The following comments were left on my previous blog post...
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That is very easy to explain.
Old pagan and shaman rituals used speaking in tongues. They convince themselves it's true but it is really random gibberish. I've known many people who grew up in the Pentecostal church. They felt huge pressure from adults to speak in tongues so they all faked it to gain acceptance. What a way to mess up a kid...
I encourage you to go to reddit and search for speaking in tongues to see what ex-members think or other reasons for it, rather than just accepting the new Charismatic Movement going around.
http://bible-truth.org/TonguesWhatisGoingOn.html
People do this to feel better about themselves and to make others in their belief think they are special. This happens in SO many religions and cults around the world throughout history. It's a result of being heavily influenced and prone to manipulation. Why do only people in congregations that speak in tongues speak in tongues. If this happened at catholic school or Methodist Sunday service randomly throughout the world it would be one thing but it only happens at places that encourage it and manipulate their members. And the members manipulate the other members, kind of like hive mind mentality. I know because I grew up in a well to do church that practice speaking in tongues and can easily recognize the strings being pulled and the desire for feeling special from other members that you are touched by god or the Holy Spirit.
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First, thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts and experiences and second I am saddened to read that your experiences have brought forth words like "pressure" and "manipulation". No doubt that just as there are those that never speak of tongues or speak against it in the church, there are also those who take it too far the other way; both can be damaging.
As I have been praying on how to respond, this was today's verse of the day on my phone...
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
I pray I live this verse out.
I appreciate you leaving web articles for me to read and I too will leave you with one to read, as well...
http://www.awmi.net/extra/article/holy_spirit
But, at the end of the day, I am not the one that is going to change anyone's mind. I just want to share my experiences and hopefully point others to find God. A big, powerful, living God!! We were created to bring glory to God. Our first baptism saves us from eternity away from God, our second baptism empowers us to live life to the fullest here. (John 10:10) Many of us have been baptized in water, but that's it!! We spend the rest of this earthly life powerless to temptations and the trials that naturally come with living in a fallen world. The disciples rarely spoke of salvation without speaking also of Holy Spirit. The two were always together. Somewhere along the way it seems like the focus changed to just salvation and once that was checked off, everything was good. But, if Jesus told the disciples to sit tight for the Holy Spirit to come upon them before heading out to share the Gospel and then they, in turn, spoke of both salvation and baptism of the Holy Spirit to those they met, then I have to believe that we NEED both.
I would hope that every person would go and search and pray and listen and find out for themselves what God says; regardless of past teachings, preconceived ideas or fears. Ask Him to show you and I promise, He will not fail you!! Matthew 7-78
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