arens@UCBKIM (01/29/83)
From: arens@UCBKIM (Yigal Arens) Received: from UCBKIM.BERKELEY.ARPA by UCBVAX.BERKELEY.ARPA (3.300 [1/17/83]) id AA12266; 28 Jan 83 22:52:43 PST (Fri) To: net-misc@ucbvax In his message titled "unknown" from 1-26, Cliff Morgan (tektronix!cliffm) mentions as what he considers to be one of the manifestations of his god's presence "speaking in unknown languages". I assume this is a reference to what is known also as "speaking in tongues", and I've always wondered about this phenomenon. What is it? What happens when it takes place, and what do the believers think it signifies? Anybody see it? Experience it personally? Proud to be a curious anti-theist, Yigal Arens UC Berkeley
gh (01/30/83)
The "speaking in tongues" phenomenon is known technically as glossolalia, and there are psychological studies of it (at least one book -- sorry I don't recall the author or exact title -- and many papers). It seems fairly clear that the phenomenon is related to hypnotic states, and there is a strong correlation between tongue-speaking ability and hypnotizability. In charismatic Christian circles, both glossolalia and the ability to "interpret" the message are considered to be gifts ("charisma", in the pre-1965 sense of the word) from God. I have known tongue-speakers; they considered it a very personal matter, and did not like to discuss it with non-charismatics. Graeme Hirst, Brown University !{decvax, vax135, yale-comix}!brunix!gh
hdj (01/30/83)
I believe that "speaking in tongues" is also known as "glossolalia." Herb Jellinek (:-) SDC (a Burroughs Company) R&D burdvax!hdj 215-648-7456
paul (01/31/83)
Speaking in tongues -- there are two "explanantions". One is that the unknown tongues are in some sense the language of angels, and you speaking it is evidence of direct divine inspiration. The other is that the unknown languages were forgotten by man after the fall of the Tower of Babel, and the only beings that know those languages now are God, angels, etc. and they directly inspire the mortal speaker here on earth. Anyway, it is evidence of God's presence in the room, world, etc., actib oops actively intervening in our earthly lives.