The Speaking in Tongues Controversy

Rating:
Summary: A Sound Reference and Study Work, Easy to Use and Read
Review: Dr. Rick Walston's careful examination of the "tongues" debate is useful for pastors and laity alike. He covers the topic with a deliberate thoroughness that is neither stifling nor patronizing. He is not shy to give his own opinions, but is careful to label them as such. The references cited in the book are sound and academically honest.

For the congregation that is unfamiliar with the controversy, this book would make an excellent start for study and exploration. As a United Methodist pastor I would not hestiate to use the materials.

Dr. Walston has done the charismatic community a huge service with this book! Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: A Sound Reference and Study Work, Easy to Use and Read
Review: Dr. Rick Walston's careful examination of the "tongues" debate is useful for pastors and laity alike. He covers the topic with a deliberate thoroughness that is neither stifling nor patronizing. He is not shy to give his own opinions, but is careful to label them as such. The references cited in the book are sound and academically honest.

For the congregation that is unfamiliar with the controversy, this book would make an excellent start for study and exploration. As a United Methodist pastor I would not hestiate to use the materials.

Dr. Walston has done the charismatic community a huge service with this book! Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: I said, "Amen."
Review: I am an educated Pentecostal, with degrees in theology and ministry. I have pastored in Pentecostal churches, and I have always held that speaking in tongues is the initial, physical evidence of the baptism in the Holy Spirit. I taught this position for years to hundreds of people. However, Dr. Walston has changed my view. I cannot begin tell you how big of a shift this is for me. This is big. Very big. I was asked to read Dr. Walston's book by a friend of mine so that I could dismantle Walston's argument. So, I began reading the book. I noted that on each point where he and I disagreed, I bristled at his statements. However, the more I read, the more I realized that it was my "tradition" that I felt like I was trying to protect. As I let my mind rule my emotions, and I really "listened" to Dr. Walston's exegesis point for point, I found myself agreeing more and more, until finally, I closed the book after reading the last page, and I said, "Amen."

Rating:
Summary: Tongues Controversy
Review: I received Dr. Walston's Book about Tongues Controversy. I have read it once and am going through it again. He did an excellent job explaining inductive
versus deductive reasoning, narrative/historical accounts versus didactic
passages. The fact that he shows 26 accounts of conversions opposed to 3 out of 5 is superb! Every Pentecostal should read this book especially those who are so dogmatic about "tongues being the necessary credential" for being
Spirit-baptized/Filled. Thanks for sharing your knowledge/revelation on this matter. Be blessed.

Rating:
Summary: Very Strong Argument
Review: Like some of the other reviewers, my background is not pentecostal, yet I found this book to be very educational and enlightening. Dr. Walston has set the bar of solid academic investigation and proper Biblical hermeneutics very high. Those who disagree with his position shall have a serious bit of work cut out for them if they are going to attempt to prove their position (or disprove his) while staying faithful to the Biblical record.

Rating:
Summary: A View from the Outside
Review: Read The Speaking in Tongues Controversy even (or perhaps especially) if you are not a Pentecostal. You will find within its pages a wealth of biblical exposition that will make you think. You will find lucid discussions of theology and hermeneutics. And you will find especially a Christ-like author who is both firm in his convictions and irenic in his arguments. You may remain a classically Reformed cessationist (as I did) after the reading, but your mind and your soul will be healthfully exercised for the effort. Enjoy!

David W. Bailey, Ph.D.
Pastor - Reformation Baptist Church

Rating:
Summary: Logical and Theological
Review: This book is both logical and theological. It is a solid explanation of the SPEAKING IN TONGUES CONTROVERSY, and Dr. Walston does an admirable job of laying out the bibical facts. This topic has been a source of irritation and debate for many Christians for many years; this book might be the answer for many of those people. It certainly was for me. Now I understand far better what the BIBLE has to say on this topic, and that, after all, is the point, or at least it should be.

Rating:
Summary: Gabe's review
Review: This book was fast-paced, informative, and enjoyable. Which ever stand you take on tongues this book is a great reed.

Gabe at www.eastharbor.org

Rating:
Summary: An Unprecedented Position On This Topic
Review: Using careful scriptural analysis, Dr. Walston shows the difficulties with both the Classical Pentecostal and the non-tongues position, and teaches the reader a biblically based position on this much-debated topic. The chapter questions at the end of the book demonstrate Dr. Walston's desire for the reader to truly understand what has been taught in the book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to seek for the truth on this topic. After reading this book I was forced to change my position on this topic.

Rating:
Summary: This is the best book on this topic
Review: WOW, let me first say that I am Not a pentecostal. I have Never spoken,in tongues and I do believe in the gifts of the Holy spirit, but not the Benny Hinn circus stuff. Dr. Rick walston who is the president of Columbia Evangelical Seminary has written a book on a very touchy topic for both sides of the debate. I have used some of the arguements in this books for years, this book have sharpen some of my old arguements and given me some new ones that I think settles the issue about the speaking in tongues as THE sign of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. "A" sign maybe but not "THE" sign. If you think that this doctrine is in the bible, then read this book.( I understand that this is a secondary issue, we can debate about but don't divide over it) Dr. Rick Walston good work, God Bless