tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654781.post2871564996421527180..comments2023-05-31T10:10:09.781-04:00Comments on Don Spencer's Artifacts: An Unwanted Journey: Day 1094 - Spirituality (#2)Don Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09812331053850930421noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654781.post-7449157067649700112008-11-24T07:37:00.000-05:002008-11-24T07:37:00.000-05:00Anita,I might surprise some friends and family whe...Anita,<BR/><BR/>I might surprise some friends and family when I talk about the authenticity of glossolalia ("speaking in tongues"). The truth is that in many cases, I have no doubt whatsoever about the spontaneity and therapeutic "spiritual" value of speaking in tongues. Notice, that I did not say that I believe speaking in tongues is communication. I don't think it is, so by default "interpretation" cannot occur the way Pentecostalists say that it does. But I do believe there is an ecstatic, psychological benefit to the individual in releasing the control of the ego over speech patterns. In effect, speaking in tongues is a kind of physical expression of faith and trust to what AA members would call "a higher power". <BR/><BR/>In all my years in Pentecostal circles, there were some claims of spiritual gifts which I was never, ever able to verify:<BR/><BR/>physical healing - some strange things happened, but I discovered not a single case of a cure, especially those in which no other explanation that a miracle would suffice - no re-growth of limbs among amputees<BR/>interpretation of speaking in tongues - this was one I fully expected should be available to me as a student in Bible College; but the closest I ever got was when a minister suggested that I "make it up" using truisms, statements from the Bible, and articulations of faith that were appropriate to the situation; I never felt this was acceptable; my personal integrity never allowed me to just "make it up"<BR/>prophecy - not once did I confirm a prediction of a future event event that could only have occurred because of some kind of foreknowledge bestowed on an individual <BR/>miracles - no walking on water, feeding of thousands of people, etc; not a single authentic example ever came my way<BR/>discernment of spirits - sure I encountered some clinical wisdom, but nothing that ever demonstrated angelic or demonic, disembodied spirits<BR/>The other spiritual gifts were generic - wisdom, knowledge, and faith - and didn't require anything supernatural. Consequently, they weren't valued much within Pentecostal circles. <BR/><BR/>I, too, encountered people who were clearly "faking" it in speaking in tongues, either to mock the phenomenon or to try to please someone else. I found the first disgusting and the second misguided. <BR/><BR/>Pinch come to shove, I can still speak in tongues upon demand. Not that I do, but I think it demonstrates a kind of learned behaviour that cannot be denied. I also think that there are better ways to engage in spiritual experiences. <BR/><BR/>Ironically, one of the best discussions of Christian meditation and dream analysis was introduced to me while studying at the University of Waterloo. I attended a weekend seminar at the Grand River Hospital led by Morton Kelsey, author of The Other Side of Silence. I was more interested in Jungian dream analysis even then, but Kelsey did talk about speaking in tongues too. He clearly saw some psychological benefit in the prayer experience especially one in which speaking of tongues as a private meditative exercise figured prominently. I'm not sure I would go that far, but I think I could confirm some benefit to private prayer and speaking in tongues from personal experience. <BR/><BR/>...it was a good weekend after we got most of the pain under control. <BR/><BR/>Love, <BR/>DonDon Spencerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09812331053850930421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6654781.post-48827301062741002682008-11-23T21:43:00.000-05:002008-11-23T21:43:00.000-05:00My mother also had a friend with a similar Penteco...My mother also had a friend with a similar Pentecostal bent. I recall in pre-school days going with Mom to small group prayer meetings hosted by this friend. I could listen from the next room where on special days I got to play with the old style of linking logs (real wood they were and very grown up for a little kid like me to play with). I would often hear various women praying in tongues, and as any child might do would pretend I could do the same ... mimicking the sounds as best I could.<BR/><BR/>I am not sure exactly what led up to this, but one day I found myself with my Mom's friend (alone as I recall it) and she explained that she was going to pray for me to receive this gift. I knelt in silence, waiting for whatever it was to happen and soon realized that the desired results weren't happening. So I did what I suppose any kid my age would do. I uttered the same sounds I had mimicked while playing alone outside the room. My Mom's friend was clearly pleased.<BR/><BR/>I've never forgotten it. In later years I believe I have had legitimate experiences with that gift ... but it has always been quite personal and I leave it at that.<BR/><BR/>That experience as a child convinced me of how easy it is to force and generate spiritual experiences and proclaim them as truth. It is small wonder that integrity becomes a huge issue and challenge in any spiritual debate. I hope I walk honestly.<BR/><BR/>I have appreciated your sharing of this aspect of your journey, Don. Realizing that we don't see these things eye to eye, I still look forward to the other 'chapters' if and when you're feeling up to it. Thanks for taking the time and making the effort. It is appreciated.<BR/><BR/>I hope today has been a good day for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com