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cvbmom
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I just recently spoke to my younger sister (single, 31) who has in the past year or two really turned her life around and is going back to school to get her master's degree so she can get a job in the field in which she really excels. That said...
She has also in the past year or two started going to one of the Crossroads churches (big mega-church). She is on fire for Jesus (not that that in and of itself is bad, in fact it's been good for her). But she's also been re-baptized  (a symbolic ceremony of starting her new life, according to her, as I had asked her if her first one didn't count or something ?!). Anyway, she recently joined a small faith sharing group for getting over past hurts, failings, etc. Anyway, her leader told her that she (the leader) feels my sister is a prophet  and asked if she could baptize my sister in the Spirit. She also anointed my sister. Then, the woman asked my sister to try to speak in tongues, and according to my sister, she did!!! Apparently she said some words that meant "God is good" and other words that the leader didn't know the meaning of yet (she didn't have the gift of interpretation yet?). I really didn't know what to say as my sister went on and on about how wonderful this is and how she's prayed for these gifts (since the Bible tells us to ). She's so excited!
My question is HELP!!! What exactly does this all mean?! What do I do?! What can I say!? She's fragile in that she is easily offended when it comes to her church things but at the same time, if I approach it right, very open to the Catholic Church (which she thinks she's still a member of). We had a wonderful discussion about the Real Presence (John 6  ) and she is really pondering the meaning and implications of it.
So, any thoughts, encouragement, answers (what is speaking in tongues, exactly?), etc. would be appreciated.
Thanks and God bless,
Christine
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folklaur
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No advice, just prayers.
There are Charismatic Catholic movements, and speaking in tongues does happen, so it isn't anti-catholic or anything.
my only experience with it was when I had fallen away and was part of the Evangelical Movement, and so it creeps me out, but that is my own thing (and because it really isn't big in Catholic circles, we aren't used to it, and I think it makes us uncomfortable, the same way the ritualistic aspect of our liturgy makes Evangelicals uneasy.)
hugs and prayers being sent your way....
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LucyP
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Tongues is supposed to be when someone has a gift from the Spirit to speak in the languages of men (a language they do not naturally speak or have learned) or a langauge of angels (so it sounds like gobbeldy gook!) I personally in my time in charismatic churches never met anyone who spoke in a language known to someone in the congregation, in the way the Apostles did at pentecost, although there were always stories of a friend of a friend who would have prayed in tongues on a train somewhere only to have someone come up and say "wow you preached the gospel to me in Swahili" or whatever.
The Bible says that all speaking in tongues should be interpreted, that it should have a point as speech, not just as a sign that someone is baptised in the Spirit or holy" etc - but again many churches I was in would have this moment at the end of some emotional worship music when the music would get quieter and a great "gabble" of tongues would break out. I only saw interpretation a handful of times, but then I was charismatic at the time of the toronto "blessing", so nuff said.
I never spoke in tongues but dh did, and said he now feels it was just a response to social pressure rather than a gift from the Spirit.
For what it is worth...
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LucyP
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PS: One thing to bear in mind is that many charismatic churches believe that a modern day "prophet" ie somone speaking in tongues or interpreting it is the equal of Isaiah! I heard often "that's what the blank pages at the back of your Bible are for". To have a prophesy or word of knowledge brought was to be taken very seriously, and obeyed, in one of our churches.
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cvbmom
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LucyP wrote:
I never spoke in tongues but dh did, and said he now feels it was just a response to social pressure rather than a gift from the Spirit.
For what it is worth... |
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Hmmm, that's an interesting way of looking at it and it's very possible that is what is going on.
Thanks to all who have replied so far for all the other information. I really don't know what to make of all this. I'm in processing mode...
God bless,
Christine
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BlessedMommy
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LucyP wrote:
| The Bible says that all speaking in tongues should be interpreted, that it should have a point as speech, not just as a sign that someone is baptised in the Spirit or holy" etc |
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I've heard the same thing and not to sound negative, but your sister's leader thinking or feeling that she's a prophet sounds very new aged.
They (the leaders of your sister's church) probaly know that your sister is seeking Jesus for a better life and I hope they're just feeding off of that.....that could be VERY damaging to her.
My mom went to an Asseembly of God church and they sent several people over to the house to talk, one of the reasons was because she grew up Catholic....they are VERY negative towards Catholics, or at least this church was.
I pray that the Lord guides you to help you with your sister.
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Sarah M
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I was raised in an Assemblies of God church, and yes- there is tremendous pressure to speak in tongues. They believe that you haven't received the Holy Spirit until you do so. When I was 11 I went to camp and they "taught" us to speak in tongues by saying Alleluia over and over as fast as we could . They also teach that Catholics are NOT Christians.
I don't have much good to say about the AOG/Charismatic protestant sect, so I'll leave it at that.
What I will say is that most of them are well-meaning and sincere in their desire to please God. Just misguided is all. I will hold your sister in prayer, Chrstine!
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JennGM
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cvbmom wrote:
LucyP wrote:
I never spoke in tongues but dh did, and said he now feels it was just a response to social pressure rather than a gift from the Spirit.
For what it is worth... |
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Hmmm, that's an interesting way of looking at it and it's very possible that is what is going on.
Thanks to all who have replied so far for all the other information. I really don't know what to make of all this. I'm in processing mode... |
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It's hard to process, Christine, and I'm still at a loss myself on how to sift it all. I went to Franciscan University at Steubenville, which has some charismatic traditions since the 70s. It's not as prevalent as before. But I was freaked out when I attended Masses that had "tongues". And some people admitted they just spoke gibberish just to fit in.
The Charismatic movement has its ups and downs, abuses and positive influences. I always say to look at its name -- it's a movement. All spirituality should MOVE you toward the direction of the Church, uniting with the Liturgy/Mass. If we're entrenched in "our" ways and not moving forward, then perhaps there needs to be a second look. I'm speaking a bit in circles, but...
My take from reading is that there seems to be 3 different ways of looking at speaking in tongues. We have the traditional New Testament tradition, Pentecostal or Protestant interpretation, and then the Charismatic movement within the Catholic Church which is more recent, but it has a different flavor or interpretation.
Some reading....
Gift of Tongues from Catholic Encyclopedia
charismata from Catholic Encyclopedia
The Nature of Tongues by James Akin
I Can't Be Charismatic -- I'm Catholic! I'm not necessarily agreeing with this author's views, but I found a similar thinking on FUS campus.
Pentecostalism: Evaluating a Phenomenon by Fr. John A. Hardon, S.J.
Gift of Tongues Definition by Father John A. Hardon:
Quote:
| GIFT OF TONGUES. One of the preternatural gifts described by St. Luke. Also known as glossalalia, it was the gift of speaking so as to be understood by all (as happened on Pentecost), and the corresponding ability of the hearers to understand a person speaking in a foreign tongue. St. Paul describes a different gift of tongues in the early Church, namely talking in unintelligible speech, but he viewed it with suspicion when those who had the charism lacked the ability to explain what they were saying (I Corinthians 14:1-40). Among Pentecostals in the charismatic movement, the gift of tongues is said to be very active in modern times. |
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cvbmom
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Jennifer,
Thank you for the links. I can't wait to check them out tonight when I have more time.
Everyone,
Thank you for the prayers and for sharing your experiences. I am feeling a little less dazed over it all, but am "arming" myself with information for when we talk again. That way I'll be informed and can ask more questions other than "REALLY?!" 
God bless,
Christine
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Alice R
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If I may post as a non Catholic?
If you read your post, great things are happening for your sister. She has a relationship with God and He has turned her heart and life around.
Focus on that.
I myself am not too fond of the tongues etc. I wouldn't be too happy either but she is making good changes in her life.
Commend her on her wonderful new life in Jesus and take it from there. If you push people, they tend to go the other way.
And many times, those "big mega church" experiences tend to fall apart...just be there for her and guide her back to your faith. I sometimes think the "fragile" are attracted to them and that concerns me...but that is another post.
I think the best thing that any of us can do is just to be an example of our own faith...offering love and support. That speaks so much louder than anything else. I have great respect for other faiths (including the Catholic faith) not because of a book a catechism or something someone insisted I understand, but because of the caring, loving people who live their faith.
Blessings
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cvbmom
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Alice R wrote:
| If I may post as a non Catholic? |
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Of course, I appreciate it!
Alice R wrote:
If you read your post, great things are happening for your sister. She has a relationship with God and He has turned her heart and life around.
Focus on that. |
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I'm trying...
Alice R wrote:
I myself am not too fond of the tongues etc. I wouldn't be too happy either but she is making good changes in her life.
Commend her on her wonderful new life in Jesus and take it from there. If you push people, they tend to go the other way.
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That's my fear.
Alice R wrote:
And many times, those "big mega church" experiences tend to fall apart...just be there for her and guide her back to your faith. I sometimes think the "fragile" are attracted to them and that concerns me...but that is another post.
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I hope it's "just a phase"!!!!!!!
Alice R wrote:
I think the best thing that any of us can do is just to be an example of our own faith...offering love and support. That speaks so much louder than anything else. I have great respect for other faiths (including the Catholic faith) not because of a book a catechism or something someone insisted I understand, but because of the caring, loving people who live their faith.
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I hope I can live up to this 
I sure do try...
That is why I didn't go on the offensive right away and am trying to work it out with the help of all of you wonderful friends first.
Off to check out some websites above...
God bless,
Christine
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cvbmom
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OK, one should not attempt to read heavy material late at night before bed.
1. It is tough to digest.
2. It can keep you up even later just thinking as I'm sure I will be.
Seriously, though, those links are great! I'll be printing and re-reading many. I read and understand things better on paper than on a screen anyway.
Thanks and Goodnight,
Christine
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florasita
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Just pray for your sister really . This is her journey . If she is open to you speaking with her then yes gently speak your concerns .
However she as an adult has made a choice . It is a Christian church . There are catholic carasmatic groups just as well as baptists . etc. fundmentalists in all extremes etc.
More then likely your sister will burn out after her fire burns down a bit
Now regarding spiritual gifts . It takes much time in discrenment with much good guidance from a qualified spiritual director for us to fully learn what our spiritual gifts are and His purpose and intention for these gifts . It took me 7 yrs in formation and still am confused at times
What most people tend to do is let ego get in the way and self the world . Making the focus of gifts instaed of the giver .
For one if your sister does have the gift of prophecy there will be aburden along with it as all gifts also have the cross attached . Like Padre Pio with his stigmata . Many looked at it as cool . someone even asked him if it hurt . He replied , what do you think ? I've got holes in my hands and my feet . Think of his gifts . With true prophecy the burden is one is always unbeleived and not many will follow etc. there is much time of isolation etc. Padre Pio spent much time isolated not even by his choice but by being obedient to his superiors even if they were wrong . In the end it is hard to discern truth .
My priest and spiritual director speaks in tongues . He does not have the gift of prohecy . He only speaks in tongues while laying hands or praying for others .
Often people get sucked in just like the new agy stuff . It is mysterious .It must be special . it has a wow factor . This is satan , self and the world . It does not mean the gifts are not real but it does mean they can be bent and manipulated etc.
Prophecy is the much wanted gift right now in the new age movement and yes even in the Christian circles the reasons are selfish sprirtual greed .
The other thing is it would be very rare for her to have the gift of tongues along with prohecy . most often tongues goes on quite long where the gift of prohecy does not . short and sweet . To the point . over time patience is very much a virtue
I only speak from experience because we are all capable of our own spiritual greed .
Yes even the sweet ladies here on this board can be suckers and fall into wanting to be cool catholics
So be kind to your sister . She wants and is seeking understanding ,acceptance, and love . She must feel unloved .
I have a dear friend I lost due to focus on gifts not the giver . She did not wish to do His work he required of her . She wanted to be somebody .Noticed etc.
In the end her family is broken kids on drugs etc.
Pray for your sister thru Mary's gentle hand to guide her back . Unfortunately our church also has alot of guilt laying people within it . Pray to the kind saints who were blind to the faults of others like Mother Teresa , ST.BRigid etc. pRAY FOR PROTECTION BECAUSE SATAN ONLY NEEDED TO PLANT A SMALL SEED FOR YOUR SISTER AND SHE TOOK THE BAIT . We usually are the ones who end up doing his work for him . He dosen't often have to offer much to boost our ego etc.
I know the pain can be so great and we wish to do but maybe all we are asked is to pray . I will join you and if your sister wishes to learn her purpose for her true gifts etc. I'd be happy to tell her about DJM & S.O.L.T
Much Love , Roxie
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florasita
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ps. I also forgot to mention that the one who interprets tongues is not often one who can speak in tongues equally someone who speaks in tongues does not interpret .Rather someone who has the gift of being messanger or prophecy who is used to signs symbols and the meaning of a message is the one who interprets tongues . Hope I made some kind of sense and did not confuse you
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May I rise & rest with words of Gratitude on my Breath
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May Peace Love & Hope be My Sight
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mariB
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O.K. For the sake of putting myself out there...I was very devoted to Jesus as a little girl (baptized Catholic). I went to college, left the church, and was leading a life of sin. One night I cried out to God and went to sleep.
In the middle of the night, I woke up with my arms raised to heaven and I was speaking in another tongue. I knew at that moment that I needed to go to confession and go back to the church.
I came back to the church and have been a practicing Catholic since then. (20+ years ago) I have NEVER had that "tongues" experience again if that is what it was.
All I know is that our dear Lord answered my prayers...I cried out to Him and he healed me.
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Bookswithtea
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I attended Vineyard churches for years before converting to Catholicism. Not all evangelical/charismatic churches put the pressure on to speak in tongues. Its possible that that is what is going on, but its not definite.
You can pm me if you want to talk more specifically. I am pretty familiar with this stuff.
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Roxie,
Thank you so much for the depth of your answer! I thought about it often over the weekend. My sister definitely is seeking understanding and love - always has been. That is why I want to handle this well, so that I can still be one that she sees as loving, that she can talk to, not as just another fair weather friend or one who will judge.
Marib,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Really! Hearing actual experiences of others is so helpful to me. It makes me feel not so alone on this one :)
Books,
Thanks for the offer, I'll PM you soon.
All,
I think right now, I am at the PRAY, PRAY, PRAY, stage. I still haven't talked to my sister about it again. I am kind of waiting for her to bring up something along those lines so I can ask more questions so I can understand more what is going on. I don't want to bring it up out of the blue because I don't want to be seen as attacking. If she brings up any faith issue, that will be my cue to ask about it again. I'll keep you posted. Keep praying!
God bless,
Christine
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Alice R
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Hopefully it is a "phase" like you said.
The part that worries me is that sometimes when those "phases" end badly, they are angry with God and drop all religion completely. Forever.
I think that is where you have to focus on prayer.
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Speaking in Tongues Question - Help?!
