So if a person speaks "french" in Canada - should the English population insist on the "french" refraining it's public use because they don't understand it or they should be required to translate everything for them just because they don't understand what is being said? What if the French don't understand English - shouldn't they be required the same? Speaking in Tongues is a God-given gift for all believers. (See I Cor. 13) Shouldn't every believer have access to all forms of communication and "language?". Why do "evangelicals" forbid speaking in tongues, when the Bible says, ‘Forbid not to speak in tongues’ (1 Cor. 14:39)?” Maybe it's because most "evangelicals" are colonial in nature and have their own demand for Evangelical political correctness... "Political correctness is loosely defined as “avoidance of expressions or actions that can be perceived to exclude or marginalize or insult people who are socially disadvantaged or discriminated against.” Maybe that's why the people who gathered around the disciples as they spoke in languages they were unfamiliar with were amazed. They heard them speaking in ways that were inclusive of them. Incarnational language is always inclusive. I often wonder if those who oppose incarnational expressions as outlined in the book of Acts have forgotten the age old question, "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" (see Acts 19). If not, then there should be evidence in your use and creativity of language. There ought to be evidence in our everyday experiences with the Holy Spirit's incarnation in our lives - Speaking in new and fresh ways as the spirit gives utterance to us.
"Language," is an outstanding rant on the absurdity of being a pedant about the English language, that most glorious, reeling drunken bastard of a tongue that has neither academy nor dictator to rule on "correctness" and so has blossomed into a million variegated subforms in every corner of the globe. When people insist on "correctness" in language, we should be urged to speak in ways that entertain and please us, rather than adhering to some rigid, notional code. Imagine the limitations and restrictions "political correctness would make on the works of Shakespeare, Maya Angelou poems, or Helen Steiner Rice inspirational thoughts.
In fact, author John Hicks, has stated, " incarnational language expresses the hope that there will be a growing awareness of the mythological character of this language as the hyperbole of the heart, most naturally at home in hymns and anthems and oratorios and other artistic expressions of the poetry of devotion. Christianity will -- we may hope -- outgrow its theological fundamentalism, its literal interpretation of the idea of incarnation, as it has largely outgrown its biblical fundamentalism." Use and meaning of words change all the time. Prayer can be inhibited by limited vocabulary. Language should be viewed like works of art. Great artistic works are designed with great expression and wonder. So too should we master our use of language when communicating the wonders of our creator. The Day of Pentecost was a great day of expression. The Apostle Paul said he spoke in languages of men and angels. In other words, his expressions in prayer and devotion to God were not limited to his known knowledge of the Greek or Hebrew languages. Speaking in an unfamiliar incarnational language celebrates change, evolution, playfulness and the democratizing of the tongue. Every word of this is well-spoken, well-thought-out and absolutely liberating. What a treat!
Praying in the spirit should be like an artist expressing themselves on canvas. I have often found that when my english language limits my deepest feelings and communication in prayer, I need to have an uncommon, unfamiliar dialogue with God. God understands each language of the world but is not limited to the "words" that we speak. His language is in the air that we breathe. Praying in languages that we have not learned or understand should be as easy as breathing air. It's songs should move us beyond the sounds of music known on earth and captivate our expression of worship.
Praying in the spirit should be like an artist expressing themselves on canvas. I have often found that when my english language limits my deepest feelings and communication in prayer, I need to have an uncommon, unfamiliar dialogue with God. God understands each language of the world but is not limited to the "words" that we speak. His language is in the air that we breathe. Praying in languages that we have not learned or understand should be as easy as breathing air. It's songs should move us beyond the sounds of music known on earth and captivate our expression of worship.
In a time when political correctness seeks to limit the use of language and expression; we should seek to find new creative ways to communicate our faith. The protestant reformation removed art from places of worship as much as political correctness seeks to limit incarnational language. Those who claim to be "Baptized in The Holy Spirit" should find no limitations in their intimacy with God because of their ability to exercise their incarnational languages. In fact, if you don't speak in tongues what makes you think you can artistically express the other giftings found in I Cor. 12. The real truth is anyone who does not speak in tongues is as limited in their communication with God as someone who tries to play music but never took a lesson. Unskilled musicians limit worship just as limited uses of language in prayer inhibits a dialogue with God. I'm glad I speak in "Tongues" so that I can enjoy uncommon dialogues with God. If you are "Filled with The Spirit," you also have the ability to have an incarnational conversation with God in ways, thoughts, and expressions you've never learned if you are open to Him. Speaking in Tongues gives us an ability to communicate and have an uncommon dialogue with God. But, maybe you want to excuse yourself by believing "it is not necessary to for you to exercise incarnational speaking (speaking in tongues)" because you just want your relationship with God to remain on Mute. Just saying... :)
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