William Harmening

Mystery at Corinth: Seeking a Jewish Answer to a Christian Mystery

From the Back Cover

In Mystery at Corinth, William Harmening takes a critical look at the modern charismatic doctrine of tongues against the backdrop of such ancient Jewish writings as the Mishnah and Talmud, and the historical record of the first century Jewish synagogue.

He begins by clearly defining the various doctrines and beliefs that guide the modern Charismatic Church on this issue, leads us through the historical development of those doctrines, and finally, utilizing the Rabbinical writings of ancient Judaism, provides a new and enlightening exposition of the New Testament scriptures that mention tongues.

His thought-provoking analysis demonstrates that the tongues of First Corinthians actually predate the New Testament narrative, and were employed by the Jews in their synagogue service long before Paul wrote his corrective discourse, thus refuting the view of tongues held by the modern Charismatic Church. For anyone who has struggled to understand this controversial aspect of modern Christian practice, Mystery at Corinth will serve as an important guide to further research and study.
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Table of Contents

1. An Ancient Mystery, A Divided Church
2. The Azusa Mission
3. Tongues in Scripture: The Book of Acts
4. Tongues in Scripture: First Corinthians
5. Tongues in History
6. The Galatian Problem
7. The Holy Language
8. Reinterpreting Scripture
9. Conclusion
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"Another interpretation related to diglossia has been recently offered by William Harmening, an instructor of psychology and criminal justice at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois...this naturalistic interpretation is ingenious...”

From “Tongues of Heaven and Earth: The Varieties of Glossolalic Interpretation”
By Marcos De Benedicto, D.Min
Editor at the Brazil Publishing House

Books by William Harmening

Academic Psychology
A text about the role of adolescent identity formation in personality development, particularly as it relates to juvenile delinquency. I am just beginning this text for Charles C. Thomas Publishers.
A new textbook I am midway through for Pearson Prentice Hall. I was recruited to write this one. Expected release date in mid-2011.
An integrated theory of criminality that looks at the developmental processes leading to deviant behavior. Published by Charles C. Thomas.
Theology
A critical assessment of the modern day Christian Church.
A new interpretation of an ancient mystery.
Autobiographical/ Humor
Seeking spiritual identity in a small Illinois town during the 1960s-70s.