As proof that ‘God’ has poured out his spirit, there is a manifestation known as “Speaking in Tongues”. Those seeing it for the first time sometimes find it to be a bit creepy or bizarre, especially if they don’t know what is going on. It usually happens during times of open prayer within Pentecostal churches or other similar types of groups with a Charismatic leaning. Sometimes one individual will appear to loudly break out into a prayer or song in what sounds like a foreign language, but not any language ever heard before. There is also a variation in which the entire group will all do this together; except of course for those not in the know or not ‘gifted’ yet.
Normally when considering religion, concepts such as “spirit” are vague, immeasurable and meaningless, but here is something solid that we can actually measure and determine if there is anything significant happening. Over the years there has been a lot of serious independent scientific research of this specific practise. One very good example is the long and detailed study carried out back in the early 1970’s by the famous Professor of Linguistics, William J Samarin. From all around the world he gathered and recorded many samples of “Speaking in Tongues”. All this data was then put through an extensive analysis over a period of five years. His conclusions were as follows:
- While speaking in tongues does appear at first to resemble human language, that was only on the surface.
- The actual stream of speech was not organised and there was no existing relationship between units of speech and concepts.
- The speakers might believe it to be a real language, but it was totally meaningless
[Samarin, William J. (1972). Tongues of Men and Angels: The Religious Language of Pentecostalism. New York: Macmillan]
Note that this is not just a blog opinion, its peer reviewed research carried out over many years by a highly qualified open-minded linguist. Speaking-in-tongues is nothing but empty babbling by devoted believers who have deluded themselves into thinking it to be a sign of the Holy Spirit. I should know; I used to be a practitioner myself at one time and truly did believe in the reality of it, but realise now that I was motivated by my desire to blend in and was only fooling myself.
If you dig a bit deeper and consider the history of it all, you find that the modern practise as we see it today is not all that old, it dates back to about 1906 in Los Angeles. Having first started in a revival there, it has since then spread in a viral like manner both geographically around the globe, and also chronologically on to each successive generation. Modern practitioners claim that what they are doing is exactly the same as the experience described within the Book of Acts (2:1-13), however one huge discrepancy is that the story within Book of Acts describes recognised languages from all around the Roman Empire being spoken. In stark contrast, nobody understands the modern mindless babbling.
What is even more fascinating is that the modern manifestation is a lot more widespread then most might appreciate. Other non-Christian religious groups also practise it. Felicitas Goodman, a Hungarian anthropologist compared it with recordings of rituals from Japan, Indonesia, Africa and Borneo and concluded that there was no distinction, it truly is universal and quite easily crosses religious divides. [Goodman, Felicitas D. (1972). Speaking in Tongues: A Cross-Cultural Study in Glossolalia. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.]
Finally, just to prove the point that there is no sky-magic involved and that this is just a learned behaviour, there was a study carried out with a group of 60 non-believing undergraduates. 20% could accomplish it after listening to only a 60 second sample and about 70% could succeed with some moderate training. [Spanos, Nicholas P.; Cross, Wendy P.; Lepage, Mark; Coristine, Marjorie (February 1986). “Glossolalia as learned behavior: An experimental demonstration”. Journal of Abnormal Psychology 95]
The Bible states in 1 Cor 14.22 that “tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not”. Well, this non-believer hasnow weighed and measured it all and found it to be mindless babbling. The only sign that this gives is that the believers who practise this are delusional. (I include my past self in that last sentence).
If you are still a believer, and are starting to have doubts, then you might be interested in chatting with me to understand why I am not longer a believer (I promise a friendly discussion) – contact me at skeptic [at] skeptical-science.com (forgive the cryptic email, its to avoid the bots auto- scraping the email address and spamming me)
To those who still believe and have reached here with the, “But I know its real” thought still intact; well, that’s exactly how I felt. What you have to realise is that you are in the grip of a very powerful psychological trick. Before you move on, pause and carefully consider what you have read; I’m not presenting you with an alternative opinion, but rather with hard solid scientific proof that it is not real.
the long ending of mark is not accepted by majority of scholars..
Nobody knows for sure what blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is yet people are out there everyday just trying to survive
Rachel, with due respect, how do you know all this? Is it just your theory? If so, you might preface your statements with, “It is my opinion that…”, or did someone else tell you this? If so, who and what are their credentials or sources? Do you have an ET spirit guide who answers questions for you? If so, say so. This movement of truth can only move forward with verifiable information. None of this resonates with me and it is my feeling (see how I did that?) that this is a pagan ritual directed by Satan in order to get between Christians and God. I could be wrong, but you have not convinced me of it.
Hi you say Jesus came to you personally but does anyone know what Jesus looks like? Does the Bible not say the devil can transform himself to Angel of light ??
Just a note beware of this unknown
Hi
Just a thought you mentioned Acts 2 38, if you go back a few verses the the gift of the Holy Spirit was speaking in tongues. However this referral to speaking different earthly languages why get to verse 2 38 and it’s now a different speaking in tongues than earthly languages?
I remember going to a wedding between a “completed Jew” (the groom had been born into a Jewish family, but had become a believer) & a Christian woman. After they had exchanged vows there was a time of prayer. Someone (a member of this 100-member humble church) erupted into a long prayer. No translation… A little uncomfortable, since the groom had plenty of his Jewish family. After the service, more than one of his Jewish relatives were asking who had taught Hebrew in the church. No one had. The person who had spoken in tongues prayed the Hebrew prayer, in full, for that “holiday”, or holy date in the Jewish calendar. So don’t tell me speaking in tongues is nonsense. Unless you don’t believe in the Bible, then that’s how you should preface this entire silly article.
This sounds amazing.
We can validate all this because you have the details. Let’s get the ball rolling on an investigation into this please.
Oh but to “know Him” Jesus Christ our Lord and savior. It is the plan of salvation as written in Acts 2:38 —Then Peter said unto them repent and be baptized EVERYONE OF YOU in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and you SHALL receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues is a gift from God. The unknown tongue that Jesus gives is not only a promise and part of salvation, it is also a direct language between you and God that no one need understand. It is supernatural. On another note. The devil himself believes in the Holy Ghost (speaking in tongues) so one should be very careful how they disregard this gift of God. Satan can and will confuse people into thinking they can chant a tongue. When one gets the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, they will never ever doubt it again, unless they began to let satan lead them astray. Speaking in tongues is not a practiced or learned emotion. It is not a hypnotism. It is very real. Also the Bible says “all sin is forgiven except for blasphemy of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 12:31-32 – Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. (Read More…)
Luke 12:10 – And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.
If one does not know about tongues why venture into something that could be demonic as other false religions also speak in tongues
Hey Rachel! I appreciate the information, I am able to ‘speak in tongues’ and have had no idea what it’s all about. I was prayed over a few years ago and the ability just came from that experience. I’ve done research to try to find out more about it, but other than religious reference I wasn’t able to find much. I did come across light language which seems similar if not the same but still was left wondering what’s the point. Occasionally I will do it just during meditation and prayer but have not understood any benefits It brought if any. I really resonated with your explanation that it brings our body in harmony through the energy. Would love to know where you found this explanation so I can learn more and start exploring the benefits of this practice.
ha ha no just alter your brain wave pattern. Think Delta/Theta not Alpha/Beta!
I’m not sure how you only did it twice? Once it is activated it remains? Like riding a bike. It is an energetic language, its purpose is to heal and regulate the body. It is not using ‘words in the sense’ of semantics because its purpose is to bypass that part of the brain and create flow. Processing words would slow it down. Each organ emits a harmonic sound but its not saying ‘I’m beating irregularly, its sound changes when at dis-ease and when the brain picks up that sound (now out of tune) it signals to other places in the body that can send energy to it. We are God (consciousness) and inside of us is the cent re of the universe. What we think and speak will become. We are consciousness experiencing life in a physical reality, which we create every moment.
No. It is an energetic language its purpose to transmit healing and regulation to our body and possibly can activate another’s too.
Just a note here. It has been scientifically proven now that it’s not the same as a mantra meditation as that lights up the front lobar section which demands focus and control. Lets say Mantra is more alpha brain wave and energetic language is more Theta.
Hi, I realise this is an old post but thought I would leave a few notes from a balanced perspective of science vs spiritual.
I was 16 when I ‘received speaking in tongues’ at a Pentecostal type church but within a hidden cult like structure. “there way was the only way etc’. We were taught ‘speaking in tongues’ was proof you had received holy spirit. Then on a Sunday service we used to deliver the gifts. ‘Gift of Tongues with Gift of Prophecy.’
One person would feel called to speak in tongues in front of the group. Then another was anointed to interpret it (The prophecy). I believe the fervor of belief manifested this because I did the interpretation a couple of time in my late teens and it was a very strange experience. My whole body was hot and the words that came out were not premeditated. It was like they were being forced out of my mouth, Normally they were about something to do with the end of the world, doom gloom and motivation to continue being loyal etc. or worse about backsliding (when you leave the church and are cut off from everyone forever and are told you will go to hell etc.)
I did eventually leave after 8 years of misery, depression, anxiety, doom and gloom….
It took years to recover. I refused to speak tongues ever again. Last year ( age 50) with no religious attachments, walking along the beach I began singing and realised I was singing in a weird language’. I didn’t associate with tongues as wasn’t the same experience. This has developed and I can sing and talk a multitude of different I call them energetic sounds. Some sound like old Tibetan chants, others like italian opera, there are Germanic, Chinese and the strangest ones are those that sound like computers (beeps and whirrs and chirps) or ocean/wind noises. I can also hear these sounds in water, in trees and rocks.
So I am now in deep research over what I believe are ‘energetic languages sounds’ that we have innately inside of us. Call it our essence, our unique sound imprint. Everything is energy. Energy has a vibration, a sound, a tune. Did you know every organ, every cell in our body creates a harmonic sound? Its how our body communicates with itself, to heal and regulate.
There are lots of scientific studies now showing that our brain shows increases in relaxation and altered brain wave patterns ( such as Delta) when we use this energetic language. It shuts off our mind and the parts that want to explain everything in words and increases our parietal lobe activity which increases our sense of self relating to oneness with our environment and the rest of the world.
In the beginning was the ‘word’ and the word was with God and the word was God. The interpretation of ‘word’ is actually ‘Shim’ which is a voiceless sibilant, basically a sound without using the vocal chords in other words ‘breath’. Breath is consciousness.
According to Jung (1964), glossolalia occurs in cases of predominance of the unconscious, prior to assimilation of the content into consciousness, i.e. it represents the example of invasion of the unconscious contents into the consciousness prior to integration of the personality . Such assimilation represents, in fact, the solution (solve) of repressed emotional complex, which was kept away (far) from consciousness by the repressing mechanisms as unsatisfactory (unacceptable). It is manifested in changed behavior (conduct) and a line (chain) of wrong actions (acts) in communication with surroundings that increase insecurity and fear (in the circle). Resolving the suppressed emotional complex the forces of depression are unburdened and the subjective feeling of being relieved, calm and secure occurs.
The answer I believe is and has always been inside of us….not out there. Not because of a church or religion. Not because you have been good, or bad. I am because I am. All is energy, all has a vibration, from a blade of grass to a giant tree. We are one with it all and it with us. We have a symbiotic relationship with everything and everyone. I hope this helps someone.
Thanks for sharing this Julie. I also feel it is just like mantra meditation
If you can speak in tongues do you understand what you speaking? if not have you tried
“For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says” (1 Corinthians 14:13)
Hi Anonymous
Having the gift of tongues now what have you done with the gift? What has changed in your life. Are you assured of your salvation or are you relying on your speaking as proof that you are saved.
When I received tongues I had thought they were weird and didn’t really want the gift but one night in my room Jesus came with eyes of flames and fire all around him and baptised me in holy spirit. I received th holy spirit and tongues, it happened and no one taught me, his holy spirit did it. If u don’t believe in tongues thats because you’ve never had the gift – and your trying to debate things of a spiritual nature with your logic and head knowledge lacking heart and deep revelation. I don’t even go to church anymore. But I am reconciled to God and pray everyday and live my life following christ. And doing the will of the father.
This article is something Satan would write. Deceptive. I pray in Jesus name the eyes of your understanding be opened. Bless
For those who speak in tongues, do they understand each other? Can they carry on conversations in tongues?
My name is Moe and I speak in tongues as well. I think it’s an earthly language. Please email me [email protected]
Dave, I came across this article while searching for more information regarding speaking in tongues. So far my search as turnrd up a lot, but mostly tied to Chrisianity. I can “talk in tongues” it is a long story about how this came to be. Anyway, I do know that penticostal churches practices it, I have read all the bible scriptures about it. I was looking for more and objective view of it. It is a real thing, I can do it. I have no desire to try to convince anyone else that its real. You said that you used to believe in it, does that mean you were able to do it also? But then stop, or where you pretending that you were able to in order to fit in. I just want to find out what it is, and other peoples experience with doing it. Seperate from the religious aspect of it.
Hi Alison,
Today I can speak in tongues. I’m also not religious.
At a conference where I was giving a talk about speaking in tongues, I explained to all those attending how to do this. We then gave it a go and the vast majority were soon speaking in tongues.
The human religious experience is basically emotional. You can tap into that by bypassing the speech centre of the brain – no beliefs in anything at all required.
The experience is quite real and not in any way supernatural.
Many thanks for reaching out
Thank You Samuel
Were is Ros comment?
Ross,,,thank you,,I agree with what your saying
Therefore, the gift of tongues in ACTS is speaking in a language a person does not know in order to minister to someone who does speak that language.
speaking in tongues is valuable to the one hearing God’s message in his or her own language, but it is useless to everyone else unless it is interpreted/translated.
Hi where does it say in the bible that speaking in tongues
reduce stress in people
psychologically, physically, and spiritually fulfilling
Feel a sense of sweet release and inner peace
We live by faith not by emotions, experiences or feelings…..these change but Gods word does not
WHAT WAS THE ACTUAL REASON FOR THE GIFT OF TONGUES WAS IT NOT FOR
Was a sign for the unbeliever
Was to worship God
Was for a person speaking only one language but understood by many various foreign languages
Was one hearing God’s message in his or her own language
“For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret what he says” (1 Corinthians 14:13)
It would be in agreement with the command God gave through the apostle Paul, “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God” (1 Corinthians 14:27-28)
Hi Samuel Arbelo
what are you doing with the gift you received? How has it helped you? Have you received any OTHER giftS that you have also asked AND prayed for for such as Healing or other gifts? Does scripture say EVERYONE receives the speaking of tongues?
You are right there are false evil tongues
there are also learnt behaviour of tongues
there are experiences of tongues but which tongue has been received?
Feelings, experiences, emotions change BUT Gods word does not change
What do you understand “Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” means?
Interesting subject
Hi Anonymous
just a few comments I have used your comments and answered in capital letters to make it easier to differentiate your comments from mine
studies have been done , with brain scans , and speaking in tongues does not activate the speech areas of the brain, showing us that it is not a made up socially learned behavior , DO ALL OTHER RELIGIONS THAT ALSO SPEAK IN TONGUES EXACTLY LIKE THE CHRISTIANS DO AND TONGUES DOES NOT ACTIVATE THE SPEECH AREAS IN THEIR AS WELL BRIAN ? DO HAVE THEY ALSO GOT GODS GIFT???????? it comes from the HUMAN SPIRIT , first generated by God’s Spirit. once you have the gift , it never goes away even if you back slide and even become atheist. IF YOU SAY YOU HAVE THE GIFT AND THAT THE GIFT PROVES THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY THEN LETS LOOK AT MARK 16 BELOW SPIRIT Some people have the ability to fake and copy it, because of peer pressure , But When You Have The Real Gift You will Know it. The “its not real tongues like in acts “…comes from not studying the subject deep enough . Paul spoke in tongues that No Man knows….in acts, there was two miracles happening , speaking and hearing. Read the story in Acts , with out any preconceived ideas then read 1st cor, on the subject
MARK 16
7
But go, tell his disciples and Peter, `He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.'”
8
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
9
[1] When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons.
10
She went and told those who had been with him and who were mourning and weeping.
11
When they heard that Jesus was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.
12
Afterward Jesus appeared in a different form to two of them while they were walking in the country.
13
These returned and reported it to the rest; but they did not believe them either.
14
Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.
15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18
they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
19
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.
20
Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have Mark 16:9-20.
IF ONE READS THE CHAPTER WHO WERE THE UNBELIEVERS “THE APOSTLES “
WHAT WAS THE COMMAND IN VERSE 15 “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. ARE YOU (WE) DOING THAT?
VERSE 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe:….THESE SIGNS WILL ONLY HAPPEN IF THEY BELIEVED WHY BECAUSE THE APOSTLES WERE THE UNBELIEVERS THEY NOW HAD TO BELIEVE SO THAT THESE SIGNS WOULD ACCOMPANY THEM
NOW VERSES 17 AND 18
17 In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
HERE THEY RECEIVED ALL THESE GIFTS NOT ONE OR THE OTHER. SO IF YOU SAY YOU SPEAK IN TONGUES THEN YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO PLACE YOUR HANDS ON THE SICK AND THEY WILL GET HEALED.
THEREFORE WHEN THE DISCIPLES WENT OUT WHAT HAPPENED THEY HEALED EVERYONE, WITH THESE GIFTS. NOT LIKE TODAY, PEOPLE SAY THEY HAVE THE GIFT BUT CAN NOT HEAL ANYONE, OR ONLY SEE A HEALING ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR. IF YOU HAVE THE GIFT THEN YOU SHOULD BE OUT THERE GOING INTO THE WHOLE WORLD HEALING PEOPLE INSTANTLY AS WELL,.
WHO WERE TOLD TO GO AND WAIT FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE APOSTLES
acts 4 And while they were gathered together, He commanded them: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”…
studies have been done , with brain scans , and speaking in tongues does not activate the speech areas of the brain, showing us that it is not a made up socially learned behavior , it comes from the HUMAN SPIRIT , first generated by God’s Spirit. once you have the gift , it never goes away even if you back slide and even become atheist. Some people have the ability to fake and copy it, because of peer pressure , But When You Have The Real Gift You will Know it. The “its not real tongues like in acts “…comes from not studying the subject deep enough . Paul spoke in tongues that No Man knows….in acts, there was two miracles happening , speaking and hearing. Read the story in Acts , with out any preconceived ideas then read 1st cor, on the subject
That’s the same as a baby making noises-it’s clearly whatever noises and sounds you can think of, as you go, and that’s it.
Hi great that you recieved speaking in tongues. Please let us know what we’re the first words that you received in tongues which you got in Arabic.
What messages are you receiving in tongues. Sjjow us a few interpretation of what God is giving you in speaking in tongues. Share a few messages from God
Thank you
Preach it brotha. Praise God!
Woohoo!
Hello everyone! I received this gift of tongues. Discovered that I was speaking Arabic. I also wrote in arabic. A language I’ve never even thought about learning. Not sure how much proof you need beyond that. ♀️ If there’s a way I can prove I never learned it on own, let me know. I tried learning Japanese once… didn’t really stick to it. It’s not easy to follow God. No one ever claims it’s easy. It is super easy though, to ignore God and to write it all off as brainwash. This is very easy to do. Easy to go on and do what you want, make as much money as you can, follow all your desires and ambitions. But living a life following Jesus Christ? It is quite a feat. You won’t recognize yourself after following Him for a time… If you follow Him long enough, it won’t be easy to go back. ;) I’m not a preacher or a scholar or any kinda expert. But I have gotten enough proof already, that God isn’t a dream. Or a figment. Or a psychologically induced dysphoria. There is nothing out there that compares to the peace of God. I’m not here to brag… only to try speaking the unpopular opinion. God doesn’t choose favorites… if a believer is claiming so or being self righteous, this is not the way of God. Anyone and everyone can receive gifts from God. But have you gotten a present from someone you’ve never met before? Probably not. So maybe it’s about time to meet your maker. Before it’s too late.
I received a real language… perhaps your conclusions are outdated? I really hope you don’t go the easy way. It’ll feel good at times, you’ll feel lost at other times, like something is missing. Then you’ll find ways to feel good again. Back n forth, on the cusp of falling too far… or perhaps an ongoing walk through the bottom-most rung. I’m only saying these things, cause I’ve endured these things. And I’ve also endured this unbelievable thing you doubt today. Doesn’t matter if you’ve “attended church before”. You will never know of what I speak, until you approach God and find out yourself. That’s the best scientific test you can perform! Go and test what all these crazy people have done. Approach God, with faith, at least for a few minutes, ask of Him what you need in order to be satisfied with Him. Just ask. Nobody will know if you try. You’ll be surprised. Faith is the key tho. Don’t do it just to prove me wrong lol.
The Word of God, aka the bible, is one of the ways you may hear Him. Though He is everywhere, and will do what He must in order to greet you. But you have to approach Him first.
“Can I talk to you? Can we be friends? I want to talk to you. I want to tell you by God. God be upon you, God all of us. I tell you, by God. God bless you, I will ransom you. ”
My name is Ro-Z.
I don’t dispute scriptural claims on this topic. But I do suspect that many modern Christians do the tongues bit out of their own wish to feel that they are part of the group, and maybe they are more spiritually evolved than others. I say this from personal experience.
Speaking in a particular manner is a foundational element of how one identifies with a social group. Examples abound. Consider recent politics. Or consider rap “music”, or any language associated with a social group such as doctors, lawyers, even hillbilly rednecks. Yes, even hillbilly rednecks. You want to fit into a liberal social group? Just use the accepted phraseology. You want to get that redneck to move his truck so you can get out of the parking lot? Just use his type of language and accent.
Great commentary! Many studies have been done by psychologists that seem to suggest that engaging in non-cognitive non-language utterance (i.e. “speaking in tongues”) does actually reduce stress in people. It’s very much akin to chanting, deep meditation/prayer, etc.
For those that use it, it is very psychologically, physically, and spiritually fulfilling. It’s almost like primal screaming. When people practice ‘tongues’, they feel a sense of sweet release and inner peace, in that virtually all stress can be gone after the experience.
I grew up in the church……….ore moderate denominations in my earlier years and later in the evangelical movement during the 70’s and very early 80’s. While visiting family in the Bay Area, they were all assigned to the choir section of the Kathryn Kuhlman Revival. Being a singer myself, i was willing to join the choir for a night. I was 14. Very impressionable period of life. Anyways, I started speaking in tongues that night. (No, I do not think I was special. I just joined in the gibberish. No harm, now foul.) Anyway, I continued using this little behavior for years in the church. I knew it was a beautiful way of letting go.
In my late 20’s, while getting my MA in counseling, I left the church. It no longer served the same purpose that it had in my younger years. But, I remember bringing up the point of talking in tongues in my Lifespan Development class. I mentioned the possibility of it being a practice to help the brain “let go” of control, reducing the chemicals associated with stress. There was a lot of nodding. This was 1991.
Fast forward to last night. I was having a hard time relaxing to go to sleep last night. I couldn’t for the life of me settle down. I remembered an Alan Watts audio where he discussed the Episcopalian Church being up in arms (this was taped in the late 60’s early 70’s) because there was a wild little talking in tongues trend taking place within the Holy bowels of the church. “Don’t they know who we are? We are refined and in control of our religious practice!) Alan’s response was, “I think it’s quite refreshing to see perfectly, normal people losing their minds with glossolalia. So, if it is good enough for Alan, it’s good enough for me. Laying there, in my cushy Costco sheets, I very quietly started “speaking in tongues.” Instantly, I relaxed and at peace. It was amazing. The tongues practice redirects the energy from the stress related centers of my brain, to a much more peaceful area. It felt great. Later in the night when I awoke, I started all over again and was able to go back to sleep. (I’m a chronic insomniac.) When I awoke this morning, I felt rested and refreshed.
Personally, I think anyone can do it. It seems a bit narcissistic when people brag about getting their prayer language from God. Aren’t you special now? snicker Sure, God is in the business of having favorites. Sounds just like God. Come on people!! Get over yourselves. You are not special. But, you are just as wonderful as everyone else. Embrace that.
So, in closing…………..I support conscious, unconscious gibberish. Just be careful of who you share your practice with. It’s still not generally acceptable but it is therapeutic.
Insightful and fascinating Julie. Many thanks for sharing that, it is greatly appreciated.
Do you not believe that science at its core is what you say, that the personal beliefs of those scientists have no influence on there outcomes? I think science has shown the effects personal bias can have on even peer reviewed studies. Just look at so many medical studies that okayed drugs that were very obviously bad. Still to this day. Opiates still being prescribed on mass for example would be a bi product this bias. It’s very obvious how scientifically bad these are yet scientists with their personal and financial biases have said the oppposite for decades. Science is not pro or anti God but people are and scientist are people and therefore fallible to personal bias (I.e. being pro or anti God)
Wow. Just wow. So to be able to “Speak in tongues” I have to extensively brainwash myself? No thanks.
I spoke in tongues twice as a teenager in the early 80’s. It’s an uncontrollable action that science cannot disprove!
20 years later I remembered a few words and decided to try to translate them online. Basically what I had said two decades earlier was, “God is great”. Now (in my early 50’s) I can’t remember the mysterious words that came out of my mouth.
All I can do is laugh at scientists who try to say “it’s not a real language”. They come to conclusions to justify their own disbelief and expect people to accept it as facts.
Scientists really need to keep their anti God views to themselves!
Science is neither pro-god nor anti god. The way science works is this. An observation of something is made. People then formulate an idea that explains it. They then test that idea to find out if it is or is not wrong. If it is not wrong then we have a provisional understanding until more evidence or a better testable idea emerges.
So far there is no verification that tongues is anything more than a human emotional response. This is neither a pro-god nor an anti-god stance. It is simply an honest conclusion when all the available evidence is analysed and tested. If you have better verifiable and independently tested evidence, then please do feel free to share it, publish it and shout about it, because it would be a truly fascinating discovery.
I my self was curious about speaking in Tongues, but those who don’t understand of course is not within the spirit of God. Reread Acts and dissect every word.. You cant just take classes to be a part of this, just to know if it’s true. I really get a kick out of people who try to LEARN or SPEAK a celestial language. Yes you can learn to speak different languages but not celestial. In order to really be gifted with (speaking in tongues) The language of tongues is a SPIRITUAL GIFT, and it comes FROM the HOLY SPIRIT.
Key word is ( It comes from the Holy Spirit) not a teacher or a professor. Everyone is entitled to there own opinions, but if you truly want the gift you must submit yourself to GOD and he’ll take care of the rest. When I first heard someone speaking in tongues I was confused but also intrigued.
I started to attend services and submitted myself for God, and one of my prayers that I wanted answered was ( The Gift of speaking in tongues) and of course everything is in Gods timing. I prayed for months and months for this gift.. One day I prayed in my room.. I definitely felt gods presence, I started to proclaim his name and focused on worshiping him… Once I felt the Holy Spirit of god.. he take over …I started to praise him out loud until my English praise transformed to a fireball of tongues.
My spirit or my soul started to speak in tongues.. a unknown language I’ve never studied for or practiced.. I know it came from God, Because when you submit yourself to God he will answer your prayers and your souls desire as well as the gift of discernment of knowing what is from god or what is not.
I consciously knew what was happening but the spirit took over,, I was listening to each word that came out my mouth. Once I received that amazing blessing I did my homework and looked up the words I spoke, also asked God for wisdom
AB•BA Aramaic language meaning Father
Allah : is the Arabic word for God in Abrahamic religion
Sometimes it might just be our soul communicating with God speaking angelic languages, that not human nor angels or demons understand but just God.
(1 Corinthians 14 :: NIV. Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit.)
So if you can’t interpret the languages, then it’s just not ment for us to.. because it’s our souls that’s communicating with God himself.
It might be a msg for the church ! Or a Particular msg for someone who truly needs it.
I can personally say Speaking in tongues is real. Not because I studied it or tried to Learn it by teachers,, but because I actually had a connection with God.. a personal spiritual connection. I can definitely beat if you ask these experts if they ever had a fully spiritual connection with God, meaning if they ( confessed there sins.. Worshiping God in a regular basis.. reading Gods word .. fully submitting themselves into gods presence ) I’m sure they never have experienced any of it.
People might say I go to church every Sunday or I pray.. but there’s so much to it then just a Sunday brunch..people are more focus on science and will you give answers that will draw you away from god.
Now if you believe in God .. your underestimating his power, I dare you or anyone reading this to have a deep spiritual connection with god.. if your writing about it and say it’s not true your still In search of finding the truth.
Just how there are people of God there is also people that worship evil,, that being said not everyone that says there holy are holy. I’ve seen supernatural Demonic possession, where they have spoken in tongues. That’s why we always must pray for the discernment of the Holy Spirit to know what is from God.
But that’s another subject, it gets deeper. But other then that this is my personal experience my testimony on how I use to think like you, but when you fully submit yourself God will prove to you that his gifts are real.
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is unforgivable
Matthew 12:30-32: “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, any sin and blasphemy can be forgiven. … And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”
I have no doubt about this at all, and I can truly say that, My god is real as well as his promise of his Holy Spirit and his gifts. I’m presenting the truth the light and the way.. not what men say…but what God has Promised to us. The enemy will always try to find a way to gear you the wrong way.
Think about it...again I dare you to have that spiritual encounter with God and you will see the truth. Ask and you shall receive !!
Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye. shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh. findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Thanks so much for sharing.
@Marrtin… the miracle is in both, depending upon the biblical story. Peters story is different.
what you’ve said is different from the arguement. The point is no one understands anyone in today’s act of speaking in tongues. Completely different from Peter speaking 3k understanding. Oh by the way, some understood Peter’s language. Many thinks the miracle is only in speaking. What’s the point of speaking if no one understands it?
SO TRUE