Is it just me, or are we seeing another round of the "tongues are evidence that I'm a Christian" thing going on?

Maybe it's 'cause I'm working with a variety of denominational believers ... but I seem to hear more folks leaning towards the belief that the modern day speaking in tongues is evidence that one has the Holy Spirit and is a Christian.

It's amazing to me that people can read Paul's writtings and then believe Christians today must speak in the modern day version of tongues. (Speaking in tongues was the only gift of the Spirit that God had Paul write an entire chapter about the abuses of).

I'm not that interested in starting a thread as to the pros -vs- cons of the belief ... but more interested in trying to get a good understanding of why this is so popular again. Seems we get this run around every few years or so.

What do ya' think?

Darrell H Combs

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999

Answers

Darrell....

Historically speaking....there is always, as somone puts it, "a latter day outpouring of the Holy Spirit" when one or more of the following conditions is present.....

1) Less objective faith in an inerrant Word...therefore a move toward subjectivity

2) A sense that the church is dead and needs something to revitalize it (this is tied to #1...for you see.....there is no faith in an inerrant word to revitalize the church)

3) Another thing that is often present is a world that seems to have diminishing absolutes (also tied to #1).....thus the need to escape into emotionalistic ecstacy.

You'll have to make practical application for the situations you observe.....I just point out the hisotical setting for many "latter day outpourings."

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999

Darrell, it seems to me those who say that one is a Christian due to their use of the gift of glossia or not, goes to their interpretation of Mark 16:16ff. But, to say that the sole evidence of a belief in Christ is based upon glossia is hermeneutically wrong. Although, I personally beleive that all the gifts have NOT ceased, to say one who does not exercise them is not a Christian is like saying if you use a piano in worship- one is not a Christian. When we make unbiblical terms for salvation we then discount the grace of God. Which can be a form of greesy grace. Perhaps the reason for people on both sides of the spectrum to place conditions on one's salvation is due to sin within their lives and they want to cover them up or justify them by placing terms upon someone elses salvation. It is like they are guilty so they in turn want everyone feel the same. THis may not be a proper reason- but off the cuff -it works.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999

Hey guys... If "glossia" or miraculous speaking in tongues still exists, why do we never hear them in non-charismatic churches? I mean, if this is power from GOD how could we possibly squelch it even if we wanted to?

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999

...and I don't buy into that liberty thing.... a miraculous gift isn't a liberty like musical instuments or style of worship.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999

Ok guys here's another quandry......these folks (not all) that believe tongues = true christian premise are mostly of the faith only variety...so then my question is...isn't THAT a work of salvation?? Baptism isn't essential but the use of the tongue is?!?!?!! Just thinking out loud here.... Kathy C. ><>

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999

We live is a very sensual world. And "tongues" is very sensual. It is a physical thing. And it is an emotional thing. Experiential. For many individuals, it is experience that determines validity. Its faulty logic, but its the way it is.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999

AKelly wrote: "Which can be a form of greesy grace"

AKelly, PLEASE tell me you don't listen to John Hagee.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999

Sam I love to listen to John Hagee. He is one powerful speaker- even though he relies on his notes.

-- Anonymous, November 11, 1999

To Darrell:

I honor your point not to make this into a discussion of the pro's and con's of the Holy Spirit Baptism. I would however like to help you understand:

"but more interested in trying to get a good understanding of why this is so popular again. Seems we get this run around every few years or so."

The promise of the Holy Spirit Baptism by Jesus is not a popularity contest, it is a relationship with the Holy Spirit that lasts a lifetime. Since the day I was Baptized my life has been influenced by the power of God - He doesn't come and go every few years or even gain in popularity - He is there day in and out to empower me as Jesus said He would do J Acts 1:8

I hope this helps you to understand.

Sincerely,

-- Anonymous, November 12, 1999