re: #61 Walter L. Newton

Well of course they are. In general, at a charismatic service, there are “issues” that are known by the congregation, items on their prayers lists, things they are praying for or wondering about. So, we the “mood” strikes someone, and they begin to babble in tongues, someone who “translates” usually relates the translation to something of known interest to the congregation. It’s sort of self-fulfilling in the least.

Also, if there is no translation forthcoming, it’s practice to back off from any more tongues, as the belief is the translation comes from the Holy Spirit, and if no one feels a need to translate, then the tongue may be from demonic sources, or at least not sincere enough for the congregation to tackle.

Walter, for real?

That is just so outside of any experience I’ve ever had.
In college, a young man I was dating asked me to go to a prayer meeting with him, and so I did, I was madly in love.
At some point, at the very beginning, not everyone had even gotten there yet, it started, with the speaking in tongues, and waving of hands etc. It scared the ever-lovin’ daylights out of me, and I left (and also fell OUT of love pretty quickly).