Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
The current drama in churches should be a source of concern for anyone who believes in the authentic faith that the apostles transmitted. Speaking in tongues, which was supposed to be a gift from the Holy Spirit, has turned out to be a mockery, a source of noise, and a distraction. Speaking in tongues is a spiritual gift that is given, not a language that is learned, like Italian or French.
Speaking in tongues is not appropriate anywhere except in prayers, yet we do occasionally hear certain preposterous expressions. It has become the daily communal language for some people. While some use it as interpolation, others use it to express surprise. Some preachers often interrupt their sermons or messages by speaking in tongues. For some, it becomes the only available expression where words are lacking. This begs the question. How can one claim to be spiritual yet perpetually engage in abusing the person of the Holy Spirit and his gratitious gift?
Acts 2 records speaking in tongues, which is significantly different from what we hear in churches today. According to the Church, the speaking in tongues described in Acts 2 is a miraculous gift of multilingual speech that the Holy Spirit bestowed upon the apostles and other believers on the day of Pentecost. Through this gift of tongues, the apostles shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with a global audience. They spoke in languages that they had never practiced or learned, and those from such geographical locations could hear them in their own languages.
Speaking in tongues is acknowledged in the Catholic Church, although its definition and application vary from those of other Christian denominations, especially Pentecostal and occasionally Charismatic movements. Based on this varied understanding, the church provides guidance and encourages discernment regarding charismatic gifts, including speaking in tongues.
In contrast to the foregoing idea, the speaking in tongues that is practiced in most churches today is generally referred to as “glossolalia.” The term “glossolalia” is derived from the Greek words “glossa” (meaning tongue or language) and “lalia” (meaning speech). Put together, it means “tongue speech.” Thus, “glossolalia” is a term used to describe the phenomenon of speaking in tongues, which is the vocalization of sounds similar to speech but with no easily understood meaning. This practice is frequently linked to spiritual experiences, in which people may talk in a language that is foreign to them. Some people see this as a sign of a spiritual gift or as a means of communicating with the divine, but it is not the same as the gift of speaking in tongues described in Acts chapter 2.
Therefore, the Catholic Church does not always highlight glossolalia as a miraculous gift of the Holy Spirit. As stated in 1 Corinthians 12, the Catholic Church acknowledges a range of spiritual gifts, including healing, prophecy, wisdom, understanding, and faith. Glossolalia, while not dismissed, is not universally considered a defining or central aspect of the Catholic worship or charismatic experience.
Whenever this understanding is expressed, some are quick to exonerate their practice by claiming that they don’t “speak in tongues” but rather “pray in tongues.” It’s worth noting that the phrases “speaking in tongues” and “praying in tongues” are often used interchangeably. “Praying in tongues” may sometimes be more narrowly focused on the act of using this spiritual gift in a prayerful context. In either case, the understanding associated with speaking or praying in tongues is always within the context of prayer. Speaking only illustrates that the prayer is being vocalized or expressed verbally.
In multiple texts, notably 1 Corinthians 12–14, teaching the need for intelligibility in worship, St. Paul addresses the gift of speaking in tongues. He highlights in these texts the significance, instruction, and application of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of tongues. For instance, he says that “no more than two or three should speak in tongues. They must speak one at a time, and someone must interpret what they say.” (1 Cor.14:27). This clearly shows that the whole idea of calling the entire church to open their mouths and begin to pray or speak in tongues is wrong.
Again, St. Paul says, “If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.” (1Cor.14:28). This implies that Paul acknowledges the validity of speaking in tongues as a form of private prayer and communication with God. In private, the lack of immediate intelligibility is not as crucial since the focus is on personal communion with the divine. In fact, private prayers or devotions have characteristics that are not universally accepted but are valid inasmuch as they are private to the individual. Within this background, it is clear that those who speak in tongues in an open Christian worship without an interpreter flaw the rule, abuse the gift and distract others.
Moreover, according to St. Paul, having the gift of tongues does not imply spiritual superiority. He says that a person is nothing if they lack love, even if they possess the gift of tongues and are able to communicate in both human and angelic tongues (1 Corinthians 13:1). So, love is a higher gift than tongues. How I wish the large number of those speaking tongues in the church today could love sincerely.
In his concluding words while addressing this same faith crisis in Corinth, Paul says, “I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. But in the church, I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil, be infants, but in your thinking, be adults.” (1Cor.14:18-20).
If you think you must speak in tongues, bear in mind that it is a spiritual gift; it’s not learned but given; it is a spiritual experience with rules; it is not a sign of special power or holiness; it is not a universal requirement for faith; and discernment or caution must be emphasized to avoid abuses and distractions. Therefore, while speaking in tongues can be a valuable spiritual exercise for private devotion, the New Testament places emphasis on maintaining intelligibility and order in collective worship. St. Paul says,”Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” (1Cor.14:40).
