So. Baptist Prez Enters Debate on 'Private Prayer Language'
by Allie Martin
November 2, 2006
(AgapePress) - - The president of the Southern Baptist Convention is offering his views on the debate in the denomination about the merits of a "private prayer language." Last month Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) approved a statement taking a stance against contemporary charismatic practices, including the use of a private prayer language -- sometimes referred to as "speaking in tongues." The statement was prompted after Texas pastor and SWBTS trustee Dwight McKissic endorsed the use of a private prayer language during a chapel sermon.
McKissic believes the issue should be addressed through the Baptist Faith and Message, the denomination's confession of faith -- but SBC president Frank Page disagrees.
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Dr. Frank Page |
"I guess I would have to say honestly that I'm not certain if it ought to be in the Baptist faith message," says Page, "because I don't know, really, where other Southern Baptists fall. I think I know." Page contends the issue can be dealt with outside of the confession of faith. "I do believe that there are varying interpretations regarding the issue of private prayer language," says the SBC president. "And because I do believe there are varying interpretations, I believe it is okay to believe one way or the other." Page says he does not personally practice a private prayer language.
"I believe that this is an issue we need to approach very carefully," he continues. "Now, if we put something in the Baptist faith and message, it is a confession of faith that we would say is our primary means of interpreting a passage."
Page says he believes most Southern Baptists would subscribe to the view that the use of tongues has ceased. The president of SWBTS, Paige Patterson, has defended the seminary's ban on private prayer language, saying it was important for the school to remain faithful to Baptist witness and distinctions.
Allie Martin, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
