Do people actually speak in Tongues (for real) anymore?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
E

Elijah19

Guest
#1
I understand full well that speaking in tongues is an actual spiritual gift, and am in no way implying that it didn't (or even doesn't still) happen. However, there seem to be a lot of people who are just fakers at this gift that do it for attention or as an emotional outburst, but not from God.

In fact, I have never met a Christian in my life yet who had the ability to (as far as I can tell) really speak in tongues. Maybe they were and just needed an interpreter, so I don't know. But every time I've actually heard somebody speak in "tongues" I can tell that these people are struggling with trying to make up words that sound like language or are talking just plain gibberish.

At any rate, not having an interpreter around to translate and make edification of the other worshipers (including myself) possible is really not ideal, practically speaking. I believe there are actually scriptures concerning that point. How can the other Christians that do not understand what the speaker is saying receive admonishment and encouragement from what is being said if there is no one to interpret?

That said, I do not believe I have ever met a person in my life who has spoken in real tongues. Nor have I met anyone who claims to have met such a person. Those who have "used the gift" in front of me were obviously posers, so I'm really beginning to think this whole speaking in tongues thing is really just not that prominent anymore.

And what's the use? I just look at the speakers who apparently "have the gift" like they're insane most of the time anyway!

Seriously, is there anybody out there who really speaks in tongues anymore, and where could I find an interpreter for such people? The "tongue speakers" are rare to be sure, but the "interpreter people" seem to be practically non-existant.

How can I learn spiritual truth from someone whom I can't understand? And how can I tell they are actually saying anything (or what they are saying) without an interpreter? Plus, any unbeliever that comes in and here's these people just thinks that they're high on drugs anyway! To me, this whole tongues thing seems to be getting counterproductive to the Cause of Christ unless we start getting some interpreters.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

KohenMatt

Senior Member
Jun 28, 2013
4,011
212
63
#3
I can only speak for myself.....

I have never spoken in tongues in a language or spirit that is different that my own.

And I have never felt the lesser for it
 
K

kennethcadwell

Guest
#4
Yes tongues do still exist in the church......

Be careful though as some misuse the gift, and some just babble by making weird noises thinking they have the gift...

And others only deny they exist because of a misuse of 1 Corinthians 13.............
 
M

MadParrotWoman

Guest
#5
I understand full well that speaking in tongues is an actual spiritual gift, and am in no way implying that it didn't (or even doesn't still) happen. However, there seem to be a lot of people who are just fakers at this gift that do it for attention or as an emotional outburst, but not from God.

In fact, I have never met a Christian in my life yet who had the ability to (as far as I can tell) really speak in tongues. Maybe they were and just needed an interpreter, so I don't know. But every time I've actually heard somebody speak in "tongues" I can tell that these people are struggling with trying to make up words that sound like language or are talking just plain gibberish.

At any rate, not having an interpreter around to translate and make edification of the other worshipers (including myself) possible is really not ideal, practically speaking. I believe there are actually scriptures concerning that point. How can the other Christians that do not understand what the speaker is saying receive admonishment and encouragement from what is being said if there is no one to interpret?

That said, I do not believe I have ever met a person in my life who has spoken in real tongues. Nor have I met anyone who claims to have met such a person. Those who have "used the gift" in front of me were obviously posers, so I'm really beginning to think this whole speaking in tongues thing is really just not that prominent anymore.

And what's the use? I just look at the speakers who apparently "have the gift" like they're insane most of the time anyway!

Seriously, is there anybody out there who really speaks in tongues anymore, and where could I find an interpreter for such people? The "tongue speakers" are rare to be sure, but the "interpreter people" seem to be practically non-existant.

How can I learn spiritual truth from someone whom I can't understand? And how can I tell they are actually saying anything (or what they are saying) without an interpreter? Plus, any unbeliever that comes in and here's these people just thinks that they're high on drugs anyway! To me, this whole tongues thing seems to be getting counterproductive to the Cause of Christ unless we start getting some interpreters.
Have to agree with that statement. I don't speak in tongues either nor do I feel any less for it but others ask me about it - their problem not mine.
 
Feb 5, 2015
1,852
13
0
#6
Speaking in tongues does still exist. But my advice would be, don't be hung up about it. I grew up in a church which stressed the gift very much. The problem is, those do not receive it feel they are somewhat lacking-and out of place when others stress the gift so much.
I found from experience, we receive by faith, not by trying to be holy enough to receive.
God Bless
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
0
#7
I certainly have not spoken in tongues since three or four days ago.
 

Jon4TheCross

Senior Member
Oct 19, 2012
1,864
7
38
#8
Yes...the gifts of God are without repentance.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)

13*Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2*And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3*And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Even speaking in parables is a form of speaking in a language some can understand...and some cannot. Jesus spoke in such a language often.
 
D

DesiredHaven

Guest
#9
I personally dont want to do that with my tongue, I'm sorry I just dont.

I asked the Lord to please not to give me that gift if He was still giving it.

My mindset is this....

Just say convulsions were gift, would you ask for the gift of convulsions simply because they might be gifts?

If I have a choice, I would rather not (is all I am saying)

Whereas a couple zealous others enter in who are all like, well ya have to speak in tongues to be saved

And then we're off...

The same regret, that I stepped into it again (Father please save me from my self!)

So I can understand the eyeball rolling to a certain extent
 
C

cmarieh

Guest
#10
I have only spoken in tongues once. That was about ten years ago and the Holy Spirit was moving at church. I do believe that this gift is easily misused in churches today. Although, I have been in one church where someone spoke in tongues and immediately someone translated it, that was amazing and we knew right away that it was real and came from God and this message was exactly what the pastor spoke on a few minutes later. There are situations that it used properly as well.
 

MarcR

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2015
5,486
183
63
#11
I understand full well that speaking in tongues is an actual spiritual gift, and am in no way implying that it didn't (or even doesn't still) happen. However, there seem to be a lot of people who are just fakers at this gift that do it for attention or as an emotional outburst, but not from God.

In fact, I have never met a Christian in my life yet who had the ability to (as far as I can tell) really speak in tongues. Maybe they were and just needed an interpreter, so I don't know. But every time I've actually heard somebody speak in "tongues" I can tell that these people are struggling with trying to make up words that sound like language or are talking just plain gibberish.

At any rate, not having an interpreter around to translate and make edification of the other worshipers (including myself) possible is really not ideal, practically speaking. I believe there are actually scriptures concerning that point. How can the other Christians that do not understand what the speaker is saying receive admonishment and encouragement from what is being said if there is no one to interpret?

That said, I do not believe I have ever met a person in my life who has spoken in real tongues. Nor have I met anyone who claims to have met such a person. Those who have "used the gift" in front of me were obviously posers, so I'm really beginning to think this whole speaking in tongues thing is really just not that prominent anymore.

And what's the use? I just look at the speakers who apparently "have the gift" like they're insane most of the time anyway!

Seriously, is there anybody out there who really speaks in tongues anymore, and where could I find an interpreter for such people? The "tongue speakers" are rare to be sure, but the "interpreter people" seem to be practically non-existant.

How can I learn spiritual truth from someone whom I can't understand? And how can I tell they are actually saying anything (or what they are saying) without an interpreter? Plus, any unbeliever that comes in and here's these people just thinks that they're high on drugs anyway! To me, this whole tongues thing seems to be getting counterproductive to the Cause of Christ unless we start getting some interpreters.

I can relate an actual experience I had; and you can decide for yourself whether it was Biblical tongues.


First some background:

Shortly after I graduated High School, some Haitians moved into my neighborhood; and in the course of helping them with their English, I learned rudimentary French.

My wife has a severe hearing loss; and while I was courting her I learned rudimentary ASL



One evening, while I was still courting my wife, we went to a restaurant with a couple of friends. As we were leaving the restaurant, we met a group of 6 deaf people 2 of whom were visiting from France. My wife and I got into a conversation with them and opportunity arose to begin witnessing to them. I found myself fluently signing ASL and French and interpreting back to English at conversational speed far beyond my natural ability; and led 2 of them to Christ.

I have always thought of this as Biblical tongues.
 
Feb 21, 2012
3,794
199
63
#12
I understand full well that speaking in tongues is an actual spiritual gift, and am in no way implying that it didn't (or even doesn't still) happen. However, there seem to be a lot of people who are just fakers at this gift that do it for attention or as an emotional outburst, but not from God.

In fact, I have never met a Christian in my life yet who had the ability to (as far as I can tell) really speak in tongues. Maybe they were and just needed an interpreter, so I don't know. But every time I've actually heard somebody speak in "tongues" I can tell that these people are struggling with trying to make up words that sound like language or are talking just plain gibberish.

At any rate, not having an interpreter around to translate and make edification of the other worshipers (including myself) possible is really not ideal, practically speaking. I believe there are actually scriptures concerning that point. How can the other Christians that do not understand what the speaker is saying receive admonishment and encouragement from what is being said if there is no one to interpret?

That said, I do not believe I have ever met a person in my life who has spoken in real tongues. Nor have I met anyone who claims to have met such a person. Those who have "used the gift" in front of me were obviously posers, so I'm really beginning to think this whole speaking in tongues thing is really just not that prominent anymore.

And what's the use? I just look at the speakers who apparently "have the gift" like they're insane most of the time anyway!

Seriously, is there anybody out there who really speaks in tongues anymore, and where could I find an interpreter for such people? The "tongue speakers" are rare to be sure, but the "interpreter people" seem to be practically non-existant.

How can I learn spiritual truth from someone whom I can't understand? And how can I tell they are actually saying anything (or what they are saying) without an interpreter? Plus, any unbeliever that comes in and here's these people just thinks that they're high on drugs anyway! To me, this whole tongues thing seems to be getting counterproductive to the Cause of Christ unless we start getting some interpreters.
Yes . . . and just want to state my pet peeve - it is not a "gift", it is a manifestation of the Spirit. It proceeds from the one "gift", the gift of holy spirit - which has nine manifestations. 1 Co. 12:7 - But the manifestation of the Spirit . . . .

Is it misused? - yes.
 

MarcR

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2015
5,486
183
63
#13
Yes . . . and just want to state my pet peeve - it is not a "gift", it is a manifestation of the Spirit. It proceeds from the one "gift", the gift of holy spirit - which has nine manifestations. 1 Co. 12:7 - But the manifestation of the Spirit . . . .

Is it misused? - yes.
1 Co 12:1-11
12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
KJV


I can see basis both for considering them as manifestations or as gifts; though I have no desire to cause you to be peeved.
 

Jon4TheCross

Senior Member
Oct 19, 2012
1,864
7
38
#14
Often in scripture "both are true" is applicable. The manifestation of good works is also a gift...cause we would not be able to do so without Him.

Without Him we are nothing.
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
586
113
#15
I understand full well that speaking in tongues is an actual spiritual gift, and am in no way implying that it didn't (or even doesn't still) happen. However, there seem to be a lot of people who are just fakers at this gift that do it for attention or as an emotional outburst, but not from God.

In fact, I have never met a Christian in my life yet who had the ability to (as far as I can tell) really speak in tongues. Maybe they were and just needed an interpreter, so I don't know. But every time I've actually heard somebody speak in "tongues" I can tell that these people are struggling with trying to make up words that sound like language or are talking just plain gibberish.

At any rate, not having an interpreter around to translate and make edification of the other worshipers (including myself) possible is really not ideal, practically speaking. I believe there are actually scriptures concerning that point. How can the other Christians that do not understand what the speaker is saying receive admonishment and encouragement from what is being said if there is no one to interpret?

That said, I do not believe I have ever met a person in my life who has spoken in real tongues. Nor have I met anyone who claims to have met such a person. Those who have "used the gift" in front of me were obviously posers, so I'm really beginning to think this whole speaking in tongues thing is really just not that prominent anymore.

And what's the use? I just look at the speakers who apparently "have the gift" like they're insane most of the time anyway!

Seriously, is there anybody out there who really speaks in tongues anymore, and where could I find an interpreter for such people? The "tongue speakers" are rare to be sure, but the "interpreter people" seem to be practically non-existant.

How can I learn spiritual truth from someone whom I can't understand? And how can I tell they are actually saying anything (or what they are saying) without an interpreter? Plus, any unbeliever that comes in and here's these people just thinks that they're high on drugs anyway! To me, this whole tongues thing seems to be getting counterproductive to the Cause of Christ unless we start getting some interpreters.
I suggest you have a look at This thread...

Yahweh Shalom
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
#16
1 Corinthians 13:8 clearly says that tongues will cease. We must determine what tongues scripture is talking about. Are they earthly languages or are they ecstatic utterances that are not human languages? Are the tongues spoken of in the mouth of the speaker or in the ears of the hearers like at Pentecost? So much confusion and yet God is not the author of confusion. There is a great lack of discipleship in the church and a great absence of sanctification so how can one even suggest that God is at work in these folks? The vagabond Jews of Acts 19:13-19 cast out demons by what power? It was not the authority of Christ. Questions to ponder and answers to be sought.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
0
#17
1 Corinthians 13:8 clearly says that tongues will cease. We must determine what tongues scripture is talking about. Are they earthly languages or are they ecstatic utterances that are not human languages? Are the tongues spoken of in the mouth of the speaker or in the ears of the hearers like at Pentecost? So much confusion and yet God is not the author of confusion. There is a great lack of discipleship in the church and a great absence of sanctification so how can one even suggest that God is at work in these folks? The vagabond Jews of Acts 19:13-19 cast out demons by what power? It was not the authority of Christ. Questions to ponder and answers to be sought.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
Frankly, it surprises me that you understand THIS part. Most people insist it was the 11 to 120 speakers actually expounding in 15 different worldly languages to 3,000 hearers spread out over at least a quarter mile, at the same time.
 

jb

Senior Member
Feb 27, 2010
4,940
586
113
#18
1 Corinthians 13:8 clearly says that tongues will cease. We must determine what tongues scripture is talking about. Are they earthly languages or are they ecstatic utterances that are not human languages? Are the tongues spoken of in the mouth of the speaker or in the ears of the hearers like at Pentecost? So much confusion and yet God is not the author of confusion. There is a great lack of discipleship in the church and a great absence of sanctification so how can one even suggest that God is at work in these folks? The vagabond Jews of Acts 19:13-19 cast out demons by what power? It was not the authority of Christ. Questions to ponder and answers to be sought.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
Same old record played over (and over and over and over...) again!
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
#19
Frankly, it surprises me that you understand THIS part. Most people insist it was the 11 to 120 speakers actually expounding in 15 different worldly languages to 3,000 hearers spread out over at least a quarter mile, at the same time.
What is written in the bible? I read Peter preaching and everybody hearing. What of the other evidences of tongues in Acts? What languages did they speak? Was it a replication of Pentecost only on a smaller scale or something different?

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
#20
Same old record played over (and over and over and over...) again!
Well Gods word does not change. Marvel not that satan is transformed into an angel of light.

For the cause of Christ
Roger