Tongues and Scientific Research

Is there scientific data that corroborates what the Bible says about speaking in tongues?

A few months ago I was driving in my car listening to the radio. I don't remember the specific program I was listening to, but information given by one of the speakers caught my attention. This person was relaying what he had learned from a medical doctor at Oral Roberts University. The doctor had made the statement that when a person is praying in tongues, brain activity changes, and a part of the brain is active which is not used for any other thing.

Speaking in tongues, two hemispheres of brain and Oral Roberts

I was trying to think how I could communicate the problem people have regarding what is called “speaking in tongues” or sometimes, “praying in the Spirit.”

At the same time I was chewing over explanations, I was also watching the Discovery Channel on TV. At that moment, they pictured a huge crocodile exploding out of the swamp, snapping its jaws closed on a watering antelope. He thrashed about as he chewed and digested his prey. I received my inspiration for this article.

Keep in mind, I am a theologian and a psychologist trying to apply my training in both fields to the understanding of spiritual phenomena. My life has been devoted to spiritual experience and the understanding of the human mind.