BookofMormonLuvr Posted January 3, 2011 Posted January 3, 2011 I was researching what Joseph taught concerning women administering to the sick when I came across this interesting statement (marked in red) about the Gift of Tongues in "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith"...Section Four 1839-42, p.229If you have a matter to reveal, let it be in your own tongue; do not indulge too much in the exercise of the gift of tongues, or the devil will take advantage of the innocent and unwary. You may speak in tongues for your own comfort, but I lay this down for a rule, that if anything is taught by the gift of tongues, it is not to be received for doctrine. This statement almost looks like Joseph was advocating what Pentecostals call "Private Prayer Language"...Explanation & Negative appraisal of PPL... http://www.wayoflife...1d0328-211.htmlEdit: title of thread should be "Joseph Smith and "Private Prayer Language?""
BookofMormonLuvr Posted January 3, 2011 Author Posted January 3, 2011 Some things to ponder in this regard...Alma 19:30And when she had said this, she clasped her hands, being filled with joy, speaking many words which were not understood; and when she had done this, she took the king, Lamoni, by the hand, and behold he arose and stood upon his feet.Could this be a fulfillment of...2 Nephi 32:2Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?&2 Nephi 31:13-14Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name ofChrist, by baptism
NauvooSaint Posted January 3, 2011 Posted January 3, 2011 Does 'Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith', by J.F. Smith give the original document source for thie quote? I feel more comfortable knowing/reading the original source for such things vs. taking J.F.'s word for it. Example: Joseph's journal Oct. 5, 1843.Are we to assume the 'tongue of angels' must needs be speaking in a foreign language? I don't discount the gifts of speaking/intrepting tongues, but there is also more to 'understanding' then hearing words that are recognizable.
mfbukowski Posted January 3, 2011 Posted January 3, 2011 You may speak in tongues for your own comfort,I think all that is being said here is that since many early saints were from other religious traditions in which "speaking in tongues" was commonplace, it was ok to continue the practice to allow them to feel at home in the new church, as long as no one thought they were actually teaching something about doctrine.I don't think it's anything more than that.There is no such thing as a "private language"- languages are for communication. If there is no communication, there is no language.One can babble all one wants, and if one feels closer to God by babbling, fine, but calling it a "language" makes no sense. God understands silent prayer as well as he does babbled prayer, I am sure.
CA Steve Posted January 3, 2011 Posted January 3, 2011 Does 'Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith', by J.F. Smith give the original document source for thie quote? I feel more comfortable knowing/reading the original source for such things vs. taking J.F.'s word for it. Example: Joseph's journal Oct. 5, 1843.Are we to assume the 'tongue of angels' must needs be speaking in a foreign language? I don't discount the gifts of speaking/intrepting tongues, but there is also more to 'understanding' then hearing words that are recognizable.(April 28, 1842) D.H.C.4:602-607 was the reference in ToPJS.
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