Paul writes about speaking in the tongues of angels. He himself spoke these tongues (corinthians) . I have been to catholic churches yet they never speak in tongues or don't even talk about it. My question is why? if Paul clearly teaches it? please reply.

-- rj (thaclipse77@yahoo.com), March 20, 2004

Answers

I read a theory that God allowed speaking in tongues (other languages) by those who did not know a language during the apostolic age in order to spread the gospel more quickly (see Acts 2). I believe that God can still use that now when necessary (after all, God can do anything), but it is infrequent because Christianity is now in every country around the world.

Paul wrote that he would rather speak five intelligible words than 1,000 words in an unknown tongue. He also told people that if they had the gift of tongues, to use it when alone with God. In church, it is only to be used when there is an interpreter. (This is in 1 Corinthians, I think ch. 14). If there is no interpreter, what good is it? There is no edification. That is basically Paul's message.

All that said, there are charismatic Catholic churches here and there, if that is what God is leading you to. The Bible has much to say on this (Check this search on the word "tongue" to see what it meant throughout the Bible).

Sorry to say that I don't know the Catholic Church's official teaching on this issue from the Cathechism, if there is one.

God bless,

-- Emily (jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), March 20, 2004.

Speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

There are several types of speaking in tongues.

One is actually speaking a different language. This is probably what the apostles experienced at Pentecost to spread the word.

Talking in a "language" to convey a message that is interpreted by another person is also considered speaking in tongues. The other person would be given the gift of interpretation.

And, speaking in a "language" to God or the Holy Spirit for personal prayer or personal prayerful submission to God. Some call this the language of angels.

I used to believe that speaking in tongues was off in left field, until I was instructed properly and saw it for myself.

I have never had the gift myself.

Some churches (small c) have built their doctrines around it and thats wrong. Babbling is also wrong.

It is a gift of the Holy Spirit that is real and useful under proper circumstances.

I have studied Gifts of the Holy Spirit under the direction of a Companions of the Cross priest in Houston, Texas. Their order mans the Charismatic Center in Houston.

God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), March 20, 2004.

My message should have read ...God (Holy Spirit)....

I didn't mean to "seperate" the two -- as they are one.

God bless,

-- john placette (jplacette@catholic.org), March 20, 2004.

+JMJ

Paul writes about many spiritual gifts( 1 Corinth. 12,4-11) The Holy Spirit distributes them individually to each person as he wishes (1 Corinth. 12,11) but Paul writes above all that you should prophecy (1 Corinth. 14,1) Whoever prophecies builds up the Church, whoever speaks in tongues builds himself up (1 Corinth. 14,4) and he also writes that if you do have spiritual gifts and you have not love...you are nothing (1 Corinth. 13,1-13) First pursue love, but strive eagerly for the spiritual gifts (1 Corinth. 14,1)

-- Blaine (blainewilliams@comcast.net), March 20, 2004.

There is a charismatic movement in the Catholic Church. I have heard that some people in this movement have experienced what would be called "speaking in tonques." This would be an example of "speaking in tongues" in the Catholic Church. The charismatic movement I am talking about is in union with the Church, to my understanding.

-- Andy (aszmere@earthlink.net), March 21, 2004.

See this thread.

-- Emily (jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), March 23, 2004.

-see also here for thorough discussion:

How old is your church?

Additionally, I add this caveat regarding practice:

1 Corinthians 14:27-28

27 "If anyone speaks in a tongue, let it be two or at most three, and each in turn, and one should interpret.

28 But if there is no interpreter, the person should keep silent in the church and speak to himself and to God."

-- Daniel Hawkenberry (dlm@catholic.org), October 12, 2004.

There is actually praying, singing, and speaking in tongues, even though, the word "speaking in tongues" may be loosely used in connection with any of the above.

Praying and singing is only for believers, both individually (for edification) and as a group for edification, boldness, free expression to God, and deeper worship.

Speaking in tongues further is divided into 2 types. First is speaking in tongues as prophecy, which needs interpretation among believers. Second is speaking in tongues as a foreign language (as a sign) is for unbelievers, which can be further divided as, i)you literally speaking a foreign language, or ii) believers hear you speak in their language even though you may not be speaking a foreign language. Hope it helps

-- Leslie John (lesliemon@hotmail.com), October 17, 2004.

... and speaking in tongues would also include praying in tongues, either communally or personally.

-- Paul M. (PaulCyp@cox.net), October 17, 2004.

A touching conversion story on the Journey Home from Father Edward Fride (10/11/04) includes his experience with speaking in tongues. It is one of the better conversion stories I have heard, and the session really spoke to me. God worked a number of miracles to get this man to convert and become a priest. It is definitely worth a listen!

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), October 17, 2004.