My experience with charismatic churches and Christian friends is that speaking in tongues is one of the gifts of the holy spirit and represents a "closer communion" with the holy spirit
yes it is one of the gifts but NOT everyone gets it. 1 cor. 12
I'm just now reading up on information from other Christians who say it's a sign of Satan, that the holy spirit's gifts didn't apply beyond the lifespans of the apostles, and that speaking in tongues or receiving visions, powers of healing, miracles, or indeed any messages from God, are in violation of Revalations which says God's Word cannot be added to.
Speaking in tongues, or making prophecies IS NOT adding to God's word nor is receiving visionsm healing etc. i believe itis the last chapter of John which states, '...greater works than these shall ye do...' Jesus was speaking and telling the apostles that those who follow im will do more than He was able to do while on earth.
it is not a sign from satan THOUGH satan will COPY inorder to deceive the unwary. plus the gifts do extend beyond the apostles life times or it would have been useless to give the gifts in the first place.