Upon a first reading Carson's book when it came out years back, I was surprised, too. But then, I recalled his Exegetical Fallacies, where so many fallacies were exposed that were committed by none other than John MacArthur. Carson's reading forever changed the trajectory of my thinking re: tongues (and just about every other thing JohnnyMac said).
I also thought speaking in tongues was whacky and over-spiritual. But then, I had my own experience with the Holy Spirit and received my spiritual language in 2014. It’s increased my prayer life greatly. I never speak them in front of others, but sometimes the visions or words I hear God speak to me during these times of prayer have benefited others when I share!
Mike, how are we to understand the practice in the context of church history? I grew up in churches that practiced it and did myself and still think there was a genuine spiritual experience for which both I and others benefited. Since then, I have often wondered why there is so much emphasis on it given the relatively minor scriptural basis and the lack of this practice in church history. I would also say, that looking back at all the people involved, the presence of a spiritual experience was not a good predictor of long term faithfulness to Christ.
Upon a first reading Carson's book when it came out years back, I was surprised, too. But then, I recalled his Exegetical Fallacies, where so many fallacies were exposed that were committed by none other than John MacArthur. Carson's reading forever changed the trajectory of my thinking re: tongues (and just about every other thing JohnnyMac said).
I also thought speaking in tongues was whacky and over-spiritual. But then, I had my own experience with the Holy Spirit and received my spiritual language in 2014. It’s increased my prayer life greatly. I never speak them in front of others, but sometimes the visions or words I hear God speak to me during these times of prayer have benefited others when I share!
Great to hear!
Mike, how are we to understand the practice in the context of church history? I grew up in churches that practiced it and did myself and still think there was a genuine spiritual experience for which both I and others benefited. Since then, I have often wondered why there is so much emphasis on it given the relatively minor scriptural basis and the lack of this practice in church history. I would also say, that looking back at all the people involved, the presence of a spiritual experience was not a good predictor of long term faithfulness to Christ.
On the CH side, I don't know. I think it works differently for different people.