Speaking in tongues is a greatly misunderstood phenomenon. This paper explains why the modern practice is unscriptural and potentially harmful.
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1 Speaking in Tongues: Why the Modern Practice is Unscriptural and Potentially Harmfulby Jeremy James Introduction This paper examines the gift of the Holy Spirit known as 'speaking in tongues', with particular reference to its scriptural purpose and whether it is still being given to believers. The Bible has strict rules for speaking in tongues, yet few Christians seem to know what they are. Since the Holy Spirit never acts contrary to anything in Scripture, these rules must be observed whenever anyone speaks in tongues, or presumes to do so. Any manifestation of tongues that fails to comply with these rules – the rules set by the Holy Spirit – must t herefore be counterfeit. We deal only with tongues as an observable, public phenomenon. Its role, if any, in the prayer closet is not addressed. While some Christians claim to speak in tongues occasionally during their private prayers, we do not address this claim anywhere in our paper and offer no comment as to its validity. Background At the outset I should acknowledge that speaking in tongues – or glossolaliaas it is sometimes known – is a very sensitive issue among professing Christians, notably Pentecostals/Charismatics. Practitioners greatly resent any criticism of the practice, while many non-practitioners see it as a foolish activity and possibly even harmful to the individual. It is certainly a topic that gives rise to highly polarised views. As a result, there is a marked reluctance among practitioners to examine the matter as they should, closely and systematically, from a strictly Scriptural perspective.
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7/21/2019 Speaking in Tongues - Why the Modern Practice is Unscriptural
