What is Tongues?

[pira114]

I don’t know if I just missed it all these years, but lately I’ve been hearing a lot about Tongues.

What is it? I usually hear about it in relation to Born again Christians and Southern Baptists. I don’t even really know what it is. And does the Catholic Church sanction this?

 

[puzzleannie]

born again Christians who belong to evangelical denominations and Southern Baptists are generally not supportive of the charismatic movement and gifts, such as tongues, but as most such congregations are independent charismatic prayer groups may be found there. among Protestants it is generally Pentecostal fundamentalist sects that encourage seeking and using the charismatic gifts. There is a Catholic Charismatic renewal which began in the late 60s, had some abuses in some places, but was regarded favorably by our late dear pope, and is still influential in some parishes, usually those more conservative in respect to the magesterial authority of the Church. As for the gift of tongues itself, there are numerous, very acrimonious and for the most part uninformed, threads on this topic, do a search.

 

[cheddarsox]

Tongues is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It can be people speaking in a language not their own so as to be understood by listeners of another language, or people hearing a language they have no knowledge of yet understanding through the workings of the Spirit, or it can be a form of prayer that occurs in a language that is unknown on earth at the present time, but provided by the spirit for the purpose of praising God.

It is Biblical and allowed by the Catholic church.

Some people are suspect or uncomfortable with it.

It is often referred to as “Charismatic” and there are Catholic Charismatic prayer groups in which people gather and praying in tongues is encouraged. There are also people who pray in tongues privately as guided by the Spirit.

It is a subject people here like to argue about.

cheddar

 

[Madia]

Here’s an interesting post from the EWTN message board that you might want to read:
ewtn.com/vexperts/showresult.asp?RecNum=453245&Forums=0&Experts=0&Days=2005&Author=&Keyword=Tongues&pgnu=1&groupnum=0&record_bookmark=2&ORDER_BY_TXT=ORDER+BY+ReplyDate+DESC&start_at=

 

[Paris_Blues]

The thing in your mouth that helps you talk! Just kidding!

No really, we had a lady that went to my parent’s Presbyterian church and she told my mother that she started speaking in Tongues and it freaked her out!

 

[palmas85]

The first recorded instance of speaking in tongues was the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles. The early church fathers were blessed with this gift of speaking either in angelic tongues or in earthly languages that they themselves did not understand. It appears that his gift was used so that the early fathers could more efectively spread the Gospel. The practice eventually apparently died out and there are few reported instances of it after the first or second centuries.

Aroud 1900 or so various Protestant Pentecostal groups started to speak in tongues again. It remained basically a Pentecostal practice until 1966 or 1967 when several groups of Catholic seeking a deeper understanding of God attended Protestant prayer meetings and received the" Baptism of the Holy Spirit". Afterwards they began to speak in tongues. Other gifts of the Holy Spirit, healing, prophecy discernment etc also eventually were received.

The movement has spread and grew quickly throughout the 70’s 80’s and 90’s. It’s growth has slowed somewhat lately according to their records It is recognized by the Church and many churches have not only charismatic prayer groups but charismatic masses as well Numerous religious are involved including sisters, Priests and a few Bishops…

An interesting aspect of the Catholic style of speaking in tongues is that the speaker can actually control it, pray in it as well as prophesize and make acclamations, apparently on demand… In the Protestant style self control is lacking and the speaking usually occurs only once although they do have those who speak regularly. It appears to be one of the least important aspects of the entire charismatic renewal of the church in relation to other charismatic gifts, ie: healing, prophecy etc. Charismatics are very devoted to scriptural reading and interpretation.

My little brother Gusano and I have had numerous discussions on this forum about it. If you sent him a PM he might be able to give you better info on it.

 

[thistle]

St Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 14 that speaking in tongues only builds up the individual and does nothing to build up the community of the church.

 

[Traditional_Ang]

thistle:

St Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 14 that speaking in tongues only builds up the individual and does nothing to build up the community of the church.

Thistle:

St. Paul is only urging us to seek after what he calls “The Higher Gifts”. but the Apostle, St. Paul would never have a Christian disdain any Gift the Holy Spirit is trying to give him or her.

If you were in the Church, and God wished to use me to speak a Word of Prophecy to you in Tagalog, I would have to Speak in Tongues as well as Prophesy.

That’s all there is too it since I don’t speak Tagalog - In a case such as that, could you see how that would build you up?

Please understand, the community is built up when the individual is built up, provided he puts himself at the service of the community.

Why disdain a Gift of the Holy Spirit? Because some are idiots who use it to attract attention to themselves? Because others are dummies who believe that all those who don’t have that Gift don’t have the Spirit?

In Christ, Michael

 

[SMHW]

thistle:

St Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 14 that speaking in tongues only builds up the individual and does nothing to build up the community of the church.

I’m not sure that is entirely true. Rather Paul seems to be saying that speaking in tongues is not of much value to the community unless the community is able to understand. Therefore an interpreter should be present when there is speaking in tongues so that the community can benefit from what is said.

But in any case, Pauls suggests speaking in tongues should be quite limited. And it’s not clear (to me, anyways) that speaking in tongues belongs withing the context of the Mass.

 

[gusano]

SMHW:

I’m not sure that is entirely true. Rather Paul seems to be saying that speaking in tongues is not of much value to the community unless the community is able to understand. Therefore an interpreter should be present when there is speaking in tongues so that the community can benefit from what is said.

But in any case, Pauls suggests speaking in tongues should be quite limited. And it’s not clear (to me, anyways) that speaking in tongues belongs withing the context of the Mass.

St Paul says:
"I should like it if you all spoke in tongues, but I much prefer that you prophesy…"
1 Cor. 14: 5 …and
" Thank God I speak in tongues more than any of you."
verse 19

Praying in Tongues is an AWESOME GIFT.
it is bestowed with other gifts in our Confirmation.
and since it is a Gift… it is not forced on anyone.
I wonder why so many are afraid of it.
Maybe they are taught against it.

to wonder if the church “sanctions” it , is the same as
wondering if the church sanctions breathng during Mass,
or Praying during Mass.

 

[steve99]

There are two types of Tongues.
1).There are prayer tongues for personal prayer (private or in a group) and is a gift for personal growth. It is the Spirit praying in us. This is what Paul is referring to in Romans 8:26-27 "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. 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.
2) Then there are prophecy tongues which is where interpretation is needed. This is why Paul says do not speak unless there is someone who can interpret, and only two or three. This is a gift for the upbuilding of the whole community.
Why does God give a prophetic utterance in a tongue that the speaker does not understand? I don’t know, but then who understands the way God works?

 

[cheddarsox]

palmas85:

An interesting aspect of the Catholic style of speaking in tongues is that the speaker can actually control it, pray in it as well as prophesize and make acclamations, apparently on demand… In the Protestant style self control is lacking and the speaking usually occurs only once although they do have those who speak regularly. .

This is quite different than what I have seen and experienced of it. I know several people who use tongues and there is always some level of control, ie, they don’t just go into tongues at any old time, and most who PRAY in tongues can do so with regularity.

I have never met anyone personally who prophesized in tongues.

cheddar

 

[palmas85]

cheddarsox:

This is quite different than what I have seen and experienced of it. I know several people who use tongues and there is always some level of control, ie, they don’t just go into tongues at any old time, and most who PRAY in tongues can do so with regularity.

I have never met anyone personally who prophesized in tongues.

cheddar

How is that different than what I posted? I said they had control and could apparently do it whenever they wanted. Thats what others have pointed out to me, and what their own literature says to in fact. As far as the prophesizing in tongues isn’t that why an interpretor was and is needed? There would really be no need to interpret prayers would there?

 

[cheddarsox]

palmas85:

How is that different than what I posted? I said they had control and could apparently do it whenever they wanted. Thats what others have pointed out to me, and what their own literature says to in fact. As far as the prophesizing in tongues isn’t that why an interpretor was and is needed? There would really be no need to interpret prayers would there?

I’m sorry, in my post I was referring to Protestant friends who speak in tongues but do have control, sorry that I wasn’t clear, I used the generic word people.

cheddar

 

[Agricola]

gusano:

St Paul says:
"I should like it if you all spoke in tongues, but I much prefer that you prophesy…"
1 Cor. 14: 5 …and
" Thank God I speak in tongues more than any of you."
verse 19

The original question was what “speaking in tongues” is. I have always understood it as involving real languages… languages understood by men. I think a good explanation of the gift of tongues is given here. It breaks down the etymology of “tongues” as used in scripture.

gusano:

Praying in Tongues is an AWESOME GIFT.
it is bestowed with other gifts in our Confirmation.
and since it is a Gift… it is not forced on anyone.
I wonder why so many are afraid of it.
Maybe they are taught against it.

The reason why I believe many are suspicious (“afraid” is not the right word here) of it is that, when “tongues” refers to the incomprehensible ejaculatory prayers one may see at a charismatic conference, it is not something that can be understood by anyone besides the person speaking (I make the assumption that that person can understand). Being that it is something incomprehensible, it has dubious merit in communal prayer and evangelization (which is the communication of the Gospel: “And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” Acts 2:8).

gusano:

to wonder if the church “sanctions” it , is the same as
wondering if the church sanctions breathng during Mass,
or Praying during Mass.

There are many things that are sanctioned by the Church which are not proper in the context of the Mass. I won’t go on to list any of them… I’m sure everyone can think of at least a few. Ejaculatory prayer and prophesizing are not liturgical elements and may very well distract from the solemn celebration. Questions arise about the validity of “gifts” that impose upon the celebration of the Mass, because it seems unlikely that the Holy Spirit would inspire someone to interject such “gifts” into the liturgy, especially during the liturgy of the Eucharist, particularly during consecration.

It is my impression that the ejaculatory prayers of many are not the gift of tongues, but a primarily emotional outpouring of the love and affection of the speaker for God. In this sense, the prayer is not an inspired act, but a human act. I think that the use of this form of prayer should remain a private practice since it is the communication of one persons intimate emotional relationship with God, and has no spiritual benefit to others besides the passing on of the practice itself.

That’s my take on it, and I’d like to hear some other thoughts on the matter. I have friends who use ejaculatory prayer at times, but not during Mass out of respect for the others in the congregation and the solemnity of the celebration.

God bless,

Agricola

 

[gusano]

Agricola:

The original question was what “speaking in tongues” is. I have always understood it as involving real languages… languages understood by men. I think a good explanation of the gift of tongues is given here. It breaks down the etymology of “tongues” as used in scripture.

The reason why I believe many are suspicious (“afraid” is not the right word here) of it is that, when “tongues” refers to the incomprehensible ejaculatory prayers one may see at a charismatic conference, it is not something that can be understood by anyone besides the person speaking (I make the assumption that that person can understand). Being that it is something incomprehensible, it has dubious merit in communal prayer and evangelization (which is the communication of the Gospel: “And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?” Acts 2:8).

There are many things that are sanctioned by the Church which are not proper in the context of the Mass. I won’t go on to list any of them… I’m sure everyone can think of at least a few. Ejaculatory prayer and prophesizing are not liturgical elements and may very well distract from the solemn celebration. Questions arise about the validity of “gifts” that impose upon the celebration of the Mass, because it seems unlikely that the Holy Spirit would inspire someone to interject such “gifts” into the liturgy, especially during the liturgy of the Eucharist, particularly during consecration.

It is my impression that the ejaculatory prayers of many are not the gift of tongues, but a primarily emotional outpouring of the love and affection of the speaker for God. In this sense, the prayer is not an inspired act, but a human act. I think that the use of this form of prayer should remain a private practice since it is the communication of one persons intimate emotional relationship with God, and has no spiritual benefit to others besides the passing on of the practice itself.

That’s my take on it, and I’d like to hear some other thoughts on the matter. I have friends who use ejaculatory prayer at times, but not during Mass out of respect for the others in the congregation and the solemnity of the celebration.

God bless,

Agricola

Hi Agricola,
Do you have the Gift of Tongues ?

God Bless,

gusano

 

[palmas85]

gusano:

Hi Agricola,
Do you have the Gift of Tongues ?

God Bless,

gusano

Hi hermanito, as usual another outstanding and insightful post.

 

[totustuusmaria]

Tougnes is one of the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Many Saints spoke in tougnes.

There are also demonic tougnes.

So, there are Holy Ghost tougnes and demonic tougnes.

Tougnes usually takes the shape of language which speaker doesn’t know.

It falls under the catagory of private revelation.

The Church has never definitely stated what tougnes are.

Charismatics believe that they have experienced the gift of the tougnes. The Church allows this belief and makes no decision one way or the other.

 

[jax8686]

Tongues can be a language of man, or a language of Angels (which classifies demonic tongues in there too considering Demons are fallen Angels) There are a surprising number of Catholics out there with the gift of tongues, but because of many peoples bad reactions, modern charismatics are almost pushed into ‘underground’ meetings because the average Catholic wont accept it. About the strong reference that tongues has no place in the Mass, i beg to differ. One parish i used to visit have a very nice worship band playing during mass. they did sing apropriate songs, and it wasnt outrageous as to take away from teh Mass as soo many people will instantly assume. towards the ends of the songs, or even during the middle, the instuments would quiet down so it was mainly only the acoustic guitar going, and in this time many people would start speaking in tongues. it was always controlled, and reverent. And just to add in, I do have the gift of tongues, i am greatful for it, it is a way for me to pray when i dont have any words, it is the perfect form of prayer from me to God. although i dont know my exact words, i konw the topic i am praying for, and that is good enough. It is an amazing gift, and i wish everyone had it and loved it. Just to throw a spin on this… i also have the Gift of prophecy… the thing is, i dont know anything much about it… could someone point me in teh right direction, or give some advice where to look…? thanx alot

 

[gusano]

jax8686:

Tongues can be a language of man, or a language of Angels (which classifies demonic tongues in there too considering Demons are fallen Angels) There are a surprising number of Catholics out there with the gift of tongues, but because of many peoples bad reactions, modern charismatics are almost pushed into ‘underground’ meetings because the average Catholic wont accept it. About the strong reference that tongues has no place in the Mass, i beg to differ. One parish i used to visit have a very nice worship band playing during mass. they did sing apropriate songs, and it wasnt outrageous as to take away from teh Mass as soo many people will instantly assume. towards the ends of the songs, or even during the middle, the instuments would quiet down so it was mainly only the acoustic guitar going, and in this time many people would start speaking in tongues. it was always controlled, and reverent. And just to add in, I do have the gift of tongues, i am greatful for it, it is a way for me to pray when i dont have any words, it is the perfect form of prayer from me to God. although i dont know my exact words, i konw the topic i am praying for, and that is good enough. It is an amazing gift, and i wish everyone had it and loved it. Just to throw a spin on this… i also have the Gift of prophecy… the thing is, i dont know anything much about it… could someone point me in teh right direction, or give some advice where to look…? thanx alot

Hi James,
It is refreshing to hear from someone who experiences the Gift (s) versus someone who has a lot of literary “knowledge about it”.

Jesus tells us The Holy Spirit comes to lead us into all the Truth.
So, I would say;
Pray for and develope a Love for Truth.
Prayerfully learn all you can about The Blood of Christ.
Prayerfully learn to discern the Promptings of The Spirit.
(All who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.) Rom 8:14
Get very friendly with The Book of Wisdom
Develop a Love for the Word of God that is equal to a love of The Eucharist.
Develop a healthy felowship balance with Believers as well as unbelievers.
Accept all that befalls you.
Get involve in the New Evangelism.
Get involved in The Catechumenate.
Learn how to do Romans 12: 1

We Receive it from The Altar
We give it away to all who will receive it.

God Bless,

gusano