3.5 stars

An interesting look at the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues from an initial skeptic who explores the biblical teaching. While this is a reprint of an older book, the time difference doesn't dilute the message and this is a great introduction to speaking in tongues (what the bible says and how - particularly in America - the church has treated the gift) if the subject matter sparks any interest for you.

Thanks to Chosen Books and NetGalley for the review copy.

As someone who comes from the charismatic movement I have always been intrigued with how those who are not, see our practice of the spiritual gifts. John Sherrill was one such person. This is a reprint of an older release but I have never had the opportunity to read it.

First, I love the perspective given and the style used. To tell the story of his investigation into Holy Spirit baptism and tongues was, in my opinion, the best way to go about bringing his story about. He begins as a skeptic and through the process of first writing an article for Guideposts magazine then a book, he discovers the importance and truth of this incredible gift.

There are great amounts of scripture use as well as a wonderful us elf research across different times and from varying perspectives. This was important as it outlined for the reader what his journey looked like. Even including names of those he personally interviewed and the use of recording some who spoke in tongues to bring to linguists for deeper research – were these real languages.

I found the book encouraging and though many would say it’s not for them because of the topic, I suggest reading it. The path of discovery is worth it!

**I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. The are my personal thoughts.

They Speak with Other Tongues is simply extraordinary. It is a balanced approach to speaking in tongues and is one of the best I've ever encountered. I highly recommend it not only to those curious about tongues but also to those who have had that gift for any period of time. I love the authenticity of the author's account of his journey. It helped me to understand different facets of the gift as well as to understand the questions and concerns others have about it. Great read!

I liked the fact that this author started out as a skeptic, which may sound like an unusual sentence coming from a Christian. But to me, it gives the opportunity to a balanced examination. I believe this author went into it with a honest desire to be an objective observer. Which I think he accomplished along with his wife, Tib's input as well.
I was amazed to be able to hear stories of heroes of the faith that I had not heard of before. Of course, I know that there are so many people who have done great things for God that we don't know of. Why did I call them heroes of faith? Because they often gave up everything to go forward in what they believed to be true. And in these cases it went against the mainstream opinions. There was more than one example of the hostility that later came against those that spoke in tongues. It was shameful how supposedly godly people (ordained ministers, elders of a church and even lawmen) were used to threaten and try to stop them from gathering.
I didn't know that a man, Charles F. Parham (a Methodist minister) founded a school that helped spread the Pentecostal message. And out one of those schools an ordained minister(Seymour) became such a prominent figure when Azusa Street revival broke out. Now Azusa and Seymour I had heard of, but the time before that was news to me. So it was really good to read about more church history.
I especially enjoyed the impact David du Plessis and his experiences had on the author. There were quite a few really good people who added to the author's journey. It was also a journey that included searching the scriptures which were included. And there were quite a few helpful tips added as well.
I was so glad that there was an Epilogue, it was quite the journey. And this Epilogue was a really good way to end it. I found some of it really powerful! In the end, it is up to each reader what to make of what they have read.