Dear Catholic Exchange:
I was recently invited to a Bible study by one of my Protestant friends. While praying, one of the ladies began chanting in tongues, then proceeded to “prophesize” about strange visions she was having related to different people in the group. My gut and my intellect told me that this display was not “of God,” but more of a delusional, grandiose demonstration. When I expressed my concern privately to my friend, I was accused of not being “open to the spirit.” My question is how do you discern whether this type of thing is God inspired or mentally generated? When is speaking in tongues appropriately used, and when is it not? I would appreciate your help.
Thanks,
Jennifer Powers
Dear Jennifer,
Peace in Christ! Speaking in tongues, prophesying, and receiving words of knowledge are all examples of the charismatic gifts. These gifts can be legitimate manifestations of the Holy Spirit. The Church has affirmed the existence and value of charismatic gifts (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2003).
Words of prophecy and knowledge are in the common language of the people, while speaking in tongues is in a language unknown, at least, to the speaker and often to the others present. Many times when a person is praying in tongues, he or she receives a word in English (or the common language). The manifestations in each language are recognized as two distinct manifestations. This is what appears to have been the case in the situation you described.
There are two types of speaking in tongues that are most recognized. The first, sometimes called tongues of prophecy, is for the building up of the community. This type of speaking in tongues either requires an interpreter (1 Cor. 14:5), or is heard by people in the group each in his own language (Acts 2). Such messages can be messages of prophecy, words of knowledge, etc. or a message of help in preaching the Gospel to others. The second is referred to as prayer tongues, which are personal prayer languages between the person and God. As Paul tells us, “we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26).
While these gifts themselves are manifestations of the Holy Spirit, not all such experiences that you describe are from God. While it is important to be open to the Spirit, it is also important to discern the true origin of these experiences. The Apostle John warns us, “do no believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 Jn 4:1). We must test these gifts to discern whether they are from the person, the devil, or God. The discernment of spirits is often listed as a charismatic gift because the Spirit helps us to recognize something as from God or from another source.
Discerning between authentic and inauthentic manifestations can be difficult, especially for someone not acquainted with the manifestations of charismatic gifts. Several keys can aid in the discernment of spirits. Matthew 12:33 tells us “a tree is known by its fruit.” Looking at the fruit of the message and at the fruit of the gift in the life of the person can be telling. The personal sanctity of the person is not an absolute measure. Just as God used Balaam to bless the Israelites and proclaim them as the Chosen People (Num. 22), sinners and unbelievers can receive charismatic gifts. On the other hand, a holy person may mistake his or her own zealousness and emotional responses for authentic gifts. Those involved with authentic gifts, however, should be drawn into the heart of the Church. Disunity or disobedience to the Church in the name of the Spirit is a contradiction; such a message is not authentic. The Holy Spirit does not lead people into sin, but rather to the Light.
John told his listeners that they would “know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error” (1 Jn 4:6) by whether the spirit confessed or denied the truths of the faith. The claims made in the name of prophecy or words can help discern the authenticity of the gift. Some claims simply prove to be false. Others are not as simple. One important criterion is fidelity to the faith. Statements contrary to the faith or claiming to be new revelation are not from the Holy Spirit.
The desire of the person seeking these gifts should also be consistent with the teachings of the Church. The gifts should not be sought so much as the Giver. Authentic gifts are not forms of divination or fortune telling and should not be sought as such. Neither should the person be so interested in the emotional “high” which can result that they are willing to compromise the faith to find a charismatic community that satisfies their emotional need.
While one should be open to the Holy Spirit, no one should feel compelled to seek or display a particular gift or prayer style. While Paul tells the Corinthians to “earnestly desire the higher gifts,” he “will show [them] a still more excellent way” (I Cor. 12:31), the way of love. If one does not have love, though he may speak in tongues, prophecy, and have all knowledge and all faith, he is nothing (cf. 1 Cor. 13:1-3). All the other gifts of the Spirit are “at the service of charity which builds up the Church” (Catechism, no. 2003).
I hope this answers your question. If you have further questions on this or would like more information about Catholics United for the Faith, please contact us at 1-800-MY-FAITH (693-2484). Please keep us in your prayers as we endeavor to “support, defend, and advance the efforts of the teaching Church.”
United in the Faith,
Amy Barragree
Information Specialist
Catholics United for the Faith
827 North Fourth Street
Steubenville, OH 43952
800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)
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