The fuss about the 'tongues'

It is bizarre that so-called "speaking in tongues" is still being advertised. At some point you think we know it all by now, but no, it seems that it keeps getting trumpeted that tongues are actually something that is totally part of the Christian life. It is something that is trying to take hold everywhere, even in somewhat more orthodox communities.

What is the source of the phenomenon?

Now you might say that this phenomenon is not so bad. After all, if it is false teaching, then it doesn't do anything, does it? Then people who try it will automatically find out that it doesn't do anything, the "language" being spoken is not understood by anyone, and so it doesn't work. So: let it go; the shore will turn the ship.
But unfortunately it is not that simple, because even though no one understands what you are saying and you yourself cannot explain what is coming out of your mouth, it is addictive. So therein lies the crux of the whole thing: when you do it, it gives you a wonderful feeling inside. It's something you don't want to miss anymore.

But this is precisely why the question of where it comes from is so incredibly important.
If it is from God, why does the Bible say so little about tongues? Only Paul writes about it in the 1st letter to Corinth and nothing else. Besides, what he writes is also interpreted completely differently.
But if it is not from God, where does this phenomenon come from? There are two possibilities and they are a. from man himself or b. from another spirit (and not the Holy Spirit of God).

• If the phenomenon is produced by the inner man himself, what is the point of it, and why doesn't the Bible say anything about it? Surely then you would expect the Bible to say more about what kind of people could or could not do this? Or clues as to how you as a believer could learn this? But you won't find anything about that in the Bible.
• What remains is the possibility that the source of the phenomenon has to do with the operation of another spirit - an evil spirit - in man. Many will say that this is not possible in a believer, but Paul teaches precisely about this in chapters 8-12 of the same Corinthian letter. In doing so, he makes the unmistakable statement "I don't want you to have intercourse with the demons" (1 Corinthians 10:20).

Tongue language: a language of "intimacy"?

Advocates of tongues - also called "sound language" by some - say it is a gift of the Holy Spirit and the Bible calls it so. Paul is said to describe and approve of it in the 1st letter to Corinth. Today, being able to 'speak in languages' is not promoted by every advocate as necessarily necessary for every Christian. But it is presented as "intimacy with God. The tongue language is part of intimate fellowship with God and is then an "intimate language" by which you can speak to God. You don't have to be able to do it, but it is very nice and you may long for it and reach out for it. Just try it, they say.

Tom de Wal - perhaps the most famous Dutch charismatic at the moment¹ - made a short video explaining five things you probably don't know about tongues. We pick up those points to check if what he says is true; things Tom probably doesn't already know - or doesn't want to know - about tongues.
By the way, you can find on other websites² much more extensive rebuttals.

Three forms of tongues?

According to Tom de Wal, there are three forms of tongues:

1. That which you find in Acts 2 (:2-13). What the disciples spoke people could hear in their own language without translation.
2. Someone may speak in the congregation in a language that is not understood and then it must be translated (explained).
3. A personal prayer tongues. Here, according to Tom de Wal, no explanation is needed, because according to him that is what is meant in 1 Corinthians 14:28 by "...let him speak to himself and to God." He further says that Paul refers to this in 14:18 when he says, "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all ...". Thus Paul would pray at home in a personal prayer tongues.

Comment

Indeed, at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, what the apostles spoke could be understood by others in their own language. While the speakers did not know those foreign languages (Acts 2:2-13). It was a miracle and a sign from God to the Jews that from then on the gospel would also be preached to the nations (1 Corinthians 14:20-22; Isaiah 28:11,12). Incidentally, the same thing occurred on several other occasions, which again Jews were then present (Acts 10:46 and 19:6).

In the pagan city of Corinth, pagan views and practices were also coming into the church of God. Paul warns against it and makes it clear that speaking in a language one does not understand should not occur in the church. After all, if one does not understand what is being said, the other is not built up. Therefore, as there must always be a translator (1 Corinthians 14:28) when speaking in another language, because the congregation must be built up.

Speaking to oneself and to God

That speaking with tongues (or "speaking in tongues") would be a personal prayer tongue is a clever trick of inference. For what does "speaking to oneself and to God" mean?
To begin with, it's about speaking languages that people can understand and thus understand. In 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, it's about 'other language" (verses 26, 27 and 39), which is a language that can be understood by people, but not in the congregation, since they speak a different language. So in a congregation where Dutch is the main language, someone from elsewhere will not be allowed to give a speech in Swahili unless it is translated into Dutch. And if I come into a German congregation, I will not be allowed to pass on something from God's Word in Dutch unless it is translated into German.

But suppose there is no translator and I have to remain silent (14:28), the Bible portion will still keep me busy. Then I will keep thinking about it and the Spirit of God will work in my spirit. All of that then happens in me, in my inner being, just in Dutch, and that is what Paul means when he says, "let him speak to himself and to God. Even when someone speaks to himself-and every person does, by the way-it is in a language you understand, your native language.

Speaking to yourself is something every human being does on a regular basis
and just in your native language, so you understand what you're saying

For this reason, there is no indication in this text that gives reason to think that here there is "tongues," a so-called language, of which you yourself do not understand anything.

Paul speaks in more languages than the Corinthians

Finally, the question of what Paul means when he says, "I thank my God that I speak in more other languages than all of you." (1 Corinthians 14:18). Everywhere in 1 Corinthians 'other languages" is used to refer to a foreign language, not the mother tongue. Again, this makes perfect sense, as Paul most likely spoke several foreign languages such as Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek and possibly Latin. In addition, it is possible that he had some knowledge of local languages in the areas where he brought the Gospel.
That he thanked God for this is also logical, because it allowed him to bring the Gospel in the native language of his listeners in many places.

Click here for more info on the languages Paul may have spoken.

The apostle Paul was a highly educated and well-traveled figure, and it is plausible that he spoke several languages. Although the Bible itself does not specifically state which languages Paul mastered, we can make an educated guess based on his background and the context in which he lived and worked. The following is a list of the languages Paul may have spoken, with a rationale for each:
1. Aramaic
Aramaic was the everyday colloquial language in Judea and the broader Middle East in the first century. Paul, as a Jew from Tarsus and with a background in Jerusalem, probably would have spoken Aramaic. This was the language commonly used in Jewish religious communities, and Jesus also spoke Aramaic.
2. Hebrew
Paul was a well-educated Pharisee and received his education under Gamaliah, a respected rabbi. Hebrew was the language of the Holy Scriptures (the Old Testament) and was used in liturgical and religious contexts. Paul frequently quotes from the Hebrew scriptures and thus would certainly have known Hebrew.
3. Greek
Greek was the lingua franca of the eastern part of the Roman Empire, where Paul made many of his missionary journeys. Paul wrote his letters in Greek, indicating that he had a good command of this language. Moreover, he was from Tarsus, a city in Cilicia (present-day Turkey), where Greek was the language of instruction.
4. Latin
Although there is less direct evidence that Paul spoke Latin, it was the official language of the Roman Empire, especially in legal and administrative contexts. Paul had dealings with Roman authorities and was eventually brought to Rome. It is possible that he had at least a working knowledge of Latin.
5. Lycian and other local languages
Paul traveled through many areas in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) where local languages such as Lycian were spoken. While it is unlikely that he spoke all of these languages fluently, it is possible that he knew some words or phrases in these languages to communicate with the local people.
6. Phrygian
In his travels through Asia Minor, Paul also passed through regions where Phrygian was spoken. Although less likely than the above languages, he would possibly have had some knowledge of this language.
Conclusion:
The languages Paul likely spoke included Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, and possibly Latin. In addition, it is possible that he had some knowledge of local languages in the areas where he brought the Gospel. The knowledge of these languages would have enabled Paul to effectively communicate and spread his message in the various cultural and linguistic contexts in which he found himself.

That the text from 1 Corinthians 14:18 is taken to mean that Paul would speak in tongues more than anyone else is another special coloring by Tom de Wal and other charismatics. Something not at all evident from the text itself.

Tongue language is a language of angels?

In 1 Corinthians 13:1 Paul says "Though I would speak the languages of men and of angels, but I had not love, I would have become sounding brass or a shouting cymbal." Tom de Wal posits that "it is very plausible that Paul means by this that he spoke in tongues and that Paul assumes that this is a language of angels."

Comment

This view, too, is sophistry of the highest order. After all, there is nothing in the text to indicate that Paul means that he would speak in tongues and that this would be angelic language. If you read the first three verses of the thirteenth chapter, the structure of the three sentences he writes is as follows:

"If I [would do this or that, be or have], but I didn't have the love, then [what would result from that]."
The gist of each of these three sentences is 'but I didn't have the love'. That is correct as an introduction to this thirteenth chapter, because it is about the characteristics of love. So it is not about that which he could or has; so it is not about speaking languages or angelic languages. He says, "suppose I could, ... So they are by no means things he had or did. Nor did he know all the mysteries or have all the knowledge. Nor would he surrender his body for burning.

So you may also not conclude from this that Paul spoke in tongues and call that a language of angels. If you do, then you make the text say things, which are not there and which cannot be so intended.

Tongue language is praying without your mind?

In 1 Corinthians 14:14 we read "For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my mind remains without fruit." Tom de Wal concludes from this that when a person prays in tongues, his spirit - the spiritual man he calls it - prays, while his mind remains without fruit.  

He goes on to talk about how this has also been the subject of scientific research confirming this. Dr. Andrew Newberg³ (Pennsylvania University) has studied the impact of tongues on the brain. What happens in the brain when people pray in their own language and what happens when they pray in tongues? He found that with tongues, the speech center in the brain was not active, which is exactly what happened when they spoke in their own language. With tongues, however, another part was active, namely that part that deals with self-consciousness and subconsciousness. According to Tom de Wal, this shows that tongues are spiritual and not controlled from the mind.

Comment

The meaning Tom de Wal gives to the text is, I think, not wrong. After all, Tom is thinking of tongues here, and then when he prays in tongues, his mind does not know what he is saying: 'his mind remains without fruit.' But the question at issue is: is it right to pray in such a way or not. That is what this is about, and Tom suggests that the answer to that question is yes. While he does not ask what the source of the experiences is or could be. The next verse shows that his answer is incorrect. Let's read it.

“¹⁴ For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my mind remains without fruit. ¹⁵ How is it then? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will also sing praise with my mind." (1Corinthians 14:14-15)

In verse 15 it is made clear how we believers are to draw near to God. We can approach God with prayers or with songs and hymns. But whatever it is, in our expressions we should always have the spirit and the mind be operative. Or in other words, our praying and singing will always have to be intelligible to ourselves and others. Our mind - our thinking - is essential in our dealings with the Lord. John even says that we received understanding "that we might know the Truthful One" (1 John 5:20).
By the way, Paul adds verse 16, where he says that even thanksgivings to God should be able to be understood by an uninitiated person (someone who does not understand the language). So there too - and for that reason - our mind must be there so that it can be understood by others.

approach to God: then the mind must be there!
... with the spirit and with the mind

By the way, the whole context (1 Corinthians 14:1-25) is only about one thing, which is that what happens in the church must be understandable. For only that which can be understood can build up faith. THAT must guide the "pursuit of spiritual expressions" (14:1,12).
Paul reasons in this section as follows. Even if unbelievers came in, tongues could not be understood. They would think you were crazy. But when you would prophesy, then God's Word would be applied to their hearts and consciences. Then they would recognize that God is truly in your midst.

The reference to Dr. Newberg makes no sense, because Newberg only says something about different brain activities when praying in plain language and praying in tongues. But he makes no statement about whether or not it is good or about the source of the experience. Incidentally, the observation that tongues do something to man's state of consciousness is not foreign to us. We have mentioned changing the state of consciousness many times on this site as it relates to demonic effects.

Tongue language is food for fruit of the Spirit?

What most people also don't know, according to Tom de Wal, is that tongues bring fantastic results. He bases this on the following text. "However, the fruit of the Spirit is: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22). Therefore, since, according to Tom, the Spirit is at work in tongues, the fruit of the Spirit will also be noticeable in those who regularly speak in tongues. He calls that that "the fruit of the Spirit nourished by tongues. Such a fruit then grows naturally and that then becomes visible in life.

Again, Tom de Wal refers to scientific research from the UK, which showed that people who regularly speak in tongues are more emotionally stable than others who do not.

Comment

Tom de Wal's story is correct as long as you assume that it is the Holy Spirit working in tongues. But that is precisely the point: I believe that tongues are not a work or gift of the Spirit, but an action of demons. Quite a big difference, then. And then you may not apply Galatians 5:22 to tongues.

Perhaps someone thinks that demons cannot work to make someone more emotionally stable, but that is not true. You can undoubtedly find testimonies on the Internet stating that people benefit from yoga, mindfulness, meditation and other similar practices. So in the case of tongues, this may also be caused by the spirit world. From a random site I just pull out a few texts that deal with this and confirm this.

Tongue language is healing and we are made for it

According to Tom de Wal, tongues work healing and, moreover, we humans are made to speak in tongues. So basically, these are two arguments why you should speak in tongues.
De Wal refers to scientific research by a certain Dr. Petersen of the Oral Roberts University in Tulsa Oklahoma. He discovered that in people who speak in tongues a substance is produced in the brain that makes the immune system 30-40% more healing and protective.

Moreover, the same research would have shown that tongues activated a certain part of the brain, the function of which we did not know until then. The conclusion Tom draws from this is the following: we did not know, but God has made us in such a way that we are, as it were, prepared to speak in tongues. We were made for tongues.

Finally, he ends with a portion from the text of Mark 16:17 "and those who will have believed will follow these signs: in my Name they will cast out demons; in foreign languages they will speak."

Comment

There is little to say on the question of the immune system. I cannot find the relevant research on the Internet. But apart from that, if it is true, even then these few sentences say nothing. After all, who has investigated whether this does not also happen under other conditions? So to immediately assign that to tongues is a very quick conclusion.
Similarly, the second result from the same study, while sounding nice, in fact says nothing. It is only what you want to hear. Besides, man was not made to practice tongues, but to be "(...) to the praise of His glory, we, who had previously placed our hope in Christ." (Ephesians 1:12).

Finally, the text from Mark 16:17. Thereby forgetting to mention that what the Lord Jesus said here before He went to heaven was specific to His disciples and the apostles. For Tom de Wal forgets to mention that the Lord also talked about drinking deadly poison and healing the sick by the laying on of hands. Two things we charismatics of the 21^th century to do so. 

Praying in tongues and explaining

While creating this blog, I came across a short video in which Tom de Wal is praying in tongues, while also "explaining" it himself. That's kind of clever, because he prays with the spirit and the mind still remains fruitless. That's how he explained it in the video above. But then where does the translation come from? Not from his mind I'm afraid, any more than the tongues gibberish. Wonderful.

Just as miraculous, by the way, is that he says he translates it into Dutch afterwards, but then when you look at what he gives as a translation - and he put it below the video - you notice that it's not something he prays to God, but it's more like something God speaks. In fact, he also says it, "thus saith the Lord. He thinks he is "getting this through" from the Lord; a kind of prophecy, in other words. But it was a translation, right?
This kind of charismatic chaos is really quite "miraculous" and beyond my comprehension.

If you don't want to see the short film, just skip it.

I will put his Dutch translation under the video, then on the site it will also be translated into German and English.

"For I am coming with a new dimension of my Spirit over this land, says the Lord. In the next 10-15 years, there is going to be a movement of God's Spirit that is unprecedented. What we have seen now is only a fraction of the power, glory and glory that will be revealed. For I am calling, I am calling a new group. Who will pick it up where others, in the past, have left it. They will pick it up but they will keep going and keep standing. They will not be distracted, will not be stopped. The power will be only a fraction of what has been visible in the past. I call My Church to a dimension where miracles are normal, where casting out demons is normal, where angelic apparitions are normal. Where the Spirit of God falls in meetings. In spirit, I see newspaper articles with pictures of whole groups lying on the ground because the Spirit of God is falling. The world will ridicule it. There will be a series of testimonies from people in the LGBTQ+ community of people who are totally transformed because they will come to know Christ says the Spirit. I am calling a new group."

Tongue language is also found in other religions

Tongue language also seems to occur in religions outside Christianity. Proponents of tongues often say that the devil is always imitating God and imitating what God gives to us in other religions. It seems to have been a statement by a well-known person, but I have never come across it in the Bible. Maybe I missed something.

It is certain that tongues occur outside Christianity throughout the world.

Read more about tongues in other religions and cultures here.

Question:
Is it true that tongues occurred and occur in other religions as well? Can you cite examples and/or sources of this?

Reply (ChatGPT):
Yes, tongues, often referred to as "glossolalia," occurs not only in Christianity, but also in several other religious traditions, both historically and in the present. Here are some examples of glossolalia in other religions:

1. Ancient Greek Religion:
   - Delphic Oracle: In ancient times, the Pythia, priestesses of the Oracle of Delphi, were known for speaking in ecstatic, often incomprehensible expressions. These expressions were interpreted by priests and considered messages from the god Apollo. While not exactly the same as Christian glossolalia, they share similarities in terms of spiritual ecstasy and the use of incomprehensible language.

 2. Hinduism:
   - Bhakti movement: In some sections of Hinduism, especially within the Bhakti movement, there are traditions in which believers may become ecstatic during intensive devotional practices and begin to speak in incomprehensible or unknown languages. This is seen as an expression of intense spiritual connection with the divine.
   - Tantra: In certain tantric rituals, glossolalia may occur as an expression of contact with higher levels of consciousness or divine forces.

3. Islam:
   - Sufi Mysticism: Although glossolalia is not common in the Islamic tradition, there are reports of some Sufi mystics who began speaking spontaneously in foreign or unfamiliar languages during trance-like rituals (such as the Dhikr). However, this is not widely recognized and is less common than in other religious traditions.

4. Indigenous Religions:
   - Shamanism: Glossolalia occurs in many shamanic cultures around the world, from Siberia to the Amazon. Shamans may speak during rituals or in trance states in unfamiliar languages or sounds, which are believed to be manifestations of communication with spirits or divine beings.

5. Modern New Religious Movements:
   - Pentecostal Movement (Charismatic Movements): In addition to Christianity, glossolalia also occurs in some new religious movements, such as certain branches of modern New Age movements and syncretic religions such as Brazilian Candomblé or Haitian Voodoo, where spiritual mediums can go into a trance during rituals and speak in unknown languages.

Resources:
- Yong, Amos. "The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh: Pentecostalism and the Possibility of Global Theology. This book discusses the phenomena of glossolalia in various religions, including historical and modern examples.
- Goodman, Felicitas D. 'Speaking in Tongues: A Cross-Cultural Study of Glossolalia'. This book offers an anthropological study of glossolalia in different cultures and religions.
- Samarin, William J. 'Tongues of Men and Angels: The Religious Language of Pentecostalism'. This book examines glossolalia within and beyond Christianity, with attention to other religious traditions.

These examples and sources show that tongues are a phenomenon not exclusive to Christianity, but occur in various forms and contexts in other religious traditions. But if this is so, then the key question is "what comes from God and what from the demons? How then do you distinguish how it is?

It is extraordinary that the 1st letter to Corinth is the only one where the phenomenon of 'languages and translation' is spoken. Even more peculiar - or perhaps just very logical - is, that you can think of that whole letter as a treatise on what is Christian and what is pagan. Or in other words, the whole letter is about practices and views that are completely different in paganism than in the churches of God. God's views are infinitely different from the world of the pagans.
That is also why the letter was written to the believers in Corinth, because they lived in a 100% pagan world and were in great danger of bringing pagan thinking and doing into the church.

Paul wrote about paganism, idolatry

Here we cannot discuss the entire letter to Corinth; that would take us much too far. But we will go through the letter and quote those texts that deal very specifically with paganism and Christianity. In doing so, we will place brief comments as needed. Other than that, as a reader, you yourself must consider these portions - preferably in their context in the Bible itself - and draw conclusions.

2:12 "And we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit coming from God is, That we might know the things graciously given to us by God.
- the world is controlled/directed from a spiritual reality, the spirit of the world. In contrast, the believer has the Spirit that is from God.
- we have received the Spirit of God, That we might know. . . God wants us to include our minds so that we know His things.

3:19 "For the wisdom of the world is folly with God (...) The Lord knows the considerations of the wise, that they are useless are".
- The wisdom of the world is foolishness in God's eye; it is meaningless. It is without meaning and purpose.

5:1 '...fornication of which even among the pagans no question
5:11 '.... one idolater …’
There were practices accepted in the church that were not common even in the world - among the pagans. It shows that pagan thinking and behavior had become quite prevalent. It could even happen that there were those who still served idols.

6:10 "Do not err! Fornicators, idolaters, (...) will not inherit the kingdom of God.
- All the practices mentioned here mean that these people will not enter the kingdom of God. If you think that is not the case, then you are erring.

6:17,18 "Whoever however united to the Lord is one spirit [with Him]. Flee from whoredom.
- Fellowship with the Lord is spiritual by its very nature. It has to do with thinking and the mind. This whole section (6:12-20) also makes it clear that this fellowship cannot be experienced physically. This is in contrast to demonic influences, which is also called whoredom here and is "fellowship with demons" (see later in 10:20).

8:1 "And what the idol sacrifices concerning: we know that we all possess knowledge.
- Here begins the second theme the Corinthians had questions about; the first theme is in 7:1. What about idol sacrifices? Are you allowed to eat them or not? Then comes an extended discourse, with "excursions" here and there, until 12:1 where the next theme (the spiritual gifts) begins.

8:4-6 '(...) that there is no other God but One. For though there are also those who gods be called either in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords are), yet for us there is only one God: the Father, from Whom are all things, and we for Him, and one Lord: Jesus Christ, through Whom are all things, and we through Him
- Paul holds an extended discourse with this beginning in verses 4-6 in which he makes it clear that we must be well aware that there is one God whom we love and who knows our hearts (8:3). But that there are also other spiritual beings, gods, who will exercise their influence in heaven and on earth and seek dominion. And they are many! But our God, from whom all things are and our Lord Jesus Christ, is the only God with whom we have to deal.

8 : 8 'Food now does not bring us closer to God, for whether we eat, we are no more with God because of it; and whether we do not eat, we are no less with God because of it.
- An extraordinary text that makes it clear that bringing idol sacrifices (food) or eating them ourselves does not bring us closer to God. It makes clear that idolatry is about getting "closer to God" and would even experience oneness with Him (see above also 6:17). No one can see God: 'Him no man has seen, nor can anyone see Him.' (1 Timothy 6:16). No man can see or experience God with his senses. See also here.

8:7, 10, 12 "in conscience not separate from the idol (...) their conscience which is weak (...) will then strike his conscience (...) and them in their conscience which is weak (...)
- The consciousness (conscience) of a believer can be weak. Sensitive and easily influenced by the unseen world. Such a person can easily fall back into idolatry because of our behavior.

10 : 7, 14 'And do not become idolaters (...) Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
- In chapter 10, Paul takes the people of Israel as an example and warning for Christians in Corinth. Therefore, God had no pleasure in most of them and they were cast down in the wilderness (10:5). Every believer will face temptations to lead him to idolatry. But we must continue to trust God; that is: believe that He is faithful. "And God is faithful: He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can handle. (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Incidentally, it is noteworthy that the example of Israel perishing in the desert is mentioned in two other places in the New Testament. See Hebrews 3: 7-19 and Jude verse 5-6. In each case it is idolatry, the mixing of demons with men. Or as Paul calls it, "fellowship with demons.

10 : 20 'And I do not want you with the demons intercourse. (...) the drinking cup of the demons (...) the table of the demons.’
- Fellowship with God, the Father and the Lord Jesus does not go together with fellowship with demons. Then our God is also a jealous God against whom we cannot stand (10:22), any more than the people of Israel could.

12 : 1,2 'Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant are. You know that you were pagans, drawn away to the dumb idols. Thus, you allowed yourself carry.’
- At the beginning of the account of the spiritual (gifts), Pauls refers to their old life and their own experiences of idolatry. He adds in verse 1 that he does not want us to be ignorant about it, before moving on to the next chapters and addressing the spiritual [gifts].

Tongue language is communion with demons

Perhaps there is much we could say about tongues, but we are not going to do it here. Above I have attempted to show that

• the "doctrine of tongues" is not a doctrine found in the Bible, but is put in there with some creative thinking.
• Paul deals extensively with idolatry in the 1st letter to Corinth. All kinds of aspects of it he addresses with the conclusion that by acting pagan we have fellowship with the demons. Most Christians will deny that this is possible and move on to the order of the day.
  Only then does he explain about the spiritual gifts, and the gift of speaking in languages is also discussed.
• The only conclusion I can draw is that practicing tongues is "fellowship with demons" and for that reason objectionable to anyone who claims to belong to Christ. It is absolutely not neutral nor is it something you do only privately in the inner room!

One can note that this evil is on the rise and is even taking hold in orthodox Christian circles. There are several "orthodox evangelical" preachers who also promote tongues.
What I hope and pray is that many may yet see how dangerous and pernicious the teachings and practices of tongues are. That this blog may help distance them from it and that "practitioners" of tongues may repent of it and keep the faith.

We conclude with Paul's wish he wrote to Timothy.

'Guard what was committed to your trust,
avoiding the profane and idle babblings and
contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge.
By professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.
Grace be with you. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:20-21

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Footnotes

1. I take Tom de Wal as an example because of his structured short film. Unfortunately, there are many pastors/speakers in the Netherlands, also in evangelical circles, who advocate and promote tongues. Just search on YouTube and you will come across plenty of them. ↩︎
2. Zie bijvoorbeeld hier (Nederlands): https://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=talen&btnG=Zoeken&domains=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.verhoevenmarc.be&sitesearch=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.verhoevenmarc.be en hier: https://www.dirkjanjansen.nl/het-rookgordijn-rondom-tongentaal/. ↩︎
3. Dr. Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist who studies the relationship between brain function and various mental states. He is a pioneer in the neurological study of religious and spiritual experiences, a field known as "neurotheology." His research includes taking brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals and trance states, in an effort to better understand the nature of religious and spiritual practices and attitudes. ↩︎