Why is praying in tongues necessary?

  • 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.

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,587
13,857
113
I did not have time to be complete.

The false religions surrounding the Bible, when they spoke in tongues were not human languages. They were just using gibberish, most likely of human origin. The Glossolalia given to Christians were in fact human languages not known to the speaker. Paul speaks of tongues being like musical instruments that makes distinct sounds which are understood. Acts 2, clearly says the people heard the Christians speaking in their languages. A great indicator if tongues today is from God is people speaking human languages that they do not know. If it is just gibberish odds are it is just of human source.
Thanks for clarifying. Sometimes it's better not to post than to post an incomplete idea which leaves people wondering.

First, you're making an assertion for which you provide no evidence. I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I don't accept your argument as anything more than an opinion until it is supported.

Second, the subject at hand is biblical examples of "speaking in tongues"; not that of false religions.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,220
1,583
113
68
Brighton, MI
So, let me get this straight...

You're asserting that because the government is suspicious today, that there were actually false believers with Peter when Cornelius was saved, despite there being absolutely no hint of such in Scripture?

Hogwash. Pure, speculative, groundless, biased hogwash.
There are hints of false believers in scriptures, but the Holy Spirit would have exposed them in Acts 10 setting. Matthew 7:22-24 speaks of them, Paul wrote against them in his letters too. There were even false apostles too.

I think there was an example of the Holy Spirit exposing falsehood in Acts 5
 

Sketch

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
1,278
300
83
Ok, I see how you can think that. I think the gibberish is simply of human origin. Some of the cults and world religions have tongues that are the same as what is in Pentecostal churches today. thus of human origins too.
If that's what you believe, then what is the point of your OP question?
"Why is praying in tongues necessary?"
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,220
1,583
113
68
Brighton, MI
Thanks for clarifying. Sometimes it's better not to post than to post an incomplete idea which leaves people wondering.

First, you're making an assertion for which you provide no evidence. I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I don't accept your argument as anything more than an opinion until it is supported.

Second, the subject at hand is biblical examples of "speaking in tongues"; not that of false religions.
From Acts 2, I understand the speaking in tongues to be simply human languages that someone would understand if they heard it.

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

I Cor 14
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

Paul's statement is more consistent with tongues being a known human language to someone.

Yes, to the speaker the language is unknown. That is really all the exegesis I need to understand the meaning of what speaking in tongues is..

About all I disagree with fellow Charismatics is if what we see in churches today is of human origin or genuine speaking in tongues.

Even with the exegesis it is still just my opinion since I am not infallible.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,220
1,583
113
68
Brighton, MI
If that's what you believe, then what is the point of your OP question?
"Why is praying in tongues necessary?"
I have never seen speaking in tongues a contentious issue. So, I am trying to figure out why it is a problem.
It is after all a minor area of theology and should not be causing division.
 

Sketch

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
1,278
300
83
I have never seen speaking in tongues a contentious issue. So, I am trying to figure out why it is a problem.
It is after all a minor area of theology and should not be causing division.
Well, are you are part of the solution or a part of the problem?
Claiming that modern tongues is gibberish is contentious.

I find it interesting that tongues speakers never expect anyone else to speak in tongues,
but anti-tongues people want us to stop. Or at a minimum "instruct" us as to what it is and when it should be used.
Arming themselves with Cessationist "proof-texts" and experiential ignorance.
Which seems to be exactly what you are doing. You are contributing to the division. Right?

If you spoke in tongues even once, you would have a much deeper understanding of it.
Alas, you don't think that is possible, or at a minimum not "necessary", so you will continue as you are.
Here we are at page nine. What have you "learned"?
 

Sketch

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
1,278
300
83

Matthew 6:7-8
"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. "So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
And here you attribute tongues speaking to the pagans "meaningless repetition"? (emphasis above mine)
This has absolutely NOTHING to do with tongues. What was that about eisegesis that we read earlier?

1 Corinthians 14:39
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15
For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding.

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,220
1,583
113
68
Brighton, MI
Well, are you are part of the solution or a part of the problem?
Claiming that modern tongues is gibberish is contentious.
I think the problem is man made majoring in minors. I am seeking friendly conversation which is how I think I behaved.

I find it interesting that tongues speakers never expect anyone else to speak in tongues,
That is not my experience, there is in fact in Pentecostal Charismatic Churches I have been exposed to is an "In Group" and "Out Group" of Group Dynamics. In Baptist groups the "In Group" are those who have been baptized by their Pastor. I have not determine the "In Group" among Reformed, maybe it is Calvinism.

but anti-tongues people want us to stop.
Tongue speaking without it being human languages in fact makes that church look bad in the community.

Or at a minimum "instruct" us as to what it is and when it should be used.
If you saw someone in another church doing something that is disgraceful in the community like burning Bibles, would you ask questions?

Arming themselves with Cessation "proof-texts" and experiential ignorance.
I don't see how dispensational proof texts like I Cor 13:8-10 proves there case since I go with the historical interpretation that the Perfect is Christ himself at his Second Coming. To my knowledge Acts 2 is not used to claim that spiritual gifts had ceased, only that they are in fact human languages.

Which seems to be exactly what you are doing. You are contributing to the division. Right?
No, I am trying to understand how people think.

If you spoke in tongues even once, you would have a much deeper understanding of it.


Alas, you don't think that is possible, or at a minimum not "necessary", so you will continue as you are.
Here we are at page nine. What have you "learned"?
 

Sketch

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
1,278
300
83
That is not my experience, there is in fact in Pentecostal Charismatic Churches I have been exposed to is an "In Group" and "Out Group" of Group Dynamics. In Baptist groups the "In Group" are those who have been baptized by their Pastor. I have not determine the "In Group" among Reformed, maybe it is Calvinism.
Most likely a figment of your imagination. No facts here.
 

Sketch

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
1,278
300
83
Tongue speaking without it being human languages in fact makes that church look bad in the community.
When has the "community" ever complained about such.
Another figment of your imagination.
 

Sketch

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
1,278
300
83
If you saw someone in another church doing something that is disgraceful in the community like burning Bibles, would you ask questions?
Now you are comparing a manifestation of the Holy Spirit to burning Bibles?
What was that you said about "seeking friendly conversation"?
 

Sketch

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
1,278
300
83
I don't see how dispensational proof texts like I Cor 13:8-10 proves there case since I go with the historical interpretation that the Perfect is Christ himself at his Second Coming. To my knowledge Acts 2 is not used to claim that spiritual gifts had ceased, only that they are in fact human languages.
Okay, in your case I'll settle for "experiential ignorance".

If you spoke in tongues even once, you would have a much deeper understanding of it.
 

Sketch

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
1,278
300
83
No, I am trying to understand how people think.
By telling tongues-speakers they are engaged in gibberish? How does that help?

Here we are at page nine. What have you "learned"?
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,220
1,583
113
68
Brighton, MI
Most likely a figment of your imagination. No facts here.

No I speak fact.

I have even had pentecostals engage in what they call priming the pump. where they lead you in a room, speak gibberish and tell you to repeat after them which is not biblical.

"It is well known that some groups teach that the speaking in unknown tongues is a sign that the individual has the Holy Spirit. Many individuals try and help others to get started speaking in the unknown tongue by practice and mouth formations. This might be called priming the pump as it were. Friends, God does not need help. Let us recognize this teaching for what it is - glossolalia, unintelligible speechlike sounds. While speaking in tongues (languages) is a gift to help an individual, who does not speak the language, understand God's Word, the unintelligable jabberring is not edifying and is not from God."http://www.churchofgod-7thday.org/Summit/SpeakingInTongues.html

In fact, one of the churches was called Happy Church in Denver, CO

See page 29 https://books.google.com/books?id=y...riming the pump " pentecostal tongues&f=false

https://www.google.com/search?sourc...5i39j0j0i22i30j33i22i29i30j33i160.xFopya49P-U
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,220
1,583
113
68
Brighton, MI
Okay, in your case I'll settle for "experiential ignorance".

If you spoke in tongues even once, you would have a much deeper understanding of it.

You did read about my posts on missionary tongues right. Twice while speaking with Iranian Fighter Pilots.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,220
1,583
113
68
Brighton, MI
I learned that both sides of the divide engage in poor exegesis because of their human traditions.
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,220
1,583
113
68
Brighton, MI
When has the "community" ever complained about such.
Another figment of your imagination.

Again, it is fact, when I was in Airforce, I often moved around for the work I was doing. Part of my process of looking for a church was to talk with people in the surrounding communities asking about the repretations of churches in that area. You will be surprised what you can learn from talking with neighbors, christain and non-christian.

https://www.google.com/search?ei=gx....0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j35i39.XLx_zG7rn54
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,220
1,583
113
68
Brighton, MI
I have even had Pentecostals try to teach me how to speak in tongues by repeating gibberish after them.
They called it priming the pump which is not biblical at all.

"Now back to that gathering in 1996 where I was present, the preacher invited those who wanted to be "baptized with the Holy Spirit" to come forward. He prayed for those who came and he coached each of them individually on how to begin (he called it "priming the pump"). "


"I have heard of others telling people to make up some words to, "prime the pump." So we find people saying, "She-came-on-a-Honda," over and over again, or, "See-ah-my-tie," or, "Taca-Taca-Taca-Taco-Bell." Give me a break. God will not bless this kind of carnality. You want the "real thing," not the counterfeit. "https://www.charismanews.com/opinio...e-back-from-being-filled-with-the-holy-spirit

"It is well known that some groups teach that the speaking in unknown tongues is a sign that the individual has the Holy Spirit. Many individuals try and help others to get started speaking in the unknown tongue by practice and mouth formations. This might be called priming the pump as it were. Friends, God does not need help. Let us recognize this teaching for what it is - glossolalia, unintelligible speechlike sounds. While speaking in tongues (languages) is a gift to help an individual, who does not speak the language, understand God's Word, the unintelligable jabberring is not edifying and is not from God. "
Now you are comparing a manifestation of the Holy Spirit to burning Bibles?
What was that you said about "seeking friendly conversation"?

I am comparing human behavior with human behavior, both of which creates poor communication with outsiders.
 

Sketch

Well-known member
Nov 1, 2018
1,278
300
83
No I speak fact.

I have even had pentecostals engage in what they call priming the pump. where they lead you in a room, speak gibberish and tell you to repeat after them which is not biblical.

"It is well known that some groups teach that the speaking in unknown tongues is a sign that the individual has the Holy Spirit. Many individuals try and help others to get started speaking in the unknown tongue by practice and mouth formations. This might be called priming the pump as it were. Friends, God does not need help. Let us recognize this teaching for what it is - glossolalia, unintelligible speechlike sounds. While speaking in tongues (languages) is a gift to help an individual, who does not speak the language, understand God's Word, the unintelligable jabberring is not edifying and is not from God."http://www.churchofgod-7thday.org/Summit/SpeakingInTongues.html

In fact, one of the churches was called Happy Church in Denver, CO

See page 29 https://books.google.com/books?id=y0QmAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA29&lpg=PA29&dq="priming+the+pump+"+pentecostal+tongues&source=bl&ots=rLLUv6nq4v&sig=ACfU3U3jU1G3nFQ0wMRuC-V1mcvuYLOeNw&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd7MyTwr7gAhUN5awKHTufD9YQ6AEwAXoECAUQAQ#v=onepage&q="priming the pump " pentecostal tongues&f=false

https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=whhnXJSJOIeUtQWF7bDACQ&q="priming+the+pump+"+pentecostal+tongues&btnK=Google+Search&oq="priming+the+pump+"+pentecostal+tongues&gs_l=psy-ab.3..33i299.1915.12985..13834...0.0..0.174.2899.3j21......0....1j2..gws-wiz.....0..35i39j0j0i22i30j33i22i29i30j33i160.xFopya49P-U
That being the case for you, why on earth would you launch a topic asking if it is necessary to speak in tongues?
Based on your experience why would you wonder if you had to speak in tongues.
Because you are "seeking friendly conversation"? Get real.