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A review by aegagrus
Glossolalia and the Problem of Language by Nicholas Harkness
3.75
Harkness makes several persuasive arguments. His discussion of the "language ideology" giving justification to Korean glossolalic practice is compelling (cleverly asking why glossolalists understand their activities in terms of language). His chapter on the connection between glossolalia and evangelical theology is extremely interesting, focusing on the evangelical emphasis on the Word as an entity which is eternal, but actively moves and travels amongst peoples. Notable here is the distinction he raises between a Presbyterian megachurch, which sees the Word as "inversely related" to earlier forms of divine intervention (i.e., argues that miracles become obsolete once the Gospel is received in its fullness), and a Pentecostal megachurch, which argues that the Word travels via narration and belief, and participating in this travel (e.g. through glossolalia) is necessary to tap into the metaphyiscal power of "nonrational" promises of the bible. Lastly, Harkness sheds light on the group dynamics of glossolalia -- the deep ambivalence and mixed emotions glossolalia brings up among Korean Christians, and the way in which it becomes a tool for navigating large-scale public prayer events, demonstrating public participation while also occluding the content of one's dialogue with the divine from other participants. Occasionally Harkness' conclusions on these themes suffer from being excessively esconsed in academic jargon and conceptual artifice, but his major points are clear.
Some parts of Harkness' work feel somewhat disconnected from his main theme, and certainly from his chosen title. When he discusses the process of translation during a "crusade" held by Billy Graham in Seoul, the issues surrounding heterodox/"heretical" Korean sects and extreme practices like the laying-on of hands, and the particular spiritual and socioeconomic concerns of Korean Christians, his discussion does not always feel essential to the book's putative theme. One almost feels that this book would have been more effective as a contextual discussion of many of the charismatic and evangelical practices which pervade Korean protestantism. Alternately, Harkness could have devoted more ink to explaining the ways in which his (fascinating and very appropriate, but somewhat idiosyncratic) case study relates to the broader practice of glossolalia.
Some parts of Harkness' work feel somewhat disconnected from his main theme, and certainly from his chosen title. When he discusses the process of translation during a "crusade" held by Billy Graham in Seoul, the issues surrounding heterodox/"heretical" Korean sects and extreme practices like the laying-on of hands, and the particular spiritual and socioeconomic concerns of Korean Christians, his discussion does not always feel essential to the book's putative theme. One almost feels that this book would have been more effective as a contextual discussion of many of the charismatic and evangelical practices which pervade Korean protestantism. Alternately, Harkness could have devoted more ink to explaining the ways in which his (fascinating and very appropriate, but somewhat idiosyncratic) case study relates to the broader practice of glossolalia.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Minor: Colonisation and Death