Greek Pagans Speaking in Tongues Debunked by Greek Literature

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presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,084
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#1
Some of the liberals from the Higher Criticism school have promoted a theory that speaking in tongues was of pagan origin, and that the oracle at Delphi and other pagan priests experienced 'glossolalia.' Sadly, certain conservatives who do not care for speaking in tongues have tried to read this idea into the Bible.

This website actually examines the accounts from Greek literature that deal with these pagan prophecies. These prophecies were a form of high oratory, either given as direct prose or else in poetry. The research showed a lack of evidence for the idea that these prophecies were some kind of incoherent babbling.

Here is the article.
Delphi Prophetesses and Christian Tongues - Charles A. Sullivan
 

stonesoffire

Poetic Member
Nov 24, 2013
10,665
1,829
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#2
I am astounded that you found this information. :D
 

presidente

Senior Member
May 29, 2013
9,084
1,749
113
#3
I am astounded that you found this information. :D
VCO can't see my posts or probably my threads. He was quick to insist on agreeing to disagree when I pointed out specifics of how his views did not fit scripture, and eventually blocked me. Maybe you could show him the link. He is promoting this theory, which is actually a liberal/unbelieving type theory at it's root and implication. Ironically, John MacArthur, who is known for being conservative, has promoted a version of this theory.
 

Desdichado

Senior Member
Feb 9, 2014
8,768
838
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#5
This article is well-cited. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing, sir!
 
L

LaurenTM

Guest
#6
VCO can't see my posts or probably my threads. He was quick to insist on agreeing to disagree when I pointed out specifics of how his views did not fit scripture, and eventually blocked me. Maybe you could show him the link. He is promoting this theory, which is actually a liberal/unbelieving type theory at it's root and implication. Ironically, John MacArthur, who is known for being conservative, has promoted a version of this theory.



John MacArthur is vehemently against speaking in tongues

he teaches against it and believes it is demonic

some of this thoughts about it

you might note this is pretty mild to some things he has said
 
J

jaybird88

Guest
#7
if this guy thinks the pagen prophets did not speak in the babble spirit language then he is alone in this view as every other historian disagrees.
 
L

LaurenTM

Guest
#8
if this guy thinks the pagen prophets did not speak in the babble spirit language then he is alone in this view as every other historian disagrees.


demonic tongues do exist

however using that to legitimize dismissing scripture while referencing it, is not an accepted method for determining what is true or valid

that would be like stating water is wet only when I touch it. It stops being wet if I am not touching it.
 

Demi777

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2014
6,877
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Germany
#9
Agreed 100%
The devil copies everything that God does. It exists in many cases, which is why Paul was warning about it through some stuff he said.

demonic tongues do exist

however using that to legitimize dismissing scripture while referencing it, is not an accepted method for determining what is true or valid

that would be like stating water is wet only when I touch it. It stops being wet if I am not touching it.
 
Nov 22, 2015
20,436
1,430
0
#10
I have heard it said that one can gauge the value of a truth in the kingdom of God by the amount of opposition it gets from the enemy. He will use anyone who's mind is open to do this with.

Look at the amount of resistance against speaking in tongues, salvation by grace through faith in Christ's finished work alone, the gift of righteousness that is found only in Christ....selah

And yes....the enemy has his own counterfeits but we don't throw the beautiful baby out with the dirty bath water.
 
L

LaurenTM

Guest
#12
Agreed 100%
The devil copies everything that God does. It exists in many cases, which is why Paul was warning about it through some stuff he said.


yup...one of the reasons do everything decently and in order is the recommendation

plus other checks and balances such as 2 or 3 prophets etc

we need to have practiced spiritual radar....also in check...:)
 

Demi777

Senior Member
Oct 13, 2014
6,877
1,949
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Germany
#13
I go to hear from the Lord.. I only listen to like.. 2 prophetic preachers rarely lol. Depending on the situation and what is going on. My spiritual radar is crazy good sometimes lol. I may be clumsy at times but that radar hasnt ever failed me my Gods grace

yup...one of the reasons do everything decently and in order is the recommendation

plus other checks and balances such as 2 or 3 prophets etc

we need to have practiced spiritual radar....also in check...:)
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
#14
Of course what the Greek Pagans did was to speak in gibberish. Vain and repetitious gibberish. Why would any Christian claim that tongues through the Holy Spirit would look like pagan gibberish? Apostates are very polished in their deception. They know the truth but do not teach the truth.

Tongues in the NT church were human languages not gibberish. They, the apostles, never taught prayer tongues. The NT does not teach self edification but edification of the body as a unit fitted together in Christ.

Jer 10:21 For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,332
4,056
113
#15
Of course what the Greek Pagans did was to speak in gibberish. Vain and repetitious gibberish. Why would any Christian claim that tongues through the Holy Spirit would look like pagan gibberish? Apostates are very polished in their deception. They know the truth but do not teach the truth.

Tongues in the NT church were human languages not gibberish. They, the apostles, never taught prayer tongues. The NT does not teach self edification but edification of the body as a unit fitted together in Christ.

Jer 10:21 For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.

For the cause of Christ
Roger

lol interesting opinion
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
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#18
it seems you are terrified of a many things
Isa 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down,

Flippant, capricious and without respect. Just the times in which we live.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 

CS1

Well-known member
May 23, 2012
12,332
4,056
113
#19
Isa 56:10 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down,

Flippant, capricious and without respect. Just the times in which we live.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
contextual meaning is very important "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and oflove, and of a sound mind.( health mind)
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
#20
contextual meaning is very important "For God hath not given us the spiritoffear; but of power, and oflove, and of a sound mind.( health mind)
I'm not fearing for myself but for those who do not have a regard for the holy things of God. Those who ought to know better but are above the rest in their own esteem.

For the cause of Christ
Roger