This book investigates the behavioral, psychological, and sociological origins of glossolalia to determine whether the phenomenon is linked to psychopathology or religious expression. The authors, A. Adams Lovekin and H. Newton Malony, synthesize decades of social and behavioral research to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding speaking in tongues. By examining contemporary Western religious practices, they evaluate the validity of various clinical and social theories surrounding the practice. The text serves as a scholarly bridge between religious studies and clinical behavioral science.

Experts and researchers in the fields of sociology and psychology frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the clinical aspects of glossolalia. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous examination suitable for professionals and counselors working with religious populations.