Speaking in Tongues

Speaking in tongues (glossoladia) is a common spiritual phenomenon in the Pentecostal and Charismatic streams of the Christian church. Such Christians believe that when they speak in tongues they are communicating with God in a language that they have never learned- a spiritual prayer language given to them by the Holy Spirit.

This innovative volume seeks to enhance our understanding and appreciationg of glossoladia by examining it from a range of different angles. Chrsitian scholars from diverse academic disciplines bring to bear the insights of their own specialist areas to shed new light on the practice of speaking in tongues. The disciplines include:

New Testament Studies- Max Turner
Theology- Fran D. Macchia
History- Neil Hudson
Philosophy- James K. A. Smith
Linguistics- David Hilborn
Sociology- Margaret M. Poloma
Psychology- William K. Kay

A final chapter by Mark J. Cartledge seeks to show how all of these perspectives can work together and enrich a Christian appreciation of the gift of tongues.

MARK J. CARTLEDGE is Senior Lecturer in Pentecostal and Charismatic Theology at the University of Birmingham, UK.