Speaking in Tongues: A Critical Historical Examination

“This most interesting and highly scholarly treatment of glossolalia provides essential historical and theological elements of the phenomenon. At the same time, it reflects a proper respect for those who, in good faith, have understood the gift of the Holy Spirit in a way which is not coherent with its proper historical and theological elements. The fruits of this study are a great gift to the church and an excellent help to anyone who seeks a deep understanding of the gift of speaking in tongues.”


—Raymond Leo Burke, Prefect emeritus of the Apostolic Signatura





“Pentecostals and charismatic scholars should welcome the challenge that Blosser and Sullivan bring. After all, as they make clear, it is not a challenge made out of animus but an effort to get greater historical clarity on the role of tongues within Christian tradition. I am convinced that these kinds of historical-depth soundings into the great river of Christian tradition are crucial for our common mission.”


—Dale M. Coulter, Pentecostal Theological Seminary





“This very careful, scholarly, and balanced investigation into various biblical and historical phenomena that bear upon the gift of ‘speaking in tongues,’ as well as theological considerations, is a tremendous and invaluable contribution to the attempt to understand the phenomenon precisely.”


—Janet E. Smith, retired moral theologian





“It is with pleasure that I give my endorsement to Speaking in Tongues, which I have read with great interest. Both Philip E. Blosser and Charles A. Sullivan have done a great service for the church universally and for theologians in particular. This study is so rich with references, cross references, and biblical quotations it may take some time to fully grasp the development and uses of glossolalia.”


—William A. Thomas, Pontifical Marian Academy