The Earlier Years of the Modern Tongues Movement: A Historical Survey and Its Lessons
by G. H. Lang. 80 pages, paperback, Schoettle Publishing.
If we are to rightly assess the nature of any movement we must begin at the beginning. The indisputable, divine principle written across all creation is, every thing "after its kind"; the fruit is in the root. Thus, the value of any history is best judged by the effectiveness with which it enables us to travel back in time, in an unbiased way. Only then can we draw accurate lessons from the past, for the present, in view of the future. Needless to say, where man and time are involved the task becomes more difficult. But when an eyewitness is obtainable, preferably more than one, then at least part of the problem is eliminated. Such is the unique character of the book under review. Scripture tells us "a threefold cord is not quickly broken. It appears the author's threefold cord consists of (1) his own eyewitness testimony,(2) the statements of those within the movement, especially at its inception, and (3) the first fruits of this movement (both doctrinally and morally) so early is its history.
But this is no cold, insensitive and embittered denunciation by the ignorant. The volume stands as a rare and valuable document for several reasons, not the least of which is the author's spirit of love with which he writes. He constantly seeks to acknowledge the good while faithfully exposing the error. Another significant feature of this book is the personal witness to some of the earliest events connected with the birth of Pentecostalism. Additionally, the quoting of some of its early literature and correspondence (long out of print) gives the reader an unusual opportunity of hearing things first hand.
The author's vigorous efforts at an objective evaluation deserves commendation. You'll appreciate the way he refrains from using "literature antagonistic to the movement". In fact, any historical documentation is from their own writings. Mr. Lang himself states "The Movement is considered here as recorded by its own leading representatives." pg 5 para 2
A unique and penetrating look at the three major centers for the origin of Pentecostalism: India, London and Los Angeles, gives the "reader's feel" for its roots. I felt I was given a rare opportunity to "Listen in" on the original conversations and correspondence between some of the founding fathers. The use of vivid narrative enables the reader to attend a public meeting and "house party" as it was related, first hand, by a prominent figure in the movement.
The author does not allow himself to get bogged down with those areas of Pentecostalism that are common to other groups of professed Christians. So we read on pg 25 "a movement cannot be tested by those features which it has in common with other Christians or bodies of Christians but only by the features peculiar to itself". Mr. Lang's strong investigative skills equipped him to render a thorough, factual and enlightening history. His God given discernment enabled him to wield "the sword of the spirit" in a simple but effective way. The result is the exposure and rejection of Pentecostalism's origin, nature and effect.
But it is not only the historical roots that are exposed but also the doctrinal roots, which would eventually bear such bizarre fruit. On pg 7 para 2,3 we read these words-"... this earnest group were from the start deficient in Bible teaching and therefore in power of discernment in things spiritual... Their chief theme was personal holiness; but they did not teach, but plainly rejected, present assurance of eternal life, and therefore, though there were conversations of openly evil men, and others gained some experience of holiness, they did not bring these into a deep and solid state of heart."
Mr.Lang performs a valuable service by revealing why proponents of this Movement are so totally convinced of its divine origin. They recite their experiences with the glowing conviction that what they're saying is the truth of God. Despite the fact that outside observers of the same incident give an opposite (and correct) report. The answer to this problem is sobering, to say the least, and ought to cause every Pentecostal/charismatic adherent to get alone with an open Bible before God.
From the historical section we are led into three chapters that demonstrate the practical value of such a narrative for us today. These are - Ch. VII Testing the spirits, Ch. VIII False Doctrine, and Ch. IX special Features. In the concluding chapter we see the heart of this writer in action as he tenderly takes the lessons and warnings of the book and, in a practical, loving and helpful way, turns them back upon the Movement's adherents.
At this point I must raise one strong objection to the way our writer decries the truth of the imminent return of our Lord Jesus Christ to rapture His assembly out of this scene (see pp 25, 26). In classic fashion he judges this truth by the poor performance of men, makes sweeping dogmatic denunciations and ends with a reference to three scripture passages, in tow of which he evidences a lack of clear understanding.
Finally, while not of a critical nature, two disclaimers must be made in order to protect the less discerning. (1) on page 5 para 4 the author states "I am privileged with the individual fellowship and cooperation of not a few ministers in the movement." After considerable contact with this movement (including a short history within it) it is this reviewer's option that any "cooperation would be counterproductive. Its Armenian and subjective nature appeals to the flesh and would tend to subvert, in its favor, any cooperation effort. (2) On page 5 para 4 we also find the passing statement "I reject the theory that this and other such gifts were not intended to be permanent in this age". The scriptures portray such "sign gifts" as being primarily connected with the apostolic ministry and thus temporary in nature. However, it's clear in this and other subsequent volume that the writer never believed this Movement to be of God. In fact, his closing remarks to this chapter describe it as "...the counter workings of the great Liar and Deceiver". To this I must add a solemn "Amen!"
In summary, the reader will find this a tremendously helpful volume written with a Pastor's heart and a historians pen. Mr. Lang's analysis is detailed yet succinct; a rare blend of the historical, doctrinal, and practical presented in a way that will penetrate where other works create walls. In an age of existential delusion, the republication of this historic book provides the serious Christian with a means of putting things back into historical and Biblical perspective.
George Cofresi