A lofty goal of many faith groups is the ability to speak in tongues. This can only be achieved through the promptings of the Holy Spirit. A not untrue claim, however, these sentimental denominations mistake national languages for mindless gibberish.
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Charismatic Movement by Catholics & Evangelicals
The so-called speaking in tongues seems to be particularly badly misunderstood by the Charismatics (Pentecostals) and also other groups “touched by” such things. Speech in languages in its present form only recently gained momentum, both among Evangelicals and among Catholics. An ecumenical initiative started after the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. A move initiated by the “masterminds in the background” to build connecting bridges between the opposing denominations. Groups of Catholics as well as Evangelicals suddenly began to babble incomprehensibly and still interpret this today as the result of the inheritance of the Holy Spirit. The feeling counts, not the teaching and whoever feels the same must therefore also belong together. The Protestantism is dead as a doornail anyway.
Twisted meaning of “language” and “tongue”
The wording “speech” or “tongues” contained in the Bible was turned into a completely incomprehensible babble due to “blessings of the Holy Spirit”. Again, it is worth taking a look at the basic text of the Bible. The focus here is on the Greek word, which was translated into English as “tongue”. Below are some sample verses.
Acts 10:45-47
“And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues (γλῶσσα), and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”
1 Corinthians 14:2-5
“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongues (γλῶσσα) edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. I would that ye all spake with tongues (γλῶσσα), but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues (γλῶσσα), except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.”
Behind the word “tongue” is always the Greek word “γλῶσσα” (glóssa).
Definition: the tongue, a language, a nation (usually distinguished by their language).
– Origin: Of uncertain relationship; the tongue; implicitly a language (particularly a natural non-acquired one).
A “Reference Verse” on the Word “Tongue”
For example, a verse that is not related to the obviously misunderstood “speaking in tongues” in 1 Corinthians 14 is Rev. 13.7. In this verse the “tongue” is clearly in the context of nations or countries.
Revelation 13:7
“And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues (γλῶσσα), and nations.”
This “refernece verse” also contains the Greek word “γλῶσσα”. So it should actually be clear that “speaking in tongues” is not about incomprehensible “gibberish blah blah”, but about the ability to speak in the languages of other nationalities.
Whatever spirit has influenced the lecturer or “practitioner” of such incomprehensible babble, that spirit must be checked!
Bible verses from King James Version
