Comments on Speaking in tongues -- a centuries old con game that they still fall for

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Amusing post --

I attended a meeting where people did not speak in tongues, but supposedly were led by the Holy Spirit to say whatever came to their heads at any given time.  Needless to say there were some very strange comments that made absolutely no sense.  They all sat with their eyes closed in some sort of a circle (I was on the outside ring observing with my eyes wide open):  "I see a boat drifting on a lake" . . . "I sense some sort of pain in somebody here in this room" (duh! Get enough people together, and someone's going to ache) . . . "my nose itches" (just kidding, don't remember that one) . . . I forget the rest, likely because I was tired and eventually closed my eyes to take a snooze.  Anyway, supposedly this was all sacred speech but I was not impressed.

I will stand up for the New Testament by observing that the NT writers instructed those Christians who spoke in tongues must have an interpretor present (and not someone who spoke fluent Greek playing a trick on the group although that was a good one!).  Furthermore, it had to be a genuine language, not some strange gibberish.  For example, Peter spoke to thousands of Jews at Pentecost from all over, and everyone understood him even though they all spoke different languages.

posted by JanesOpinion on September 5, 2005 at 4:42 PM | link to this | reply

Pat_B -- the unfortunate part is that sometimes they are on TV selling the
spectacle of people being misled by this nonsense.

posted by gomedome on September 5, 2005 at 4:08 PM | link to this | reply

Well, at least
when they're speaking in tongues and demonstrating their occupation by the holy spirit, they're not on television selling get rich quick schemes or running other scams. When it comes to joyful noises, I prefer rock and roll.

posted by Pat_B on September 5, 2005 at 3:57 PM | link to this | reply

Justsouno - thank you - that is a nice sentiment

Still, there is much to do.

posted by gomedome on September 5, 2005 at 12:32 PM | link to this | reply

Gome, a rest was good for you. You have returned full to the brim and
overflowing. Welcome back.

posted by Justi on September 5, 2005 at 11:04 AM | link to this | reply