Pastor challenges ‘tongues’ tenet

Robert Glenn Brown's lifelong struggle with Pentecostal theology led him to answer his and others' tough questions through Scripture and experience in his book titled "Pentecost Revisited."

Robert Glenn Brown’s lifelong struggle with Pentecostal theology led him to answer his and others’ tough questions through Scripture and experience in his book titled "Pentecost Revisited."

The spiritual gift of speaking in tongues is most pertinent to Brown, a Sequim resident, retired Navy chaplain and pastor, and ongoing missionary in Eastern Europe.

Speaking in tongues gave early Christians the ability to communicate in other languages and spread the Gospel.

Today, Christians debate if the spiritual gift still is available and/or relevant.

"Pentecost Revisited" addresses tales of Brown’s 50 years in the Assemblies of God and how his opinions differ from the church.

"I’m hoping it will create a dialogue with Pentecostals and noncharismatic Christians," Brown said.

"Pentecost Revisited" begins with Brown’s service in Vietnam and his internal debate with endorsing the Assemblies of God’s constitutional statement:

"The baptism of believers in the Holy Spirit is witnessed by the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance."

Brown uses New Testament passages as examples when answering questions such as:

• "Must baptism in the spirit always be initially evidenced by tongues?"

• "Can miracles, like speaking in tongues, happen today?" and

• "Why the ongoing division between Pentecostals and other evangelicals?"

"Pentecost Revisited" is available through Brown’s Web Site, www.code-zoe.com.

Through July 31, the book is on sale for $13.45 plus $4.95 for shipping.

Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.