Glossolalia and Altered States of Consciousness

Abstract

This study re-examines the question, hotly debated in the 1970,s. of whether speaking in tongues entails altered states of consciousness. The research involves a study of one hundred and eighty six past and present tongue speakers. It focuses on their experiences of the baptism of the Spirit and the first time they spoke in tongues, visions, strong emotions, physical manifestations, unusual events, tongues messages and interpretations, and 'everyday' glossolalia. It was conducted through fieldwork, interviews and questionnaires. Three general categories of experiences emerged. The first is one of disengagement: almost half of the sample, for example, had never experienced extreme joy while praying in tongues. The second is one of conflict between faith and doubt, of trusting in ‘the Lord’ despite cognitive conflicts. Finally there are altered state experiences. Sixty seven percent of participants experienced a climactic altered state during their baptism of the spirit, whether or not they became glossolalic at the time. Yet 59% had not experienced a religious altered state since this event, and for many 'tongues' had become a mechanical and essentially meaningless activity. Those who did have altered states tended to be those who constructed a meaning for glossolalia. Gender and affiliation to Pentecostal or Mainstream churches were also important. Differences between the participants’ experiences and 'classic' altered states are noted, and a typology of Pentecostal/Charismatic states is presented.