also includes the gifts that the Spirit grants us to associate us with his work, to enable us to collaborate in the salvation of others and in the growth of the Body of Christ, the Church. There are sacramental graces, gifts proper to the different sacraments. There are furthermore special graces, also called charisms…Whatever their character - sometimes it is extraordinary, such as the gift of miracles or of tongues - charisms are oriented toward sanctifying grace and are intended for the common good of the Church. (CC 2003)

 

[mid]

I’m a convert to the Catholic Church, having previously been Pentecostal. I struggled with the gift of tongues, as it was never given to me. Some well-meaning pastors tried to coerce or nearly force me into it, but I prayed to God and said “Father, if you want me to have it, that’s great. If not, that’s okay too.” That grace wasn’t given to me.

I look at it this way: My children are different, each possessing talents and personalities that are unique. When I give them gifts, they normally differ for that reason.

I’m just happy that God gave me the grace of forgiveness, and accepted me into the Catholic Church.

God bless you.