Glossolalia a Theological Position in Pentecostal Christianity: A Case Study of Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa Forward in Faith (Z.A.O.G.A F.I.F) Spirituality

Abstract

Pentecostal Christianity is a phenomenon that has been adopted by almost half of the total populace in particularly in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a typical example of a country that has witnessed the spread of Pentecostal Christianity mostly in southern Africa. Pentecostal Christianity has triggered a massive exodus of people from mainline churches commonly referred to as white missionary churches. The believers to this new wave of churches are attracted by the emphasis on gifts of the Holy Spirit particularly glossolalia (speaking in tongues) which have given rise to the development of a new spirituality among the Pentecostals. The study notes that almost all Pentecostal churches placed much emphasis on glossolalia as a prerequisite for appointment to the top leadership position.  Nevertheless, this paper also argues that glossolalia is a major source of conflict in the contemporary churches. These insights will be exemplified by the study of ZAOGA F.I.F and Apostolic Faith Mission (A.F.M) in the Zimbabwean context. The study observes that for Pentecostals like ZAOGA F.I.F and Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe (A.F.M) every believer has to undergo a spiritual test measured by a Spiritometer (glossolalia) as a gauge for being spirit filled. However, this paper argues that though speaking in tongues is so central in Pentecostal Christianity, it should not be seen as overriding other spiritual gifts. Furthermore, whereas the gifts of the spirit are vital, it is the fruit of the spirit which is esteemed more highly. This is the thrust of the paper which posits that Christian spirituality is not measured by a believer's ability to speak in tongues but by the fruit of the spirit produced thereof.  Here, the thesis does not seek to demine the significance of speaking in tongues or glossolalia per se, but to address the extremes of this phenomenon in both Pentecostals and non Pentecostals churches. The study is guided by the St Paul's understanding of glossolalia in the light of propagating a spirituality of tolerance, love and peaceable living among Christians of his time which represent different Christianities of today.