Born Again

What exactly does that mean in religious terms?

 

This is where the phrase comes from...

Being "born again" is one of the doctrines that separates Christianity from Judaism, and probably Islam. Judaism teaches repentance and sacrifice to 'clean up' our sinful ways. The Christian principle of being born again is the idea that whomever commits to following Jesus as Lord and accepts His offer of salvation by grace is given a brand new spirit -- a new part of the soul that reconnects people back to fellowship with God.

Does that make sense?

 

Born Again is a term that I really hated growing up. I grew up in a Lutheran Church that didn't use it much and the term for me meant someone who was a little too fanatical.

It wasn't until I accepted Christ at the age of 43 that I began to understand on some beginning level what it means. Its basically change. You accept Gods gift of salvation and yield to the Holy Spirit.

I can only speak from my personal experience but gradually my life changed to the point that many of the destructive things I was doing simply weren't as attractive as they were before. I was filled with a passion to read the bible which was pretty strange. I found incredible peace and joy whenever I did something that I thought God was telling me to do. That made my faith stronger.

It wasn't something I set out to do but the changes have brought peace and joy into my life.

 

Rob is cool

 

Rob it smart too!

 

This one of the true benefits of religion. Life changing(for the better) moments in peoples lives that make life more productive for themselves and the people around them.

The part about religion that has always hit me hard was the part were people use religion as an excuse to cause harm to others. As the old axiom goes, More people have been killed in the name of religion than from all the wars put together. Not sure of the veracity of that statement, but it has always given me pause.

 

Thanks for the compliments spud and VI.

I think that's a religion verses relationship issue. Also people will use religion as a front sometimes. I remember reading about a group of escaped criminals who were constantly playing Christian music and conducting bible studies in a campground where they were hiding. Evil exists in the world and throughout history has manifested itself disguised as something good.

 

Do you think, without religion, that your outlook would have changed anyway due to maturity? I don't mean this as a belittling question as I understand the happiness and contentment you now have in your life. But, I have basically the same thing and I'm not religious at all.

 

Well, yes and no. It makes sense in that I understand the definition. What I don't fully grasp is this: If I was raised Catholic from birth, attended church, followed the doctrines to my best (human) ability, and lived a good life but my spirituality stayed on an even keel throughout, would I not reap the benefit (I know that's not the proper word) of being born again? Can a person only be born again if they have turned away from the church and come back?

 

No I don't. I was happy before. Happiness and joy are two different things. I am doing things now that I never thought I would do. I never thought I would be leading bible studies with my athletes (I coach swimming professionally), playing an active role in the children's ministry at church (it requires dancing around and I am rhythmically challenged), or attending small group meetings on Friday nights. These are things that I feel God has led me to do and nothing is more satisfying than doing Gods will. I have heard it said that "There is a God shaped hole in every persons heart that can only be filled with Him." That seems to fit my experience.