When reviewing the Articles of Religion in the Discipline #15 from the 1996 Edison. Of Speaking in the Congregational in Such a Tongue as the People Understand. It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the primitive Church, to have public prayer in the Church, or to minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not understood by the people. I am questioning if this means that Methodist do not believe in speaking in Tongue? Was this Gift a one time experience for just the apostles? Did Paul mean what he wrote, done only with an interpreter there. This Article #15, appears to possibly have two meaning...First, speaking in a "foreign" language or an unknown tongue when praying or ministering the holy communion is repugnant. Or a second meaning, if it truly is about using the gift of speaking in tongue, is it only "repugnant" when done during public prayer and when ministering communion? Can it be done in the public services or just in your own private place?

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2001

Answers

This article is not refering to the gift of tongues. It is in direct reference to the Catholic practice of holding the mass in Latin. The Holy scriptures were also written in Latin. Often times the worshipers were not privy to what was being said because only the educated priests understood Latin.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2001

Thank you Dr. Tyler for the wonderful response. I hope many others will see your response so we might help our Zion to better understand. Thanks for the question.

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2001

John Wesley the founder of Methodism based the worship style of Methodism as being asessable to everyone. Especially the poor people. For whom he believed Christians were called to take care of. John Wesley left the Anglican church to start Methodism. His was a tradition based on a methodical study of scripture and giving the word of God in a "plain and easy way" that the hearers of the word could understand. The Anglican church is considered "High Church" which means the church uses a very formalized structure of worship, in Wesley's time the structure and words that were spoken would not be understood by the poor people he felt called to serve. Once Methodistm was transported to America John Wesley wanted to make sure that the people would hear the word of God in a "tongue" that was understandable to them. Tongue today probably would better be translated as "A style" that is understandable to the listener. John Wesley and his followers were laughed at and ridiculed for their "plain and simple style of Worship" For there was lots of singing and the emphasis was on good preaching. Because of this style when the Methodist circuit riders came to the plantations the slaves could understand the preaching and many became Christians and Methodists. Richard Allen was one who was moved to become Methodist because he heard the word of God in a "tongue" that he could understand. I guess if we had to sum up Methodism it would be "keep it simple" so that all can know he is God.

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2001

I heard once that as part of his effort to find common ground with the man on the street, some of the hymns written by John and Charles Wesley consisted of lyrics that glorified God set to the tunes of drinking songs of that time. It eliminated the need for hymnals for a group of people that were largely illiterate, and avoided an expense. Can anyone verify this story?

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2001

John and Charles Wesley did not leave the Anglican Church. They were not forming a new denomination as methodists. In fact the word methodist was applied in derision much like the calling of follers of Christ christians. They both died in the Anglican church. We have to be careful how we interpret the past with our standards of today.

Blessings,

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, November 01, 2001

I agree with Dr. Tyler concerning the 'whole' issue being addressed by Lois Curry about 'Speaking in the Congregation in Such a Tongue as the People Understand'is an issue of mass being conducted in Latin in the Catholic church.

Working as a chaplain on the college/university level and in the juvenile/prison systems I see the above topic(s) quite often. There are sub-titles, though, that Lois Curry will have to do further study to get clarity for herself:

1. Paul's meaning celebrating communion.(Read the 'WHOLE STORY')of I Corinthians 11. 'Look at the chaos'.

2. Read up on the greek word 'glossilila' (to speak with tongue)as pertaining to worship in the early church.

3. The meaning of worship in Methodism. There is a lot of material on this subject.

Once you have researched the above subjects, they will answer the majority of your questions and concerns that you have asked.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2001

I agree with Dr. Tyler concerning the 'whole' issue being addressed by Lois Curry about 'Speaking in the Congregation in Such a Tongue as the People Understand'is an issue of mass being conducted in Latin in the Catholic church.

Working as a chaplain on the college/university level and in the juvenile/prison systems I see the above topic(s) quite often. There are sub-titles, though, that Lois Curry will have to do further study to get clarity for herself:

1. Paul's meaning celebrating communion.(Read the 'WHOLE STORY')of I Corinthians 11. 'Look at the chaos'.

2. Read up on the greek word 'glossilila' (to speak with tongue)as pertaining to worship in the early church.

3. The meaning of worship in Methodism. There is a lot of material on this subject. Rev. Denise Rogers has gotten you started.

Once you have researched the above subjects, they will answer the majority of your questions and concerns that you have asked.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2001