I speak in tongue every time I order something at Starbucks.

Yes, I think it can happen. But I personally view it as a possibility of communication at a non verbal (or non linguistic / protolinguistic) level. By the way, speaking in tongues did not originate in Christianity. I just gave a detailed description of this as an answer to another question: http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/2650400 You can also find most of this information in this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossolalia

I think it's scary. I'm a Christian and I get scared when I see it happening...especially when it's accompanied by people 'falling over'...I can't imagine what people who have never been to church must think...

If you mean the people speaking in tongues in a religious ceremony.No I do not believe in speaking in tongues.

I have heard of many cases of nonsense, but that thing (glossolalia) takes the palm. If languages are designed to COMMUNICATE, then why on Earth should a superior intelligence or being chose to speak through a "language" nobody understands?

If anyone could show me a single instance in which a statement made in 'tongues' was accurately translated by at least two independent translators under reasonable experimental circumstances, I would believe it.

Nope, About four years ago went to a Pentecostal church for a few months. I fasted for two days, went to church about 5 days a week, would pray aloud in front of the whole congregation, was baptist in the name of Jesus, had the laying of hands done to me everyday I was there, supposedly had Jesus speak to me through someone else. My grades slipped to 70's for all of my classes because I had devoted all of my time to the church. I spent more money than I ever should have on tithing. After all of this they (and myself) still couldn't understand why I wasn't anointed in the holy spirit and speaking in tongues . At that point I was very confused with myself, my prayers were not being answered and I was on the verge of being retained in school. So I left the church, held on to Christianity a bit longer then dropped it in favor of science which inspired me to seek a more scientific career (something I would never have done in a pentecostal church). Personally, tongues to me is a state of mind (almost a hypnotic like state). Its similar to fans singing in a rock concert which it delivers the same "high", an emotional peak. Go watch the documentary "Marjoe" I'm sure you'll like it. ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSdI8ag1k0A

Yes, there are many cases in the New testament, and it is named as evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Other evidence is prophesying and praising God. Check a few Christian websites that explain Holy Spirit baptism, to get the other side of the issue. There are of course demonic tongues too (they sound like screaming profanity), and fake ones (lalala, for example). I speak in tongues myself, and have heard others, and I can tell the difference. Sometimes it turns into a recognizeable language spoken on earth, like French or Korean, which I don't speak naturally. It doesn't have to involve emotionalism any more than praying in one's native language does. Part of the brain can be at rest while another part of the brain is more active, but it's not like hypnotism because (unlike in the case of demonic tongues) the person doesn't lose control. They can stop it at any time they want to, but they might feel that the Holy Spirit wants them to continue for a while. In my case it helps me pray beyond the level of my own human understanding - "the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us..." Anyway, check some of those websites if you want more explanation.

It's a form of hysteria, nothing more or less.

I believe that speaking in tongues applies as much today as it did in the Apostolic Age. To me, speaking in tongues means that the Spirit gives you the words to use (generally in a foreign language) so that the listener understands. Paul said that if no one in the congregation understands it, it's just chaos and no one profits. I served a religious mission in Brazil. When I started, I only knew 10 words in Portuguese. When called upon to preach or teach, words would enter my mind - words *I* didn't understand, but which touched the hearts of those present. This gift isn't needed as much as it used to be; most congregations share a common language.

Yes I believe it comes from God. But the doctors think it is crazy. anyway.

i go to a pentecostal church but i am nondenominational. i went to a baptist church when i was younger and they had never ever talked about speaking in tongues, so the first time i heard it it really freaked me out. but then i read about it in acts. and it made a lot more sense. the fact that God uses it has a way to show his presence and his real-ness. i wish to one day be able to be blessed to get to hear what God has to say clearly and everyone else in the room would here gibberish. i think that is amazing. or that everyone in the room would here it in their own language. i think it would be amazing. i know i wanted to speak in tongues at one point, but its not just something you can do. God has to bless you with it. it says in the bible that everyone has different gifts. some are to be teachers. some are to prophetic. some are to be pastors. etc. we must be patient with God. and remember that everything is test for us to prove our love for God. for us to show him how far are love with go for him.