What About Tongue Speaking?

by Anthony A. Hoekema

What About Tongue Speaking? [Paperback] Anthony A Hoekema

161 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Anthony A. Hoekema (1913-1988) was a Christian theologian of the Dutch Reformed tradition who served as professor of Systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary for twenty-one years.

Hoekema was born in the Netherlands but immigrated to the United States in 1923. He attended Calvin College (A.B.), the University of Michigan (M.A.), Calvin Theological Seminary (Th.B.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.D., 1953). After pastoring several Christian Reformed churches (1944-56), he became Associate Professor of Bible at Calvin College (1956-58). From 1958 to 1979, when he retired, he was Professor of Systematic Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Reviews

[Zach Hollifield · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent rejoinder to the Pentecostal view of a second “spirit-baptism” and the claimed gift of tongues it brings. Hoekema’s handling of the 4 Acts passages (chs. 2, 8, 10, & 14) are excellent and leave the Pentecostal view refuted. However, I did take one star off because I don’t believe this means the”gift of tongues” has ceased today. It just isn’t what Pentecostals (or most evangelicals) believe it is.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using Pentecostal theologians' writings, Hoekema details and systematically critiques Pentecostals' and Neo-Pentecostals' history and views about glossolalia (speaking in tongues) and Spirit-baptism. His arguments target Pentecostal biblical interpretation and theology, arguing from Bible passages involving glossolalia and Spirit-baptism, from historical theology, and from modern psychology. His last chapter recognizes the value of Pentecostal theology in that it urges spontaneity and audience participation in Christian worship services, missionary zeal, a greater dependence on God through prayer, the meeting of human emotional needs through the Church, and the Church's need for the Holy Spirit's work.

Hoekema does not directly address "Reformed Charismatics" and their views about glossolalia, perhaps because the movement had not yet developed.