The "speaking in
tongues" in the New Testament as described above is far different from the
new glossolalia, tongues movement, of today. Although the word, glossolalia, is
a term which was lately adopted, in the 19th century, the phenomenon
of speaking is very ancient, as mentioned before. The difference is that in the
past, and especially in the Bible, the speaking in tongues was the speaking of
a human foreign language, which could be understood directly or through
an interpreter. Glossolalia today has another meaning entirely, nor should it
be associated with the Pentecostal Church, either. This new movement of
glossolalia of today started in 1960 with an Episcopal priest in California.
This movement has flourished, but not without opposition. The point of this
movement of glossolalia is that the "tongues" are not human
languages, but inarticulated speech. All agree that from a linguistic
point, glossolalia is not a human language, for one cannot identify any
positive language being spoken, and there is no evidence that the glossolalia
contains actual speech. Despite the claim of the members of this movement, they
cannot provide any case to stand up under scientific investigation.
There is an explicit difference between real human languages and the
glossolalia of today. The "interpretation" of the various utterances
of glossolalia is not the same for all speaking it; there is no similarity
whatsoever between interpretation given. Thus, from a linguistic point of view
and through scientific scrutiny, the result is that glossolalia does not involve
a real human language. Close examination of this new movement reveals that it
has attracted many troubled people who display increased anxiety and
instability. Their frenzied actions indicate they lose some of their
mental self-control, resulting in a turning of their minds to something beyond
their control. Studies of this new movement of glossolalia also indicate that
the persons involved are seeking a different religious experience, for they are
not finding satisfaction in their churches. This may explain the sudden
interest in and growth of the glossolalia.
Many people are turning to this glossolalia movement, mystic cults,
oriental philosophies, witchcraft, astrology, etc., because they do not
find inner satisfaction in the material wealth of our affluent society. This dissatisfaction is partly due to the
materialism and technological advances of this present century. It is obvious
that material possession cannot satisfy the spirit of many people. People today
need an "awakening spirit." But the Church seems unable to provide
this, because the Church itself is not involved with materialism. People today
are turning to diverting mystical movements and drugs to get beyond themselves
in search of inner satisfaction and contentment. The actions of today's society
clearly reflect the lack of spiritual values, and indicate the need to return
to the true concepts of Christianity. It is a sad situation that even though
more and more people are dissatisfied with material wealth and possessions and
are turning to the various cult movements, society strives for even
greater materialism.
The more materialism, the more dissatisfaction and
unhappiness. The more unhappiness, the greater the
exodus to the occult world. The loud cry from growing numbers of people
is a sound that must be listened to by all segments of society, especially by
the Christian Church. The question that must be asked is whether or not these
people who are turning to the occult - especially the glossolalia movement 3/4 are really finding the spiritual
satisfaction they are seeking. Examinations of these movements clearly indicate
that the people who seek spiritual reawakening through them fail in the long
run to realize their quest of the fountain of spiritual life and its inner
satisfaction. Studies reveal that the people are turning to this glossolalia
movement because they are looking for a new religious experience. The desire
for these searching people ought to be satisfied in the Church
of Christ. Since the
Church is the people themselves (the Ecclesia), it depends upon their
attitudes and activities to indicate whether or not the "established
Church" is fulfilling their needs.
The "movement" for the reawakening of the spiritual life of the
people should start within the Church itself, both by leaders and people. There
is no true "satisfaction" outside the Church. It is easier to
renovate spiritual methods within the Church than to create new, far-out
movements which as the past has already shown, in the end fail anyway. This is
a lesson of the past, for these movements are not new, but date back thousands
of years. This is why Apostle Paul puts prophecy 3/4
the preaching and teaching of the Church 3/4
above the "speaking in tongues," saying: "He who prophesies
is greater than he who speaks in tongues. . . so that
the church may be edified" (1 Cor. 14:5). Paul clearly indicates that
the people who seek spiritual uplifting should not find it outside the Church
"since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel
in building up the church" (v. 12). This is the answer for those who
leave the Church, rather than the present glossolalia movements, or others.
What is needed today to overcome this dissatisfaction of many people is the
reawakening and strengthening of the spirit, something that is needed in the
Church as well.
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