Abstract
Over the course of the twentieth century, the Roman Catholic understanding of speaking in tongues shifted from viewing the gift as always and exclusively xenolalia (infused knowledge of foreign languages) to a view of tongues as primarily glossolalia (inspired praise not in any known human language). This theological shift is reflected in standard Catholic reference works and in the ordinary teachings of the Catholic magisterium. This shift was a result of Catholic acceptance of historical-critical study of Scripture, a new understanding of charisms, ecumenical openness to the gifts of other Christian traditions, and most significantly, the rise of the Charismatic Renewal within the Catholic Church. This shift is possible within the Catholic understanding of the relationship of Scripture, tradition, and magisterium.
Recommended Citation
Gresham, John, "The Modern Shift in the Roman Catholic Understanding of Speaking in Tongues" Spiritus: ORU Journal of Theology Vol. 11, no. 1 (2026): 21-40. 10.31380/2573-6345.1401
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