The controversy surrounding speaking in tongues: A critical exploration

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Speaking in tongues, often referred to as “glossolalia,” has been a topic of passionate discussion and even division among Christians for centuries. It is widely regarded as evidence of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, a supernatural gift freely available to believers in Christ. However, questions about its accessibility, significance, and role within the Christian faith continue to generate debate. By examining biblical references and reflecting on practical insights, we can better understand the essence of this gift and its implications for Christian living.

Speaking in tongues is a divine gift

The Bible introduces speaking in tongues in the book of Acts, during the event of Pentecost. Acts 2:4 describes how the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. This phenomenon was not random or chaotic; the disciples spoke in languages recognizable to people from diverse regions, showcasing the universality of the gospel.

As my pastor, Opeyemi Oke of the Brook Church Ikom, beautifully explains, speaking in tongues is like acquiring a new language—not through human effort, but through the divine empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Just as we naturally speak languages such as English, Yoruba, or Igbo, speaking in tongues flows from a place of surrender to the Spirit’s guidance. It’s not an otherworldly trance but a reflection of the Spirit’s work within us, as embedded in our spiritual DNA.

Can every Christian then speak or pray in tongues?

This question often stirs heated debates. On one hand, the Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12, emphasizes that spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, are distributed by the Holy Spirit as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:6-7,10-11). Verse 30 rhetorically asks, “Do all speak in tongues?” implying that not everyone receives this gift. However, Paul also encourages believers to “eagerly desire spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 14:1), suggesting that openness, or rather desire, and faith can lead to experiencing such manifestations, of speaking or praying in tongues is no exception.

The accessibility of speaking in tongues is further supported by Mark 16:17, where Jesus declares, “These signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” This statement underscores the potential for all believers to operate in the spiritual gifts, including tongues, as an extension of their faith. Yet, the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ means that not everyone will express their faith in the same way, and that’s okay. The unity of the church thrives in this diversity.

The gift vs. the fruit of the spirit

Which is greater: the gift of the Spirit or the fruit of the Spirit? To answer this, we must understand the purpose of each. The gifts of the Spirit, including speaking in tongues, are tools given to believers to edify the church and advance God’s kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 14:4, Paul notes that speaking in tongues edifies the speaker, but prophecy edifies the church. He subtly suggests that the gifts should always serve a higher purpose—building others up in love and faith.

On the other hand, the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, represents the character of Christ manifesting in believers: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. While the gifts demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit, the fruit reveals His transformative work in our hearts.

Paul addresses this balance in 1 Corinthians 13, famously stating that even if he speaks in the tongues of angels but lacks love, he is “a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” This profound declaration places the fruit above the gift, as love—the first fruit of the Spirit—is the foundation of all Christian living.

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Praying in understanding vs. praying in tongues

The question of whether Christians should pray more in understanding or tongues remains one of the most debated topics in the church today. It touches on how believers engage with God, build their spiritual lives, and reflect on their faith.

In 1 Corinthians 14:15, the Apostle Paul offers a balanced approach to prayer: “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with understanding.” This verse suggests that both forms of prayer are valuable and serve different purposes. Praying in understanding involves using one’s natural language to express thoughts, needs, and thanksgiving to God. It allows believers to articulate their prayers clearly, which can edify others in communal worship.

On the other hand, praying in tongues is described as a spiritual practice in which the Holy Spirit intercedes through the believer (Romans 8:26). When a person prays in tongues, they may not understand what they are saying, but their spirit communicates directly with God, often addressing matters beyond human comprehension. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 14:2, “For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”

The key here is balance. While praying in tongues connects a believer deeply to the Spirit, praying in understanding ensures clarity and mutual edification, especially in public or group settings.

The implications for the Christian faith

Praying in tongues has profound implications for the Christian faith. Firstly, it can strengthen a believer’s personal connection to God. Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 14:4, “Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves.” This suggests that praying in tongues builds up the inner man, energizing and aligning the believer’s spirit with God’s will. It is often seen as a tool for deep, intimate communion with God that transcends the limitations of human language.

However, praying in understanding is equally important. It encourages conscious engagement with God, fostering a deeper awareness of His promises and enabling believers to pray effectively for specific situations. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul urges Christians to pray “with all kinds of prayers and requests.” This shows that prayer in understanding complements the mystery of tongues by addressing tangible needs.

Thus, the Christian faith thrives on the harmonious use of both practices. While tongues can deepen a believer’s spiritual connection, praying in understanding ensures that faith remains accessible, relatable, and edifying to others.

Is praying in tongues a doctrinal requirement?

The idea of making praying in tongues a doctrinal must-have for every believer has stirred controversy across denominations. Some argue that praying in tongues is an essential sign of being Spirit-filled, often citing Acts 2:4, where the disciples spoke in tongues as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s arrival. Similarly, Mark 16:17 includes tongues as one of the signs that will follow those who believe. These references have led some to view speaking or praying in tongues as a necessary mark of authentic faith.

However, Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 12 challenge this notion. In verses 29-30, he rhetorically asks, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?” The implied answer is no. Not all believers will express their faith through the same spiritual gifts, and tongues are no exception.

Furthermore, making tongues a requirement risks elevating it above other equally important aspects of faith, such as love, humility, and service. In 1 Corinthians 13:1, Paul cautions, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” Love is the greatest evidence of a Spirit-filled life, not tongues.

Speaking or praying in tongues is a matter of personal faith, not obligation

Praying in tongues should not be a doctrinal imposition but rather a personal experience available to those who desire it. It is a gift, not a rule. In 1 Corinthians 14:5, Paul expresses his wish that all believers might speak in tongues but immediately clarifies that prophecy is greater because it builds up the church. This statement underscores the voluntary nature of tongues—it is desirable but not mandatory.

Believers should not feel pressured to pray in tongues to prove their faith. Instead, the focus should be on cultivating a genuine relationship with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to operate as He wills. For some, this may include praying in tongues, while for others, it may manifest through other spiritual gifts or acts of service.

Conclusion

The discussions surrounding speaking in tongues—whether as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit or a tool for prayer—highlight the beauty and complexity of the Christian faith. Speaking in tongues is undeniably a gift, a unique way for believers to connect deeply with God and edify their spiritual lives. Yet, it is not the sole measure of spiritual maturity or faithfulness. Both praying in tongues and praying with understanding play vital roles in building a balanced and dynamic prayer life.

While tongues emphasize the mystery and power of the Spirit, prayer in understanding brings clarity and communal edification, ensuring that faith remains accessible and relatable. Similarly, the greater call for believers is not merely to seek spiritual gifts but to embody the fruit of the Spirit, with love as the foundation of all actions and expressions of faith.

Ultimately, speaking in tongues and praying in tongues should not divide Christians or become a doctrinal obligation. Instead, these practices should be embraced as personal experiences that reflect the Holy Spirit’s work in individual lives. The focus should remain on cultivating a Christlike character, fostering unity within the body of Christ, and deepening one’s relationship with God. In the end, whether through tongues, prophecy, or understanding, what matters most is a life that glorifies God and uplifts others, demonstrating the transformative power of the Spirit in all we do.