From: utzoo!decvax!microsof!uw-beave!uw-june!emma Newsgroups: net.religion Title: Re: Speaking in TONGUES witness?? Article-I.D.: uw-june.311 Posted: Wed Feb 23 13:39:28 1983 Received: Fri Feb 25 01:48:16 1983 References: ihuxi.292 >From your description, it does sound as if you were indeed a witness to speaking in tongues. As to what it means, it's hard to say. Before I continue, let me mention that I am a Catholic (been one all my life) and also attended a charismatic fellowship for some years while an undergrad. Biblically, the first instance of speaking in tongues occurred at Pentecost, when the Spirit descended on the disciples cowering in the Upper Room. They went outside and began preaching to a crowd of foreigners, who all understood them in their own tongues. In this instance, the gift of tongues appears to refer to a miracle of speaking and being understood by all. Later, however, reference is made to two related gifts, of speaking in tongues and interpretation of tongues. Also, mention is made that whenever there is speaking in tongues at a meeting, there should also be an interpretation. To me, it seems most likely that this refers to speaking in tongues as we know it today. Tongues (in any form) died out after apostolic times. In 1904 (?), a group praying together had a manifiestation, which sounds like what you spoke of. (only two i's in manifestation, I know). What is generally considered to be responsible when there are tongues in an assembly is to ensure that the experience is edifying to the group as a whole. This means that there should always be an interpretation after tongues (also urged by Paul). ---------- Now a question back (and for the group) -- was this a manifestation of the Spirit, or hysteria? Given that the Spirit is the correct answer, what guidelines should be on speaking in tongues in an assembly (I use that 'given', as if the answer to the first question is 'hysteria', the answer to the second is obvious). -Joe P.