What is a born again Christian.

[candypreet]

I really couldnt understand this. could some one please explain this term/belief.

[Mr. Drags]

I really couldnt understand this. could some one please explain this term/belief.
someone who has renewed their faith in God, particularly after a lapse in faith -- typically they become very active in their religious organizations and a bit zealous in their actions

[Lotimer]

In my opinion, it is someone who has become extremely wrapped in their belief that they defy reason and logic to the very end and also lose their individuality. Although some born again Christians do escape (I am one of them... Yep believe it or not I was a Christian.. I use to be a rather extreme one too, in my teenage years).

Many "born agains" tend to follow church interpretations of the Bible rather than their own interpretations. This is quite dangerous and is what has led to quite a few being rather intolerant of other religions, homosexuality, and other things, some even consider divorce a sin that cannot be forgiven, even in relationships involving domestic abuse.

"Born again" is not limited to Christianity IMO, it is in pretty much any organized religion that involves organized doctrine. It is, however, quite prominent in Christianity.

[candypreet]

Most born again christian I have met, have been christians from birth, so thats why I was ( and still am) confused

[Lotimer]

Most born again christian I have met, have been christians from birth, so thats why I was ( and still am) confused
Those are probably the kind that believe because you're baptised that automatically makes you a Christian. Quite a few believe that.

[NYC]

Most born again christian I have met, have been christians from birth, so thats why I was ( and still am) confused

They take an additional vow to say now I am even more religious than I was before.

[Job1315]

A born again Christian is someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. This person has prayed and asked Jesus to come into their heart and forgive them of their sins. The Bible says that this is the only way to heaven, to trust Jesus Christ and what he did for us. He died so we could have eternal life.

I hope that explains it better. If you are not sure that you would go to heaven if you died right now, say a prayer like this, but you have to mean it, "Lord, come into my heart and forgive me of my sins. I trust you and only you. Thank you for what you've done for me, in Jesus name I pray, Amen."

It doesn't have to be word for word, but if you really have faith in Him, and are sincere and want to go to heaven, just pray and ask Jesus into your heart. It has nothing to do with being born a Christian, because you can't. Read the story of Nicodemus and Jesus in John chapter 3. We are born sinners, but we are saved by grace, with faith in Jesus.

You need to know you're a sinner. (Romans 3:23)
You need to know we deserve death for our sins. (Romans 6:23)
You need to know that if we call upon the Lord we will be saved. (Rom 10:13)
You need to know that this gift of savlation comes from God. (John 3:16)

I hope this clears up your question. Will you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior? The Bible says that their is nothing we can do, we can just have faith. (Ephesians 2:8,9) Works will not get you into heaven, you have to believe in his Son, Jesus Christ. Will you accept Christ today?

Feel free to email me if you have questions.

:add18:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Will you accept his gift? Ask him into your heart, it's that easy.

[candypreet]

I thought all christians believed this. then waht is the difference

[Job1315]

Some people believe that the church will get you to heaven, others believe it is good works. The Bible is very clear that neither will get you there, only accepting Christ as your Savior will.

[DavesGirl]

I thought all christians believed this. then waht is the difference

YOu cannot be born a "born again" christian. You can be born into a christian family and your faith can be christian in principle, but that doesn't get you into heaven. You must accept the Lord Jesus into your heart, believing that He came and died for our sins. Unless you say it, and believe it, you aren't "born again".

[Professor]

In my opinion, it is someone who has become extremely wrapped in their belief that they defy reason and logic to the very end and also lose their individuality.

*shakes head in dismay*

[DavesGirl]

In my opinion, it is someone who has become extremely wrapped in their belief that they defy reason and logic to the very end and also lose their individuality.

Lotimer didn't like that I redded him and didn't do it publicly for this statement. So, Lot...here you go.

[Dora]

I don't even have the heart to get into this right now. But I can tell you this - I am a Christian, have been since I joined the church at 8. I drifted away for a while in my teen & young adult years, & rededicated myself after the birth of my child. I am not intolerant, brainwashed, missing my identity, mean spirited or any of that other crap. I do not think I am better than anyone - in fact, I am a miserable failure at my faith, because I cannot keep all the things I should. So if anything, I am less than anyone.

The name of the game, people, is love . Love of Christ and love for each other - no matter what . I may not like what you do ,or what you believe - but I will love you. Every stinking one of you. No matter how hard I have to work at it.

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all the mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:1-2

*thump *

[Dora]

And I'm sorry for losing my temper - but I get so everlastingly tired of, whenever the word "Christian" is used, everybody looking like they just stepped in dog poop. There are extremists everywhere, in every religion - and they are generally the most vocal, thus get the most attention. It gives the rest of us a bad name. :)

[Bman]

I really couldnt understand this. could some one please explain this term/belief.


Candy.. you're not the first to ask that question

There is nothing I can add to this explanation:


John 3

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicode'mus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicode'mus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." Nicode'mus said to him, "How can this be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.

[fuzzi pariah]

Most born again christian I have met, have been christians from birth, so thats why I was ( and still am) confused
You've had some good answers in this thread, are you still confused?

:)

Those who are 'born again' are following Jesus' directive: they are born again 'of the Spirit' (by the Holy Spirit of God).

It has nothing to do with what church you go to, what your parents believe, where you were born, baptism, communion, dedication, tithing, etc.

It's as simple as this: do you admit you are a sinner and need Christ? If so, then if you accept what He did for you to forgive your sins, then you are 'saved'.

See my sig below...

[fuzzi pariah]

I don't even have the heart to get into this right now. But I can tell you this - I am a Christian, have been since I joined the church at 8. I drifted away for a while in my teen & young adult years, & rededicated myself after the birth of my child. I am not intolerant, brainwashed, missing my identity, mean spirited or any of that other crap. I do not think I am better than anyone - in fact, I am a miserable failure at my faith, because I cannot keep all the things I should. So if anything, I am less than anyone.

The name of the game, people, is love . Love of Christ and love for each other - no matter what . I may not like what you do ,or what you believe - but I will love you. Every stinking one of you. No matter how hard I have to work at it.

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all the mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
1 Corinthians 13:1-2

*thump *
Very well spoken, sister.

May I have my Bible back, now?

;)

[Cali/Yank]

Born again is a parable, I believe. As is the parable of being "written in the book of the lamb" If all the names of those worthy of heaven are already written in the book, and the lord knows this already, then being born again is only an affirmation of the faith you already had.

[Job1315]

Just because God knows who will accept him and who won't doesnt mean that the Lamb's book of Life should be down played or ignored. Everytime a person accepts Christ as their Savior, their name is written in this book. This book plays an important role in the White Throne Judgement. If an unbeliever stands before God and is not in the book of life, then they are cast into the lake of fire.

Being born again means you come a new. If you are an unbeliever, you are walking in sin, but once you accept Christ you turn away from those things and go towards God. You become a "babe" in Christ and want the Word, just as a baby desires to be fed.

Besides a parable is a story with a deeper meaning.

[candypreet]

Thanks guys, I suppose this clears my confusion

[Redondo Bleach]

In my opinion, it is someone who has become extremely wrapped up in their belief that they defy reason and logic to the very end and also lose their individuality.
Sorry, my friend, but the above sentence is nothing but gibberish. It’s like say, “An atheist is someone who fearing hating dreading of God unhinged has become and stumbles over his tongue on the way to Hell.” If you’re going to complain about people who “defy reason and logic,” perhaps you should try not to defy the basic rules of grammar.

There may be a few inexperienced, naïve folks who think that born-again Christians have “lost their individuality,” but how anyone in this forum could believe such a thing is just too funny for words. Only someone with an ideological axe to grind, or a chip on his shoulder, could view such diverse personalities as Virginia, Nero, lamb ‘o God, Fuzz, and Job1315 as anything but “individuals.” Some of the Christians in this forum are scholarly and refined, some are down-to-earth and blunt; some are polite and longsuffering to a fault, some are sarcastic and humorous; some say to-may-to, some say to-mah-to….

But maybe a “lack of individuality” isn’t what really bothers you. Maybe it’s the fact that all these very different individuals love to proclaim the Name of Jesus Christ, and you simply can’t stand hearing it. Oh well: it’s nothing new….

Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! But wisdom is justified of all her children. (Luke 7:31-35)

Indeed.

[Redondo Bleach]

Some people believe that the church will get you to heaven, others believe it is good works. The Bible is very clear that neither will get you there, only accepting Christ as your Savior will.
Yikes! Where did this guy come from?

Seriously, brother, it’s a joy and an encouragement to see you here: welcome to the forum. You are badly needed in this place; just remember Matthew 5:11,12 and you’ll be fine. God bless you!


And I’m sorry for losing my temper – but I get so everlastingly tired of, whenever the word “Christian” is used, everybody looking like they just stepped in dog poop.
No sweat, Yvette: no apologies necessary. After all, you’re adorable and stuff. As for the dog-poop-stepping, people should heed the warning of scripture: “Beware of dogs” (Philippians 3:2).

:happy_04:

[Redondo Bleach]

By way of illustration:

My friend Corey is a roly-poly little man, about forty-five years old, who comes from Massachusetts. He and I are enjoying the hospitality of the Federal government at the same institution, where he is serving a life sentence for killing his mother and father with a baseball bat.

Corey is a very likeable guy, intelligent and witty, although those qualities are not always obvious, because his keepers see to it that he’s usually whacked out on Thorazine. He’s friendly, and responds to friendliness; he’s kind, and responds to kindness; he’s thoughtful, and responds to thoughtfulness. He’s also just as crazy as a rat in a coffee can.

What hope is there for a guy like Corey?

Some people, of course, would say, “To Hell with him! Why should he have any hope at all? How much ‘hope’ did he give his parents when he grabbed that Louisville Slugger? Hang him from the highest tree!” And it’s hard to argue with those sentiments; I’m glad I wasn’t on his jury. But the question remains: what hope is there for a guy like Corey? When he thinks about his crime (and he does think about it), and says, “How cleanseth thou this red right hand,” what answer is there?

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

Corey is one of the millions that have accepted that invitation. Crazy, homicidal, tragic Corey is a born-again Christian. Perhaps he should have been executed for his crime; perhaps life imprisonment was the correct sentence. In any case, he will live with his actions as long as there is breath in his body. But after that, he will enjoy an eternity of fellowship with His Savior --- and with all the other saved people of all ages.

Somebody says, “That’s the problem with Christianity. You can commit the most horrible crimes and get away with it!” Shut your lying, ignorant mouth: Corey hasn’t “gotten away with” anything. You have no idea whatsoever of what his life is like, or what agonies he suffers. But when he called on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ answered: Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)

Some smirking, self-infatuated pseudo-intellectual sneers, “Yes, that’s who Christianity appeals to: simpletons and nut cases. But I’m looking for a religion that challenges my vast intellect and magnificent powers of reason.” Go sit on a tack, you incredible popinjay: you aren’t looking for anything but a rationale for your own filthy, corrupt, rebellious nature. Corey is probably just as smart as you are, but unlike you, he was willing to humble himself and become “as a little child” before his Creator: and his Creator responded, and saved him, and will bless him throughout eternity.

When the day of judgment comes, I’ll be only too happy to stand alongside my brother Corey: and if you want to stand with the “sophisticated,” “intellectual” crowd, you’re welcome to ‘em. Corey has better sense.

:)

[candypreet]

:) good posts thank you:) :)

[MohammedAli]

What is a born again Christian?



It is a person on an ego trip who trades one form of pagan symbology for another pagan form of symbology. He / she is most likely a hypocrite materialist bound for the deepest pits of hell. He is a liar who needs to attract attention to himself for purely insouciant needs, and who shamelessly uses the conduit of superstition and transcendant religious beliefs, and the authority of the church to do it.

[Naqsh]

Um quick question - if i am not a christian - but i follow a montheistic faith - and believe in Jesus (not as a god but as prophet) do i get a shot at heaven?

[MohammedAli]

Um quick question - if i am not a christian - but i follow a montheistic faith - and believe in Jesus (not as a god but as prophet) do i get a shot at heaven?

If you are a well built, good looking woman, I will give you a shot at heaven, and more than that too.

[MohammedAli]

By way of illustration:

My friend Corey is a roly-poly little man, about forty-five years old, who comes from Massachusetts. He and I are enjoying the hospitality of the Federal government at the same institution, where he is serving a life sentence for killing his mother and father with a baseball bat.

Corey is a very likeable guy, intelligent and witty, although those qualities are not always obvious, because his keepers see to it that he’s usually whacked out on Thorazine. He’s friendly, and responds to friendliness; he’s kind, and responds to kindness; he’s thoughtful, and responds to thoughtfulness. He’s also just as crazy as a rat in a coffee can.

What hope is there for a guy like Corey?

Some people, of course, would say, “To Hell with him! Why should he have any hope at all? How much ‘hope’ did he give his parents when he grabbed that Louisville Slugger? Hang him from the highest tree!” And it’s hard to argue with those sentiments; I’m glad I wasn’t on his jury. But the question remains: what hope is there for a guy like Corey? When he thinks about his crime (and he does think about it), and says, “How cleanseth thou this red right hand,” what answer is there?

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (Isaiah 1:18)

Corey is one of the millions that have accepted that invitation. Crazy, homicidal, tragic Corey is a born-again Christian. Perhaps he should have been executed for his crime; perhaps life imprisonment was the correct sentence. In any case, he will live with his actions as long as there is breath in his body. But after that, he will enjoy an eternity of fellowship with His Savior --- and with all the other saved people of all ages.

Somebody says, “That’s the problem with Christianity. You can commit the most horrible crimes and get away with it!” Shut your lying, ignorant mouth: Corey hasn’t “gotten away with” anything. You have no idea whatsoever of what his life is like, or what agonies he suffers. But when he called on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ answered: Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2:21)

Some smirking, self-infatuated pseudo-intellectual sneers, “Yes, that’s who Christianity appeals to: simpletons and nut cases. But I’m looking for a religion that challenges my vast intellect and magnificent powers of reason.” Go sit on a tack, you incredible popinjay: you aren’t looking for anything but a rationale for your own filthy, corrupt, rebellious nature. Corey is probably just as smart as you are, but unlike you, he was willing to humble himself and become “as a little child” before his Creator: and his Creator responded, and saved him, and will bless him throughout eternity.

When the day of judgment comes, I’ll be only too happy to stand alongside my brother Corey: and if you want to stand with the “sophisticated,” “intellectual” crowd, you’re welcome to ‘em. Corey has better sense.

:)

All this we hear about this most wonderful Corey, the bat wielding parricide. It is spiritually uplifting to know that the lord has forgiven him his sins, because society sure as hell has not forgiven him, and probably never will.

[Naqsh]

If you are a well built, good looking woman, I will give you a shot at heaven, and more than that too.
Hey i am a guy.

[candypreet]

I met a couple of born again christians last month and became friends with them

[Sage]

Candy.. you're not the first to ask that question

There is nothing I can add to this explanation:


John 3

Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicode'mus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him."

Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicode'mus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"

Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.' The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." Nicode'mus said to him, "How can this be?"

Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."

For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God.

dontcha just love how they ask a question then they all rush to come up with some lame assed nonsence that has absolutly nothing to do with scripture but is nothing more than their own ignorant conclusions.

good post, you are right on the nose!

[Invisoclam]

A new attitude.
Oh wait a born again Christian...
Being born again is a new approach to your life, attempting to start all over with your newly acquired knowledge of the Scriptures.
People who go around saying that they are"Born again Christians" as a title/sect well, usually they are crazy people.

[LANMaster]

Hiya Candypreet! Great question!

Being born again is what happens when you surrender your heart to Jesus Christ, realizing that we are all sinners, and that we need Jesus Christ for our salvation.
Once that surrender takes place, we become a new creation. A power and a peace is born inside which grows and grows as fear and worry melt away.
And love .... WOW. I've never known love like this before. :happy_01:

[candypreet]

Hiya Candypreet! Great question!

Being born again is what happens when you surrender your heart to Jesus Christ, realizing that we are all sinners, and that we need Jesus Christ for our salvation.
Once that surrender takes place, we become a new creation. A power and a peace is born inside which grows and grows as fear and worry melt away.
And love .... WOW. I've never known love like this before. :happy_01:
but then I thought thats christanity itself.
What I meant to ask is what is the difference between a christian and a born again christian, and why is it that the latter considers his/her faith stronger?

[LANMaster]

I believe the two are one in the same.

I believe that once one becomes a Christian, they are already re-born again.

[MerlboroMan]

but then I thought thats christanity itself.
What I meant to ask is what is the difference between a christian and a born again christian, and why is it that the latter considers his/her faith stronger?

What everyone is missing is the simplicity of the question. Sure, use the John quote to explain where the term comes from, but miss the whole point.

Catholics are Christians but they're not "born again"
Answer 1: A born again Christian is a Protestant
Some Protestants do not believe Baptism as necessary means of Salvation.
Answer 2: A born again Christian may agree, but they definitely believe baptism is an intregal step in their walk with God.
Not all Protestants believe the Bible is "the Word of God" or the final authority on all matters. This is common with many liberal Christians.
Answer 3: A born again Christian is sola scriptura. If their preacher is preaching something other than what they Bible says, most will drop him like he's hot.
Not all protestant believe in free will. Calvinist our 100% predestination and therefore do not see any need to proseletyze.
Answer 4: A born again Christian is often evangelical, meaning he believes he is responsible for spreading the gospel and converting others to his faith.

These are just some of the characteristics but if you want the full definiton look up Chuck Colson's book "Born Again"

[candypreet]

What everyone is missing is the simplicity of the question. Sure, use the John quote to explain where the term comes from, but miss the whole point.

Catholics are Christians but they're not "born again"
Answer 1: A born again Christian is a Protestant
Some Protestants do not believe Baptism as necessary means of Salvation.
Answer 2: A born again Christian may agree, but they definitely believe baptism is an intregal step in their walk with God.
Not all Protestants believe the Bible is "the Word of God" or the final authority on all matters. This is common with many liberal Christians.
Answer 3: A born again Christian is sola scriptura. If their preacher is preaching something other than what they Bible says, most will drop him like he's hot.
Not all protestant believe in free will. Calvinist our 100% predestination and therefore do not see any need to proseletyze.
Answer 4: A born again Christian is often evangelical, meaning he believes he is responsible for spreading the gospel and converting others to his faith.

These are just some of the characteristics but if you want the full definiton look up Chuck Colson's book "Born Again"
that was informative, thank you, but I know one catholic girl who says she is a born again christian. I wish I knew her well enough to ask her this question

[MerlboroMan]

that was informative, thank you, but I know one catholic girl who says she is a born again christian. I wish I knew her well enough to ask her this question

Strong chance that she attends the Catholic church, but doesn't follow all of its teaching. If I were to guess, I'd say the primary reason would be that the Catholic church places a lot of emphasis on tradition and your friend places emphasis on scripture.

[candypreet]

Strong chance that she attends the Catholic church, but doesn't follow all of its teaching. If I were to guess, I'd say the primary reason would be that the Catholic church places a lot of emphasis on tradition and your friend places emphasis on scripture.
yes I suppose so.

[candypreet]

:) :) :)

[candypreet]

................:) :) .....:) ....:) ........:)

[Virginia]

................:) :) .....:) ....:) ........:)
Did you need an answer, candypreet?

[candypreet]

Did you need an answer, candypreet?

yes I do. are they catholics or protestants or ..............?

[Virginia]

yes I do. are they catholics or protestants or ..............?
Anyone can be born again (as described in John 3: 3-5). It is not limited to Catholic or Protestants or even "Christians" for that matter. I say this because the Bible, God's word, is not limited to a certain group but is open to all. I know many a Protestant and Catholic that are born again. The term "born again" is more widely used by Protestants who are eg: Baptist or Pentecostal versus Presbyterian or Methodist.

To be "born again" refers to a (re)birth of our spirit. In all of John 3, Jesus goes on to explain to Nicodemus what he means by "born again." I think reading the whole chapter would be insightful.

In case you're interested, there are some fundimentalist that take verse 5 ("unless he is born of water") so literally that they believe you have to be physically baptized by water to enter heaven.

[Portnoy]

but then I thought thats christanity itself.
What I meant to ask is what is the difference between a christian and a born again christian, and why is it that the latter considers his/her faith stronger?

Many people are born into a certain religion/belief system.
It is taught (some would say imposed) upon children by their parents, grandparents and/or society (see Islam).

As people get older and begin to question why they believe a certain religion/belief system, they have a choice to make:
ignore the questions,
explore for answers,
blindly follow
etc etc etc.

When a Christian questions these beliefs handed down to them (in whatever way) and decides that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, then they are said to be born again.

It comes from a place of inner inspection (much like Jihad is SUPPOSED to mean: inner struggle) and reflection on your place and Jesus, God and the Holy spirits place in your life. Finally, it is a committment to follow Jesus' message: not a religion, not a church. A message.

To summarize it is a re-examination of why you have your faith in Jesus Christ and a re-committment to God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit NOT because your parents are Christians, NOT because your church is Christian, NOT because the government says it is Christian but because you choose to follow Christs message and example in life.

You do not have to act in a funny way (praying loudly for all to see) you do not have to do penance publicly (flaggellation etc) you do not have to wear funny clothes that state your re-committment to Christ (funny hats).

Of course some groups fell that you do have to act differently and attend a certain church etc.

At its core it is a spiritual realization and acceptance of Jesus' message of peace, love and forgiveness because it is a good message and you want to live the life that Jesus showed.

[candypreet]

Many people are born into a certain religion/belief system.
It is taught (some would say imposed) upon children by their parents, grandparents and/or society (see Islam).

As people get older and begin to question why they believe a certain religion/belief system, they have a choice to make:
ignore the questions,
explore for answers,
blindly follow
etc etc etc.

When a Christian questions these beliefs handed down to them (in whatever way) and decides that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, then they are said to be born again.

It comes from a place of inner inspection (much like Jihad is SUPPOSED to mean: inner struggle) and reflection on your place and Jesus, God and the Holy spirits place in your life. Finally, it is a committment to follow Jesus' message: not a religion, not a church. A message.

To summarize it is a re-examination of why you have your faith in Jesus Christ and a re-committment to God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit NOT because your parents are Christians, NOT because your church is Christian, NOT because the government says it is Christian but because you choose to follow Christs message and example in life.

You do not have to act in a funny way (praying loudly for all to see) you do not have to do penance publicly (flaggellation etc) you do not have to wear funny clothes that state your re-committment to Christ (funny hats).

Of course some groups fell that you do have to act differently and attend a certain church etc.

At its core it is a spiritual realization and acceptance of Jesus' message of peace, love and forgiveness because it is a good message and you want to live the life that Jesus showed.


Anyone can be born again (as described in John 3: 3-5). It is not limited to Catholic or Protestants or even "Christians" for that matter. I say this because the Bible, God's word, is not limited to a certain group but is open to all. I know many a Protestant and Catholic that are born again. The term "born again" is more widely used by Protestants who are eg: Baptist or Pentecostal versus Presbyterian or Methodist.

To be "born again" refers to a (re)birth of our spirit. In all of John 3, Jesus goes on to explain to Nicodemus what he means by "born again." I think reading the whole chapter would be insightful.

In case you're interested, there are some fundimentalist that take verse 5 ("unless he is born of water") so literally that they believe you have to be physically baptized by water to enter heaven.

thank you

[Virginia]

My pleasure

[orrery]

Christians claim to be spirits in bodily shells.

They're like, bourne again shells.

[Redbrother]

Death is being "reborn".

[ELMIZMO]

Christians claim to be spirits in bodily shells.

They're like, bourne again shells.

MORE LIKE STUFFED SHELLS!

IS THAT WITH SAUCE? MMMMMMMMM!
NOW I'M GETTING HUNGRY.

[LANMaster]

MORE LIKE STUFFED SHELLS!

IS THAT WITH SAUCE? MMMMMMMMM!
NOW I'M GETTING HUNGRY.

Some non-believers like to say that we believe in the giant spatghetti monster.
While a believer with all of my heart, I do find this somewhat amusing.

So .... I respond to ELMIZO (evidently a non-believer) with the following ......

Refrain from the pastas analogy, else ye might be smoten by the noodly appendages.

I'm convinced that God loves humor. :D