donald (01/29/83)
Concerning Yigal Arens' query about "speaking in tongues", also known
as "glossolalia". This phenomenon is common to Christians of the
charismatic ilk (i.e. near the Lunatic Fringe), in particular the
Pentecostals. The more conservative denominations don't have a very
high opinion of such shenanigans though.
I have observed this phenomenon first hand, since some of my best friends
are Pentecostal [no pun intended]. Usually after an intense prayer session
the devotee will start babbling what sounds like nonsense syllables.
Depending on the individual it can sound like anything from plain stammering
to pseudo-Greek. The claim is that this is caused by "possession" (although
Pentecostals never use that word!) by the Holy Spirit. A related phenome-
non is "being slain" in which the devotee suddenly seizes up and falls
prostrate to the floor.
Also, some individuals become sufficiently proficient at it to slip in
and out of the glossolalia state at will!
The glossolalia ritual derives from the Biblical event of the Pentecost
in which a group of devotees is given the gift of tongues.
Sorry I can't give a reference (I don't keep a Bible at the office!) but
I think it's somewhere in Acts (after the Four Gospels certainly).
I've heard many claims that the "language" has been analyzed by linguists
and found to be a "real language", but I have yet to see a real reference.
I'd be interested in the opinion of a professional psychologist (secular
of course) on these goings-on; alas the literature on it is obscure (I
don't think anybody really cares).
Concerning Cliff Morgan's belief in glossolalia and associated things
as evidence for the existence of God:
... experienced by those who have dared to believe that GOD IS
(answered prayers, miraculous healings, speaking in unknown
languages, and other supernatural manifestations of the type
recorded in -- but not ending with -- Holy Scripture).
Hmmm. I suppose Uri Geller really bends spoons and Astrologers know
where it's at too. Nowhere is there anything but anecdotal or unverified
claims for claimed "answered prayers" or "miraculous healings". I challenge
anybody to provide objective (scientific if you wish) evidence for any of
this.
As for the statement
If you will do this experiment in faith, I can promise you --
on the authority of God's Word, that it will change not only
your mind, but your life.
I might remark that I think Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and yes, even
Hare Krishna and the Moonies, can make identical claims.
Finally, concerning Cliff's reference:
For an excellent treatise on the historical authenticity
of the Bible, read Josh McDowell's book: "Evidence that
Demands a Verdict".
I read this book a long time ago and I was initially impressed. BUT (!)
after you go out a do a litte independent research, McDowell's claims
quickly dissolve into irrelevance. Even without the outside research,
a critical examination of McDowell's arguments makes it apparent that
most of them are specious. The same is true of much Christian literature
which purports to put Christianity on a sound rational footing.
Not afraid to admit I'm an unregenerate
recusant atheist,
Don Chan