Critiquing: #077 — Gifts of the Spirit: How much should we value prophecy and tongues?

August 5, 2021 | Ask NT Wright Anything – Premier

Holy Spirit — Charismatic Churches — Spiritual Gifts — Speaking in Tongues — Prophecy and Healing

---

Episode Assessment:

		Commentary
Degree of Accuracy	C	The episode provides a generally accurate discussion on spiritual gifts. However, some claims lack detailed references or empirical support, which undermines the overall accuracy. Specific theological assertions would benefit from more rigorous scholarly citations.
Degree of Coherence	B	The content flows logically with a clear structure, effectively connecting personal experiences with theological insights. However, certain transitions between personal anecdotes and scriptural interpretations could be smoother to enhance overall coherence.
Absence of Fallacies	C-	While mostly logical, there are occasional instances of anecdotal evidence being used in place of rigorous argumentation. This reliance on personal stories and experiences can introduce biases and logical fallacies, such as hasty generalizations and appeals to authority.
Degree of Evidence	D+	The episode heavily relies on personal anecdotes and interpretations of scripture without sufficient external evidence or scholarly references. The lack of empirical data and rigorous evidence weakens the overall credibility of the claims made.
Degree of Testability	D	The spiritual and subjective nature of the discussed topics makes them difficult to test or verify empirically. The claims about spiritual experiences and gifts lack clear criteria for independent verification or falsification.
Rational Confidence	C	Confidence in the claims is moderate, based on the theological authority of NT Wright but lacks rigorous evidence to support all assertions. The subjective nature of spiritual experiences reduces the ability to confidently generalize the claims to all individuals.

Potential/Apparent Weaknesses:

1. Absence of Strong Evidence:

“The episode heavily relies on personal anecdotes and interpretations of scripture without sufficient external evidence or scholarly references.”

This reliance on anecdotal evidence reduces the degree of testability and the overall strength of the arguments. The discussion could benefit from incorporating more empirical data or scholarly consensus to substantiate the claims made about the gifts of the Spirit. For example, incorporating studies on the psychological and sociological aspects of charismatic experiences could provide a more comprehensive understanding.

2. Use of Anecdotal Evidence:

“A friend of mine in Canada was being interviewed by a parish where he was ordained, where he was hoping to go as rector. And somebody on the committee said, ‘Are you filled with the spirit?’ And he said, ‘Yes, but I leak.’”

Anecdotal evidence, while illustrative, does not provide a strong foundation for generalizing about spiritual experiences. The use of personal stories, though engaging, may not hold up to critical scrutiny in more rigorous academic or theological discussions. More systematic and empirical approaches to studying spiritual phenomena could enhance the robustness of the arguments presented.

---

Formulations of Major Arguments

Argument 1: The Nature and Purpose of Being Filled with the Spirit

Premises:

1. If one is a follower of Christ, then being filled with the Spirit is a key aspect of their spiritual journey.
2. Being filled with the Spirit is part of God’s larger plan to flood creation with His love and presence.
3. God desires diversity in creation, relishing in the distinctiveness of each being, including humans.
4. The Spirit fills individuals to make them vessels of God’s love and grace, working with their unique identities and capabilities.

Conclusion:
Therefore, being filled with the Spirit is essential for Christians to become vessels of God’s creative love in the world while maintaining their unique identities.

Counter-Argument:
The argument assumes that all followers of Christ will experience being filled with the Spirit in a uniform manner. However, the subjective nature of spiritual experiences can vary greatly among individuals. Additionally, the lack of empirical evidence to measure or verify being filled with the Spirit weakens the argument. Alternative interpretations within Christian theology suggest that the presence of the Spirit can manifest differently, and the emphasis on personal, mystical experiences may not be universally applicable or necessary for all believers. Furthermore, the argument does not address the possibility that spiritual growth and connection to God can occur through various means beyond the experience of being filled with the Spirit, such as through community, service, and personal reflection.

---

Argument 2: The Validity and Role of Speaking in Tongues

Premises:

1. Speaking in tongues is considered a gift of the Spirit mentioned in the Bible, particularly in 1 Corinthians 14.
2. There has been a significant increase in charismatic churches practicing this gift since the latter half of the 20th century.
3. Experiences of speaking in tongues vary, with some viewing it as a genuine spiritual phenomenon and others as potentially misused or misunderstood.
4. Personal anecdotes and testimonies suggest that speaking in tongues can sometimes convey messages in known languages unknown to the speaker.

Conclusion:
Therefore, speaking in tongues can be a genuine spiritual gift, though its practice and interpretation may vary widely among different individuals and church communities.

Counter-Argument:
The argument’s reliance on anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies does not provide a robust basis for generalizing about the validity of speaking in tongues. The phenomena described lack empirical support and are often subject to personal and cultural biases. Additionally, the interpretation of speaking in tongues as a genuine gift may be challenged by other theological perspectives that emphasize different aspects of spiritual expression. The subjective and unverifiable nature of these experiences limits their applicability and raises questions about their universal significance within the Christian faith. To strengthen the argument, it would be beneficial to incorporate historical and cross-cultural studies on glossolalia (speaking in tongues) to provide a broader context and understanding of this phenomenon within different religious traditions.

---

Argument 3: The Role of Spiritual Gifts in the Church Community

Premises:

1. Spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and healing, are mentioned in the Bible as tools for building up the church community.
2. Personal experiences and testimonies suggest that practicing these gifts can lead to spiritual growth and stronger community bonds.
3. Some churches and individuals report transformative and lasting impacts from engaging in spiritual gifts.
4. There is a debate within the Christian community about the emphasis and value that should be placed on these gifts.

Conclusion:
Therefore, spiritual gifts can play a significant role in the spiritual growth and unity of a church community, though their practice and emphasis may vary.

Counter-Argument:
The argument assumes that spiritual gifts will always lead to positive outcomes within a church community. However, there are instances where the emphasis on spiritual gifts can lead to division, confusion, and even spiritual pride. The lack of clear guidelines and the potential for misuse of these gifts can create challenges for church leadership and members. Additionally, the focus on charismatic gifts may overshadow other important aspects of Christian life, such as service, humility, and doctrinal soundness. To provide a more balanced view, it is important to consider both the potential benefits and the challenges associated with the practice of spiritual gifts within the church community. Incorporating perspectives from church history and contemporary theological discussions can provide a more nuanced understanding of the role of spiritual gifts in fostering spiritual growth and unity.

◉ The Absent Differentiation of Humans with the Indwelling Spirit of God

The Transformation and Distinction of the Indwelling Spirit

The transformative potential of a human indwelt by the Spirit of God should be immense, creating a profound distinction from one without such an indwelling. This proposition challenges the idea that the presence of God’s Spirit results in merely incremental improvements, leading only to the nature of a fairly good human. If the Spirit of God truly resides within an individual, the resulting divine attributes should manifest far beyond the fringe of virtue and power, significantly impacting their life and actions.

The notion that the indwelling of God’s Spirit results in only moderate enhancements contradicts the scriptural and theological expectations of a radical transformation. The New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul, emphasizes that the presence of the Holy Spirit leads to profound changes, including the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These virtues are not just minor improvements but reflect a deeper, more intrinsic change in character and behavior.

Furthermore, the concept of divine power within a believer suggests that their life should exhibit more than just moral goodness. Miraculous works, boldness in faith, and a heightened sense of purpose and direction are indicative of a life filled with the Spirit of God. The Acts of the Apostles provides numerous accounts of early Christians performing miracles, speaking with boldness, and exhibiting extraordinary faith and wisdom, all attributed to the indwelling Spirit. This historical precedent sets a high bar for what should be expected from someone truly filled with God’s Spirit.

Wright’s suggestion that the improvements are moderate may stem from a desire to emphasize humility and prevent spiritual arrogance. However, it is crucial to balance this perspective with the understanding that the indwelling Spirit is a source of divine empowerment. Believers are called to be “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4), indicating a significant transformation that goes beyond human virtue. This participation in divine nature implies that the attributes of God, such as wisdom, strength, and holiness, should be evident in a believer’s life in a way that distinctly sets them apart.

The Spirit’s indwelling also has communal implications, as it empowers believers to contribute to the body of Christ in unique and powerful ways. Spiritual gifts, such as prophecy, healing, and discernment, are manifestations of the Spirit’s power and are meant to build up the church and demonstrate the reality of God’s kingdom. These gifts are not merely fringe benefits but central to the life of the church and the believer’s identity.

In conclusion, the difference between a human without the indwelling Spirit of God and one with it should indeed be immense. This transformation should be evident in both character and power, reflecting the divine attributes significantly. This is not what we see.

---

We warmly welcome your thoughts and invite you to discuss this topic further in the comments section below. Let’s explore together the profound impact of the indwelling Spirit and share our experiences and insights.