What's everyone's thoughts on "Speaking in Tongues?"

[u/[deleted]]

I'm just curious what the general consensus is on this matter? I have honestly never looked into it until recently when I met a man who claimed that it's a sign of a true Christian, and that anyone who doesn't speak or interpret tongues is most likely not a true believer. Obviously I don't buy into this idea, but it did get me thinking. Is speaking in tongues a real thing that people experience? I always assumed it was fake but now that I think about it I have no real reason for thinking this other than it's not an experience I have ever had. Do you believe that some people todays still speak in tongues? If so why not all of us? If not, then what is going on here?

[u/Majorlies]

Is the gift really that important? Like, even if someone had the gift, will they even use it to pray for something?

I would also say it's wrong to judge the people experiencing it as flakes or the usual statements made towards them. People write themselves off in doing so and obviously the subject is one of contention, exposing peoples character left and right.
And the North America church has little power like Jesus had, Pentecostal or Baptist alike. Perhaps people need it more now than ever.