Speaking In Tongue`s

[InPersonaChriste]

Could Someone please explain this to me?

At a retreat I met people who would actively speak in tongues during adoration. I thought that in the bible it was only really meant for preaching (descent of the Holy Spirit) but it seems that it is used for prayer where I am.

So please explain tongues, and then what its actually suppossed to be used for.

[Theoketos]

This is really a hot topic, but in my experience the modern version of speaking in tongues is probably not a supernatural experience. (Which does not detract from the sincerity or the faithfulness of those who babble.) This does not mean that speaking in tongues is not possible or even done. But the book of Acts is pretty clear on the purpose of them.

[Brother Adam]

Modern speaking in tongues is seen as a form of prayer by most charismatics, a gift, like other forms of prayer, but special in that it is a 'language of angels' that only the Holy Spirit can understand unless there is an interpreter. While the Church has been very approving of the modern charismatic movement, it is usually not the same gift as the Apostles experienced in the book of Acts. As a private devotion one is free to accept its legitimacy or not, but we should not judge others who believe they have the gift, that is a judgment that should be reserved to the Church.