I have a question about being "born again"

[auntpolly]

We were talking about this tonight and we realized that we all thought that it meant something different when someone says they are "born again."

As a Catholic, I don't think there has to be any lightning bolt moment, and that salvation comes with prayer and personal and spiritual growth.

Some of my friends were saying that they'd been told by people who said they were born again that unless you "say it", you aren't saved. What does that mean?

What if you consider yourself a Christian, live a Christian life, and go to church, but you haven't had that born again moment - what happens to you if you die?

I'm interested in hearing from those Christians who take the "born again" part literally. I'm not looking for a debate; just an education.

 

[Talking Hands]

"Born again" refers to being born of the Holy Spirit after having accepted Jesus Christ as you Savior. It is not always a dramatic thing. I would say it isn't dramatic in most cases although for a few it may be. The term comes from the new testament when Jesus is asked how can one enter back into his mother's womb to be born again and he explains that one will not be physically born but must die to self and be born again through the Holy Spirit.

 

[Pugdog007]

For a Baptist, you are "born again" when you ask Jesus to come into your life (acknowledge that you believe in Him and that you intend to live according to His Word.) Once you do this, you are scheduled to be baptised.

 

[auntpolly]

Thanks for the answers, guys, but that stuff I kind of know - I just wondered, I guess, when people say you must be born again - just what are they saying.

 

[Beth76]

I'm no expert, just giving my perception. I always thought the term "born again" meant that someone had a falling out with the church (or was never part of the church) and saw the light, so to speak. And I consider the "born again" types to be rather--uh, how shall I put this?--very Christian.

 

[auntpolly]

I've had people tell me that Catholics aren't saved because we aren't born again and I'm really confused by this - I want to know what it is they think we aren't doing right and I also want to know, like I said before, what happens if they just haven't had their big born again moment and die.

It's funny when you start wondering something that's never occured to you before. I've been around people who have said they were born again all my life and never really stopped to think what exactly they meant.

 

[lyeag]

I've had people tell me that Catholics aren't saved because we aren't born again and I'm really confused by this - I want to know what it is they think we aren't doing right and I also want to know, like I said before, what happens if they just haven't had their big born again moment and die.

It's funny when you start wondering something that's never occured to you before. I've been around people who have said they were born again all my life and never really stopped to think what exactly they meant.

Are you sure you are up for this? I am Catholic, and some of the laundry list of things we practice that some religions have trouble with include: The Pope, confession, praying to the saints, icons, and we sprinkle for baptism, not full immersion. I am not say this is a complete list, just what I am aware of.

 

[Aidensmom]

I was raised a Catholic, and always have believed in and trusted God, but when I married a Baptist, he started challenging me on whether or not I was really "saved" or "born again". I argued with him for the longest time, and I actually did reach a point where I realized that there was a difference.

To me, and others in my church (independent church, though is probably closer to baptist than anything else), this means actually accepting the fact that it is not ME who is doing good things, etc., and that just a belief in God does not mean being a Christian (Satanists believe in God), but that admitting that you are a sinner and that there is no way you are worthy of God except through the acceptance of the fact that Jesus died for your sins, and that HIS taking away of your sins makes you worthy of God, and that it is only through HIM that you will be going to heaven is what makes you "saved" or "born again". In my personal life, this did come through a "lighting bolt" experience. (If you want more details, PM me).

My belief is that if I did not go through this transformation, I would be going to Hell if I died (which I am sure is what you have heard), though I can tell you that as a child it was God that got me through some very extaordinary experiences sanely. (And I do believe that all children go to heaven when they die, they are not held accountable until they are mature enough to be able to understand the concept of God.) But through experience I really believe that there is a big difference between being born again and just "living a Christian life" and going to church. Again, if you really want to discuss more, PM me.

 

[Aidensmom]

I'm no expert, just giving my perception. I always thought the term "born again" meant that someone had a falling out with the church (or was never part of the church) and saw the light, so to speak. And I consider the "born again" types to be rather--uh, how shall I put this?--very Christian.

I am most definately "born again" and well, am most likely not your definition of "very Christian". If you ran into me, you would not just automatically have that impression of me. I have tattoos, drink alchohol, listen to secular music the majority of the time, watch R-rated movies, etc, etc. On the opposite end, I do not curse, would never consider cheating on my DH, read the bible, and will not miss an opportunity to tell anyone about life through Jesus! Being born again is not a behavior, it is the acceptance that only Jesus Christ can save you from your sins.

 

[Gymbomom]

I would ask this to anyone, Catholic, Baptist, etc.....

When you are standing before God in front of the gates of heaven, and He asked you.
Why should I let you into My heaven?
What would you say?


Christians who are "born again" usually belive that beliveing on the Lord Jesus Christ and asking Him to be the ruler of their life is being "born again". Hence put in the Book of Life, and will receive admittance into heaven.

 

[auntpolly]

But through experience I really believe that there is a big difference between being born again and just "living a Christian life" and going to church. Again, if you really want to discuss more, PM me.

Of course I agree with this - but I think lots of Catholics believe this. What makes "born again" people think they don't.

I'm really glad for your spiritual awakening, but does that really mean that Catholics as a whole don't realize what you've described?

I guess I see lots of people who have the same belief you describe but just use different words to describe it.

 

[John VN]

Shortly after Pope John Paul ll died, Fox news had a born again person on and he came straight out and said that even the Pope was not going to Heaven but rather to--well--you know. I just don't get that kind of thinking, seems absurd.

 

[auntpolly]

Shortly after Pope John Paul ll died, Fox news had a born again person on and he came straight out and said that even the Pope was not going to Heaven but rather to--well--you know. I just don't get that kind of thinking, seems absurd.

Well, yeah, wow, stuff like that just makes me mad, and I know I'm going to seem argumentative when I said I didn't want a debate and all and I really don't want to be. I'm just really trying to understand.

 

[Reginak]

I have been a Born Again Christian for 30+ years. I was taught as many were taught that there many who are saved (or born again) in all churches including the Catholic Church.
However, membership within a certain church nor good works or being kind to all will not guarantee entrance into heaven---only asking forgiveness of sin, asking Jesus to be ruler of your heart and life and accepting his gift of salvation.

Love,
Reginak

 

[auntpolly]

Christians who are "born again" usually belive that beliveing on the Lord Jesus Christ and asking Him to be the ruler of their life is being "born again".

So how do people think Catholics aren't doing this?

Yes, this is it in a nutshell. I've been studying and praying and believing and asking for God's help all my life but never used the words "born again". What am I doing that is different?

 

[ToriLammy]

I have always looked at being "born again" as the same as Catholic Confirmation. It's an outward, public acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as your Savior and acceptance of the Holy Spirit.

 

[ophie]

The phrase, "born again," comes from the 3rd chapter of John...

As Jesus talked with Nicodemus, He said "...Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus 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, "Most assuredly, 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 again...

I don't really have any insight to offer. I just know sometimes it's helpful to have the source.

 

[auntpolly]

The phrase, "born again," comes from the 3rd chapter of John...


I don't really have any insight to offer. I just know sometimes it's helpful to have the source.

that's a very beautiful passage of the Bible - thanks for that posting it.

 

[Aidensmom]

Of course I agree with this - but I think lots of Catholics believe this. What makes "born again" people think they don't.

I'm really glad for your spiritual awakening, but does that really mean that Catholics as a whole don't realize what you've described?

I guess I see lots of people who have the same belief you describe but just use different words to describe it.

I never said anything about Catholics as a whole, I am sure there are 'born-again' Catholics, I do know some. It is an individual thing, not a denominational thing. Not all Baptists, or all Lutherans, or any other denominations are born-again as a whole. It has nothing to do with that. But if you are truly born-again, you will know it. I am not trying to debate, I am just relating my experience and that of others that I know. I only posted that I was raised Catholic to tell you I relate to what you are feeling right now, I have been right there. I understand your beliefs. You can be Catholic and born again. If you are, I am not trying to tell you that you are not.

 

[auntpolly]

I never said anything about Catholics as a whole, I am sure there are 'born-again' Catholics, I do know some. It is an individual thing, not a denominational thing. Not all Baptists, or all Lutherans, or any other denominations are born-again as a whole. It has nothing to do with that. But if you are truly born-again, you will know it. I am not trying to debate, I am just relating my experience and that of others that I know. I only posted that I was raised Catholic to tell you I relate to what you are feeling right now, I have been right there. I understand your beliefs. You can be Catholic and born again. If you are, I am not trying to tell you that you are not.

Oh, and I really didn't make you think that I was singling you out. Thanks for the answer - I'm just very curious about this right now.