Tongues

[kindoman]

I would be very interested to see what the Mormons believe when it come to glossolalia (tongues). Is it practiced in the church? Is it encouraged? What rules apply to it? Is it a tool or just a means of self-edification?

Some verses that I have found are:

Mormon 9:7

And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues;

D&C 109:36

Let it be fulfilled upon them, as upon those on the day of Pentecost; let the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation thereof

A of F 1:7

We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

[CrimsonKairos]

The gift of tongues is most often experienced in the LDS Church as the ability to speak in a foreign language which someone is unfamiliar with. Missionaries serving in foreign countries are sometimes known to rapidly learn the language of their mission. Others can spontaneously preach the gospel in a foreign language without any training (though this is rare, as far as the accounts I've heard).

Ultimately, the gift of tongues continues today in the same vein as it was introduced at Pentecost: the twelve apostles testified of Christ's divinity, and did so to a crowd of pilgrims who spoke at least seventeen different languages or dialects of the same (see Acts 2:9-11). The gift was not given so the apostles could pray to God in an unknown tongue, or as a sign of conversion. It was a pragmatic blessing from God, allowing His servants to better spread the good news of Christ's life, death and resurrection to all people, regardless of which nation or language was theirs.

[kindoman]

So tongues are not the ability to speak in unknown utterances of angles, as the Pentecostal church does? Are there ever accounts of spontaneous outbursts of tongues that do not resemble a human language?

[Outshined]

So tongues are not the ability to speak in unknown utterances of angles, as the Pentecostal church does?

No, not at all. The LDS definition is as CK explained it.

Are there ever accounts of spontaneous outbursts of tongues that do not resemble a human language?

Not that I've ever heard about. The entry for 'tongues' in Mormon Doctrine reads:

Two of the gifts of the Spirit are speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues. (Moro. 10:15-16; D. & C. 46:24-25; 1 Cor. 12:10, 28, 30; 14.) These gifts have been manifest among the saints in every age (Omni 25; Alma 9:21; 3 Ne. 29:6; Morm. 9:7), and they are desirable and useful in the Lord's work. "Let the gift of tongues be poured out upon thy people, even cloven tongues as of fire, and the interpretation thereof," the Prophet prayed at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. (D. & C. 109:36.)Tongues and their interpretation are classed among the signs and miracles which always attend the faithful and which stand as evidences of the divinity of the Lord's work. (Morm. 9:24; Mark 16:17; Acts 10:46; 19:6.) In their more dramatic manifestations they consist in speaking or interpreting, by the power of the Spirit, a tongue which is completely unknown to the speaker or interpreter. Sometimes it is the pure Adamic language which is involved. Frequently these gifts are manifest where the ordinary languages of the day are concerned in that the Lord's missionaries learn to speak and interpret foreign languages with ease, thus furthering the spread of the message of the restoration. When the elders of Israel, often in a matter of weeks, gain fluency in a foreign tongue, they have been blessed with the gift of tongues.An ideal and proper use of tongues was shown forth on the day of Pentecost. By using this gift the apostles were enabled to speak in their own tongue and be understood by persons of many different tongues. (Acts 2:1-18.) Indeed, "the gift of tongues by the power of the Holy Ghost in the Church," as the Prophet said, "is for the benefit of the servants of God to preach to unbelievers, as on the day of Pentecost." (Teachings p. 195.) "Be not so curious about tongues," the Prophet also said. "Do not speak in tongues except there be an interpreter present; the ultimate design of tongues is to speak to foreigners, and if persons are very anxious to display their intelligence, let them speak to such in their own tongues [that is, in the tongues of the foreigners]." (Teachings, pp. 247-248.)Caution should always attend the use of the gift of tongues. "It is not necessary," for instance, "for tongues to be taught to the Church particularly, for any man that has the Holy Ghost, can speak of the things of God in his own tongue as well as to speak in another; for faith comes not by signs, but by hearing the word of God." (Teachings, pp. 148-149.) "If anything is taught by the gift of tongues, it is not to be received for doctrine." (Teachings, p. 229.) "Speak not in the gift of tongues without understanding it or without interpretation. The devil can speak in tongues; the adversary will come with his work; he can tempt all classes; can speak in English or Dutch. Let no one speak in tongues unless he interpret, except by the consent of the one who is placed to preside; then he may discern or interpret, or another may." (Teachings, p. 162, 212.)Tongues and their interpretation are given for special purposes under special circumstances. There are a host of gifts that are far more important and in the use of which there is less chance for deception. The gifts of exhortation, of preaching, of expounding doctrine, of teaching the gospel — though not nearly so dramatic — are far greater and of more value than tongues. "In the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also," Paul averred, "than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue." (1 Cor. 14:19.)As with other spiritual gifts, tongues "never will be done away," as long as the earth remains in its present state, "only according to the unbelief of the children of men." (Moro. 10:19.) But in the ultimate perfect day the gifts pertaining to tongues "shall cease." (1 Cor. 13:8.) Obviously in that final glorious day when the saints know all things (which includes a perfect knowledge of all languages) it will no longer be either necessary or possible to speak in tongues and give interpretation thereto.

I hope that helps.

[Dr T]

I like CK's definition better than the "Angel speak" idea.

[Nate]

Upon the first meeting the Prophet Joseph Smith had with Brigham Young, BY was asked to speak. He spoke in tounges. The people asked Joseph if it was of God. Joseph replied "Yes" it was of God and then Joseph spoke in the same tounge. The Prophet then explained that they had spoken in the language of Adam.

[miztrniceguy]

tongues...yep...we all have them!

[prisonchaplain]

So tongues are not the ability to speak in unknown utterances of angles, as the Pentecostal church does? Are there ever accounts of spontaneous outbursts of tongues that do not resemble a human language?

Kindoman, you may have noticed that I come from a Pentecostal fellowship. A while back I asked a similar question, and the string went a little over 100 posts. You might find some useful insights from it. See the following: http://www.ldstalk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7444&hl=

[Rosewood]

Nate, I agree, that's also what I have read. In the early years of the church the tongue of angles or Adamic was sometimes spoken when it was appropriate. It's still considered one of the gifts of tongues but almost never heard of any more. The ability to learn foreign languages quickly or even instantly is more common these days, because thats whats needed. Some amazing experiences have been documented of Elders presenting lessons, prayers or reading scriptures to people perfectly in a language they have never spoken before. Isn't God amazing?

[MaidservantX]

I submit to everyone's consideration that, as well, when, for example, General Conference is broadcast across the world and there are many interpreters involved in interpreting God's word as presented at that conference, and make that interpretation right as the speaker is speaking and right as the broadcasting takes place -- that this is also a manifestation of the gift of tongues. For the same reason as already mentioned by others -- that GOD has given his children the GIFT of being able to hear HIS WORD in their OWN TONGUE. We don't often consider a scenario like this a miracle anymore because we take technology for granted sometimes, but I say that it is a miracle like no other (not to mention that it has been a long time coming). I might even take it further, and say since the gift is administered now in ways that we can see and participate in, the mysterious and unknowable administration may not be as common. But the effect is the same and it doesn't make it less of a gift, to know a bit how it's done. Just a thought -- and not to say that the spirit would never come upon an individual person and cause them to speak in another tongue if that was what God wanted to happen.

There is a different distinction LDS people place on the point at which gifts arrive in a seeking persons life than perhaps may be the point of view of other sects (although I'm not an expert on evangelical). A gift of the spirit would come after faith and conversion as a result of faith and conversion. NOT as a SIGN of faith and conversion. It's a subtle difference. It's precisely because the Adversary can counterfeit most everything God does, especially his gifts. So, to put it another way, we don't or can't know that someone is in the Spirit, or has the Spirit, or is representing Christ (or however you wish to term that) BY the gift itself. FIRST, we have to have a witness from the Holy Ghost that something is right, including any gift in ourselves or trying to discern in another, and THEN when we have a confirmation that something (a gift in this instance, or the person displaying the gift) is from God, THEN that gift can be enjoyed and used and it has a purpose in God's kingdom.

[CrimsonKairos]

I wouldn't call Adamic a language of angels.

Adamic was at one time spoken on this earth (curse that tower of Babel, lol).

Most beliefs about tongues being an angelic language don't accomodate a view that it was once an earthly language.

I don't believe that it's necessary to pray to God in an unknown tongue so He can understand us better. English is as good as Adamic. Now as for the prophet/s speaking in Adamic...be it unto them as God wills. Perhaps they had something to say that wasn't for everyone. I've never heard or read of any LDS leader praying to God in public in an unknown tongue, without translating it afterwords.

[Nate]

English is as good as Adamic

Who taught Adam that language? Not knowing Adamic myself I would be hesitant to compare the two.

[CrimsonKairos]

Eetza roaysh kati mamesh.

That's Adamic for, "Good point." B)

Seriously though, what I meant was that truths such as Christ's being our Savior can be expressed in Adamic and in English. Is Adamic more pure? I'd assume so. Does English work? Yep. That's what I meant.

[Nate]

[Chanteemomof6]

what is adamic? First of all where did adam learn it? did he make it up? NOOOOOO! So if he knew it because the father and angels spoke to him in it, doesn't that mean that its God's language? Its the only language that we have had on this earth that is pure. So if you were a prophet and had the gift of tongues you would speak to him in his own language. Out of respect. Ask your self how do you pray? Yes, you probably pray in english, but do you still use thees and thous out of respect? So is english just as good as adamic I guess that would depend on if you knew adamic.

[CrimsonKairos]

So if you were a prophet and had the gift of tongues you would speak to [God] in his own language. Out of respect.

I don't know that speaking to God in Adamic shows more respect than any other earthly language. This is a trifling matter, though, so I'm not arguing it. You may very well be correct.

[Chanteemomof6]

Ask your self how do you pray? Yes, you probably pray in english, but do you still use thees and thous out of respect?

Can you answer me this question?

[Blessed]

I believe in praying in tongues and the interpretation of tongues. I also believe in having my own personal prayer tongue. I have experienced all facets of praying in tongues and the interpretations. All of it was from the Lord and edified those who heard it. Now my prayer language... I keep that private. It is between me and God.

[Chanteemomof6]

If you have had that confirmed to you that it is of God then you are a very blessed person to have that personal of a relationship. Few get to experience that.

[Brother Dorsey]

The gift of tongues and interpretation of such is given for the Lords purposes only....not for our own edification. It is mainly used for teaching his word as in the case of the ancient twelve during Pentecost. If you speak in some unknown language, babbling about nothing, for no reason but your own then it is not of the Lord. If you do this and have no idea what you said....then it is not of the Lord. If it serves no purpose but your own....then it is not of the Lord. If you do it in these cases it is not the spirit of the Lord you are filled with but the spirit of the adversary. The gift is just that....a gift from the Lord so you can do his work. Period. Anything else is not tongues and not from the Lord. As far as praying....I don't think Father cares one way or another what "tongue" you pray in as long as He hears from you!

[Chanteemomof6]

I agree with you on this one!

[prisonchaplain]

The gift of tongues and interpretation of such is given for the Lords purposes only....not for our own edification.

1 Corinthians 14:4: He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself . . .

It is mainly used for teaching his word as in the case of the ancient twelve during Pentecost.

Actually, there is no suggestion that the gift of tongues and interpretation was in operation with the Acts 2 episode. Rather, it says that the spoke in tongues, and the people from different areas understood those tongues. Also, the tongues spoken were not instruction, but rather, were praises to God.

If you speak in some unknown language, babbling about nothing, for no reason but your own then it is not of the Lord.

Perhaps. But, if you speak in an unknown tongue, and in so doing are exercising a wonderful blessing God has bestowed upon you, then, amongst other benefits, you are allowing God to edify you.

If you do this and have no idea what you said....then it is not of the Lord.

There is no indication in Scripture that when we "pray in the Spirit," an interpretation is necessary.

If it serves no purpose but your own....then it is not of the Lord.

God is pleased to edify us. It serves his purposes, even if we do not know what they are yet.

... these cases it is not the spirit of the Lord you are filled with but the spirit of the adversary.

To be clear: Is it your suggestion that the 500 million Charismatics and Pentecostals in the world are inspired, not of God, but of Satan??? Not to mention those LDS that may have experienced unknown tongues.

The gift is just that....a gift from the Lord so you can do his work. Period. Anything else is not tongues and not from the Lord. As far as praying....I don't think Father cares one way or another what "tongue" you pray in as long as He hears from you!

Who are we to define why and how God bestows his gifts on us?

[Rosewood]

I gotta love this guy!

[Nate]