Speaking in Tongues

[Guest mormonmusic]

I've been wondering about this practice. I've heard this is common in Pentacostal and other Churches. I have a few questions:

1. What is the purpose of this from a non-LDS perspective?

2. In what context does it occur? A formal meeting set aside for speaking in tongues? In personal moments? Does it happen in public? What spiritual benefits does it provide to the person speaking in tongues?

3. What does a person sound like who is speaking in tongues? Is it fluent foreign language? Or is does it sound like a unique language no one has never heard before?

[OneEternalSonata]

See this thread I started on the gift of tongues, it might answer some of your questions. You'll find great responses by Vort, PrisonChaplain, and other steadfast members.

Edited December 15, 2009 by OneEternalSonata

[prisonchaplain]

I've been wondering about this practice. I've heard this is common in Pentacostal and other Churches. I have a few questions:

First, here's another string that had some good thoughts. http://www.lds.net/forums/christian-beliefs-board/13234-speaking-tongues.html

Also, the following video is specifically about our teaching on the baptism in the Holy Spirit: IValue : Salvation, Holy Spirit Baptism, Divine Healing & Second Coming

And here is the official position paper on the subject: http://ag.org/top/Beliefs/Position_Papers/pp_downloads/pp_4185_spirit-filled_life.pdf

1. What is the purpose of this from a non-LDS perspective?

There are two main purposes. The first is that it is the initial physical evidence that one has been baptized in the Holy Spirit, with fullness. Of course all believers in Christ walk with the Spirit. But, that added fullness and empowerment was always accompanied by tongues. See especially Acts 10, in which Gentiles first receive the Holy Spirit. The Jews were skeptical at first, but believed because "they spoke in tongues just as we did."

The second purpose is a more selective gift. When someone speaks out in tongues during a congregational service, it signals that an interpretation will follow, one that will include a message from God. Tongues and interpretation together are the equivalent of someone giving a prophetic word.

2. In what context does it occur? A formal meeting set aside for speaking in tongues? In personal moments? Does it happen in public? What spiritual benefits does it provide to the person speaking in tongues?

The general speaking tongues that every individual can receive, is often called a "prayer language." It occurs during times of personal prayer, often when we reach a place in our praise or petition at which we know not what to say. Through praying in tongues my spirit communes directly with the Holy Spirit.

The gift of tongues with interpretation can occur in any gathering of believers. The interpretation, again, is the same as a prophetic word.

3. What does a person sound like who is speaking in tongues? Is it fluent foreign language? Or is does it sound like a unique language no one has never heard before?

Most often it is a unique language--perhaps "the tongues of angels," or a "heavenly language." Occasionally we'll hear reports that a message in tongues was a fluent human language.

Edited December 15, 2009 by prisonchaplain
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[Guest mormonmusic]

Have there ever been circumstances where one person starts speaking in tongues, but no one is able to interpret? Also, what if the person who does the interpreting comes out with something that isn't consistent with known gospel principles? Or does this even happen?

[Guest mormonmusic]

Has it ever occurred where a person has started speaking in tongues, but no one came forward to interpret what they said? Also, do some faithful members go through their whole life without ever speaking in tongues? Or is this something most people experience?

[prisonchaplain]

Have there ever been circumstances where one person starts speaking in tongues, but no one is able to interpret? Also, what if the person who does the interpreting comes out with something that isn't consistent with known gospel principles? Or does this even happen?

If there is no interpretation, the person who spoke in tongues might well be asked if s/he has an interpretation. If not, the congregation will likely be reminded not to speak out unless they feel certain that the purpose is to invite an interpretation.

If an interpretation or prophecy is given that does not comport with already revealed truth, correction will likely be offered right from the pulpit. The pastor will likely say, "It is my sense that this word is not from the Lord..." and then explain why. There would likely be followup counseling with the one who gave it. And yes, this has happened.