Speaking in Tongues
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We want to mention for our readers a few of the books dealing with the current controversial issue of "speaking in tongues." Some are quite new.
The Psychology of Speaking in Tongues, by John P. Kildahl. The result of ten years' concentrated study of the phenomenon of glossalalia by a clinical psychologist who is co-author of "Relationships Between Glossolalia and Mental Health." You will be interested in the many tests applied and in the deductions of psychiatrists who made an honest examination. $4.95 per copy.
Tongues, edited by Luther B. Dyer. A presentation from six eminent Bible students directed by the Missouri Baptist Convention to make a thorough investigation of tongues and report to the convention. Subjects covered are: Various Views of Tongue Speaking, by Wayne E. Ward; Glossalalia in Christian History, by Hugh Wamble; Glossalalia in the First Epistle to the Corinthians, by J. Morris Ashcraft; Speaking in Tongues in the Book of Acts, by J. Morris Ashcratt; Understanding, Evaluating and Learning from the Contemporary Glossalalia Movement, by John Newport; A Theological Evaluation and Critique, by Clark H. Pinnock; and Summary Analysis and Conclusions, by John Glover. This is an opportunity to see how others studied the question. Paperback. $2.95.
New Testament Teaching on Tongues, by Merrill F. Unger. This little book contains sixteen chapters and an excellent bibliography. The author recently wrote "The Haunting of Bishop Pike," but is best known for his books titled, Unger's Bible Dictionary; Unger's Bible Handbook, and Archaeology and the Old Testament. He is currently emeritus professor of Old Testament Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. You may appreciate what he has to say about tongues in conjunction with other spiritual gifts. Again, you may not. But you should read this book to gain the insights that Unger develops. It is $1.75.
Tongues and the Holy Spirit, by Frank Pack. The author is Chairman of the Department of Religion and Dean of the Graduate School of Pepperdine University. He presents his reasoning for thinking that the expression "that which is perfect" referred to the completion of the revelation of God and concludes with the statement, "Spiritual gifts had their purposes, which we have studied, and having fulfilled those purposes are no longer needed by the church that possesses the full will of God, the last will and testament." The book is so arranged it can be used as an adult study course or in home study. $1.25.
Tongues--To Speak or Not to Speak, by Donald W. Burdick. Burdick is Professor of New Testament at Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary, Denver, Colorado, and editor of the "Conservative Seminarian." He begins with the question: "What is this experience which is able to penetrate the defenses of a formal Lutheran pastor? How can the spread of neo-Pentecostalism be explained? Is it a renewal of the New Testament phenomenon of glossolalia? And if not, what is this strangely baffling but undeniable experience?" You will read with interest his exploration of these questions. Only 95c.
The New Super-Spirituality, by Francis A. Schaeffer. A 30-page pamphlet in which Schaeffer deals with "the new pentecostalism" as a brand of Christian Platonism, and affirms that neither experience nor emotion is the basis of our faith. He has a good deal to say about "The Children of God" and other cultural groups. He suggests a proper Christian response to these, 75c.
The Baptism and Fulness of the Holy Spirit, by John R. W. Stott. Not a treatise on speaking in tongues, but related to the question and a very interesting approach by a tremendous writer in the religious field, 95c.
We will send you any of the above if you write to MISSION MESSENGER, 139 Signal Drive, Saint Louis, Missouri 63121. If your order is less than a total of three dollars, please include 25c for postage.