Books Quote by Steve Bremner
““R.T. Kendall states in his recent book on the Holy Spirit, I don’t mean to be unfair, but I have long suspected that, were it not for the gift of tongues, many evangelicals (many of whom are not cessationists) would have no objection to the gifts of the Spirit. The stigma (offense) is not with regard to wisdom; who doesn’t want and need wisdom? It is not with regard to having words of knowledge, the gift of faith, prophecy, discerning of spirits, the miraculous, or healing. The offense is invariably speaking in tongues. Why? As my friend Charles Carrin has put it, tongues is the only gift of the Spirit that challenges our pride. There is no stigma attached to any of the other gifts. Only tongues.1””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Holy Spirit by R.T. Kendall, 2023
The author argues that speaking in tongues is uniquely resisted because it confronts personal pride, unlike other spiritual gifts which are more readily accepted.
In simple terms: Tongues challenge pride more than other gifts.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility when practicing spiritual gifts.
Themes
humility
pride
spiritual gifts
faith
church dynamics
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
theological
analytical
When to use this quote
- worship services
- small groups
- personal prayer
- seminary studies
- counseling sessions
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
ecclesiology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does pride affect your reception of spiritual experiences?
- What other gifts might also challenge personal ego?
A Different Perspective
Some may view the claim as anecdotal and not universally applicable.
