Speaking in Tongues

[Banquo's Ghost]

Does ' speaking in tongues' mean?

Navaros explained it quite well.

The Apostles were said to have been given a gift to speak (and more likely be heard) in all languages of the earth, so that when they preached, all races would understand their message at the same time.

This was clearly an advantage in the very mixed cultures of the Middle East at the time. It is of course, counted as a miracle of the Holy Spirit.

There are modern Christian sects that claim to have the same power, or individuals that enter a trance like state wherein they "speak in tongues".

To my knowledge, listening to them gives one the distinct impression that they are babbling uncontrollably and are not communicating in any language, let alone many distinct ones.

I suspect the experience is much along the same lines as trance states in many traditions, which are heightened emotional states that affect the individual and onlookers of the same mind.

[Pannonian]

There are modern Christian sects that claim to have the same power, or individuals that enter a trance like state wherein they "speak in tongues".

To my knowledge, listening to them gives one the distinct impression that they are babbling uncontrollably and are not communicating in any language, let alone many distinct ones.

So that's what Dubya has been doing all along.

[Adrian II]

I have long held that the answer was 1. Until I got to know some members of a Christian sect and discovered it was rather more 2. Which makes it even more.. how shall I put this?

I better not.

[Tribesman]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBvb...eature=related

[CountArach]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBvb...eature=related

One believed it was speaking in tongues. The others just did it to be cool.

[KukriKhan]

Situationally-induced hysteria-on-demand, in my opinion. A lot like what I've seen in Haitian voodoo culture.

On the other hand, I read "news of the weird"-type stories of people suddenly (after some kind of injury or brain trauma) being able to speak some other actual language fluently, or play concert piano, or something else they have not been previously trained to do. If even parts of those stories are accurate, it points to some usually un-tapped ability in us. Not that it's ever happened to me.

[Ironside]

Situationally-induced hysteria-on-demand, in my opinion. A lot like what I've seen in Haitian voodoo culture.

On the other hand, I read "news of the weird"-type stories of people suddenly (after some kind of injury or brain trauma) being able to speak some other actual language fluently, or play concert piano, or something else they have not been previously trained to do. If even parts of those stories are accurate, it points to some usually un-tapped ability in us. Not that it's ever happened to me.

When it comes to language, they've actually learned the "new" language at some earlier point, but get some major recollection. I suspect it's simular for everything else you can get it for, but it often requires a lot less to learn. But it's still very interesting that you can max out a talent due to an accident, even if it's very rare.

Personally I agree with Banquo.

[Fragony]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBvb...eature=related

That's just child-abuse

[Louis VI the Fat]

That's just child-abuse

Actually, I think it is indeed. I don't think children ought to be subjected to spiritual exaltation and ecstasy rituals anymore than they should partake in drugs or alcohol induced ecstasy rituals.

As for speaking in tongues - I'm sure the persons involved are genuine in their emotion. But it's no more real or meaningful than those pink elephants I saw performing a Tchaikowsky ballet around my alcohol-imbided head last Saturday night.
That's not to say these rituals don't serve a purpose. From tribal extasy rituals - aided by drugs or not - to western drugs and booze parties, they serve as a great pressure valve and communal rite.

[Sigurd]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBvb...eature=related

Wow ... One of the children said : Jesus will stand on mount Olives december 31st 2010 and destroy the enemies of Israel that had gathered in Syria. She used an old Eastern Hardanger dialect.

[rotorgun]

I voted one, but on reflection I really should have gone with the second choice. I am sure that there are people who, in some state of euphoric, sympathetic, mind numbing mass hysterical trance actually believe that they are recieving some revelation from God. I wouldn't want to discount their misguided beliefs, nor would I wish to mock God and say that it's not possible for it is written...with God all things are possible. I simply feel that it isn't really a needed skillset in today's modern world. Interpretaion isn't a major problem anymore, especially if god wants to give a message in say...Polish to a Polish speaking crowd. Why in Heavan and Earth would he choose one member of the congregation and have them speak in ancient Sumerian? It makes no sense.

I put right up there with snake handling and animal sacrifice.

[Odin]

voted 1.

Mainly posted to say that this was a wonderful thread title for the backroom.

[Goofball]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBvb...eature=related

J.H.C in a chariot-driven side-car, but that was a horrifying and unsightly scene...

[Divinus Arma]

Speaking in tongues, in the modern sense as we see in Pentacostals, is an atrocity against God, undermining our unique relationship with Him and furthering the arguments of rational atheists. It disgraces and distracts from the power of Christ's message. It replaces an honest and accountable relationship with the Lord with meaningless gibberish meant for self-glorification. The babbling liar seeks only to elevate his or her own self-perception of holiness compared against peers.

The youngest children who do this are merely sheep who follow blind shepherds.

Anyhoooooooo.

/hellfire and brimstone

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

Y'now DA, you could give them the benefit of the doubt and just call them deluded.