Tongues and Denominations and other people

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Tongues: Denominational Perspectives and Current Practices

Christian denominations and movements have varying beliefs regarding tongues as initial evidence vs. tongues as a spiritual gift. Below is a comparison of major traditions and their teachings.

A. Classical Pentecostal Denominations (Believe in Tongues as Initial Evidence)

These groups originated from the Azusa Street Revival (1906) and emphasize tongues as the initial evidence of Spirit baptism.

1. Assemblies of God (AG)
  • Official Belief:
    • Spirit baptism is a distinct, post-salvation experience.
    • Tongues is the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism.
    • Tongues in 1 Corinthians 12 is a separate gift given selectively.
  • Key Document: Assemblies of God Position Paper on Baptism in the Holy Spirit
  • Supporting Scripture: Acts 2:4, 10:44-46, 19:6
  • Theological Authorities: Stanley M. Horton, William W. Menzies
2. Church of God (Cleveland, TN)
  • Similar to AG, but with a stronger emphasis on holiness living as a prerequisite for Spirit baptism.
3. United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) – Oneness Pentecostalism
  • Distinctive Belief:
    • Modalist theology (rejects Trinity).
    • Baptism must be in Jesus’ name only (Acts 2:38).
    • Speaking in tongues is not just evidence of Spirit baptism, but necessary for salvation.
  • Key Figure: David K. Bernard

B. Charismatic and Third Wave Movements (Believe in Tongues as a Gift, Not Initial Evidence)

These movements emerged from non-Pentecostal backgrounds but embraced spiritual gifts (including tongues).

1. The Charismatic Renewal (1960s–1980s)
  • Spread into Catholic, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist churches.
  • Difference from Pentecostalism:
    • Accepts tongues as a valid gift, but not necessary for Spirit baptism.
    • Wider variety of spiritual gifts (healing, prophecy, etc.).
  • Key Leaders: Dennis Bennett (Episcopalian), David du Plessis (Pentecostal–Catholic bridge).
2. Third Wave Movement (1980s–Present) – Vineyard & Bethel
  • Leaders: John Wimber (Vineyard), Bill Johnson (Bethel Church)
  • Core Beliefs:
    • Spirit baptism is not always separate from salvation.
    • Tongues is encouraged but not required—prophecy and healing are emphasized more.
    • Supernatural gifts should be practiced daily.
3. The New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) – Prophetic & Apostolic Movement
  • Leaders: C. Peter Wagner, Mike Bickle (IHOPKC), Bill Johnson (Bethel Church).
  • Distinctive Beliefs:
    • Prophets and apostles exist today to guide the church.
    • Speaking in tongues is one of many signs of spiritual empowerment.

C. Evangelical and Reformed Traditions (Generally Reject Tongues as Initial Evidence)

1. Baptist Churches (Southern Baptist, Reformed Baptist, etc.)
  • Many Baptists are cessationists (believe tongues ceased after the apostolic age).
  • Some Baptists accept tongues privately, but do not see it as initial evidence.
  • Key Figure: John MacArthur (Strange Fire conference against charismatic gifts).
2. Presbyterian and Reformed Theology (Cessationist)
  • John Calvin (1509–1564) – Taught that tongues ceased after the apostles.
  • Modern Reformed Leaders: R.C. Sproul, John Piper (open but cautious).
  • Westminster Confession (1646): Believes in the sufficiency of Scripture, thus rejecting ongoing prophecy and tongues.
3. Roman Catholicism
  • Traditional Catholicism: Views Spirit baptism as sacramental (Confirmation).
  • Charismatic Catholicism: Accepts tongues, healing, and prophecy since the 1960s.
  • Pope Francis: Has supported Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

IV. Contemporary Scholarship and Counterarguments

This section explores recent theological perspectives on whether tongues is initial evidence or simply a spiritual gift.

A. Pentecostal Scholars Supporting Tongues as Initial Evidence

  • Howard Ervin (Spirit Baptism: A Biblical Investigation):

    • Argues that tongues in Acts always follows Spirit baptism.
    • Pattern in Acts 2, 10, 19 supports universal evidence.

  • Stanley Horton (What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit):

    • Asserts that early church practice confirms tongues as initial evidence.
    • Supports Pentecostal tradition (Assemblies of God).

B. Scholars Supporting Tongues as One of Many Gifts

  • Gordon Fee (God’s Empowering Presence):

    • Argues that Paul separates tongues in 1 Corinthians 12-14.
    • Not everyone speaks in tongues (1 Cor. 12:30).

  • Craig Keener (Spirit Hermeneutics):

    • Emphasizes that Acts and Paul have different perspectives on tongues.
    • Acts = Evangelism, Paul = Edification of believers.

  • Wayne Grudem (Systematic Theology):

    • Middle-ground position: Tongues may be a common sign of Spirit baptism, but not required.

C. Cessationist Scholars (Believe Tongues Ceased with the Apostles)

  • John MacArthur (Strange Fire):

    • Claims modern tongues is counterfeit.
    • Argues no historical evidence of tongues between 100 AD and 1900.

  • B.B. Warfield (Counterfeit Miracles):

    • Argues miracles ceased when the Bible was completed.
    • Says Acts was descriptive, not prescriptive.

D. Key Counterarguments to Each View

ViewCounterarguments
Pentecostal (Tongues = Initial Evidence)1 Cor. 12:30 clearly states “Do all speak in tongues?”—implying not everyone does.
Charismatic (Tongues = A Gift, Not Required)The Acts pattern shows tongues consistently following Spirit baptism.
Cessationist (Tongues Ceased)Historical evidence shows tongues in early church fathers, contradicting cessationism.

V. Conclusion: Evaluating the Evidence

ViewKey StrengthsKey Weaknesses
Pentecostal (Initial Evidence)Strong biblical support in Acts.Weak support in Paul’s letters.
Charismatic (Gift, Not Required)Aligns Acts with Paul’s teachings.Less emphasis on Acts pattern.
Cessationist (Tongues Ceased)Strong historical arguments.Ignores modern experiences of tongues.

Final Thought:

  • If Acts is prescriptive → Pentecostal view is strongest.
  • If 1 Corinthians applies universally → Charismatic view is strongest.
  • If gifts ceased → Cessationist view wins.

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