born again Christians

by ymrah 212 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • ymrah
    ymrah

    As I'm having some serious differences with some friends about the born again attitude I would like to get some information on their origins, practices and what they actually believe Help me somone Please

    ymrah

  • gumby
    gumby
  • ozziepost
    ozziepost

    The list provided here by Gumby shows that, strictly speaking, ALL Christians are "born again" and this is much like the Borg's position as taught in "Reasoning from the Scriptures". Regrettably, amongst the R&F, the expression "born again" has become degraded to the point where to call someone born again is a derogattory expression.

    Cheers, Ozzie

  • bluesapphire
    bluesapphire

    I hate the stupid idiotic born again prayer: Lord please come into my heart I accept you as my lord and savior. Just one person -- anyone -- show me where any Christian said this type of prayer in the bible or in any post-apostolic period literature.

    I'm only culturally Catholic but I do believe the Catholics got this one right. A person is born again by being baptized with "water and the spirit". That means all baptized Christians are "born again."

  • Dansk
    Dansk

    ymrah has actually started a good thread, because I'm often perplexed as to why an exJW would become a 'Born Again' in the first place. I am amazed that so many do. Is it because when one leaves the Borg one feels the need to be some kind of Christian?

    I've found that some BAs can be as heavy as JWs. When I first came out of the Borg I contacted 'Reachout Trust', which has a website. It was very helpful, but I found out my telephone number had been bandied about and I was then bombarded by BAs telling me I was being drawn to Christ. It got so bad I had to ask for the calls to cease. I guess the callers meant well, but one doesn't need to receive such heaviness - at least I didn't - at such a traumatic time. And leaving the Borg CAN be traumatic!!

    I believe BAs believe in a literal hell fire (?). If that's the case, you can keep it. Many of the people themselves are really nice and friendly, but I believe there's a real danger of coming out of the frying pan into the fire, so to speak. One needs to chill out for at least six months after leaving the Borg, to be able to take stock of matters. Then, if being a BA is for you, fine! Personally, I don't trust the Bible and, therefore, by implication I don't trust any organisation/religion that purports to abide by it.

    Dansk - now living to try and produce good Karma

  • LittleToe
    LittleToe

    BlueSapphire:
    Whilst I appreciate what you're saying about all Spirit and water baptised Christians being born again, it's the spirit part that may be lacking in some instances. The Catholic faith is "paedobaptist", and I would suggest that many babies haven't necessarily been baptised by the Spirit. Does that then automatically make them "born again Christian's"? I would suggest not.

    Dansk:
    Born again isn't a religion, it's a state of life.
    I was "born again" before I left the JW's, in fact it was this "spititual experience" that set me on track for leaving them.
    I should add that doctrinally, not all Christians believe exactly the same thing, but that's ok because it's allowed! It's the wonder of Christian liberty, something that the WTS has no concept of.

    Personally I have a wide range of beliefs, some of which are completely at odds with folks who may occupy the same pew as me.
    As for Hellfire, I've personally reserved judgement on that one. I'm really not sure. That doesn't negate my being "born again". Further, my disbelief in that concept also doesn't negate it's validity. Hell fire may very well exist (as per Revelations, and the Rich man and Lazarus), and I have no way of testing that, beyond what it written in scripture.

  • ozziepost
    ozziepost
    organisation/religion

    THAT word again!!

  • Dansk
    Dansk
    organisation/religion

    Yeah, sorry Ozzie - but it was intended. You see, I'm suspicious of the whole 'Christian' caboodle these days - though I respect the likes of Little Toe. If he's happy, fine!

    BTW Little Toe, when you're next Manchester way please let me know. You're welcome to come round.

    Dansk

  • El Kabong
    El Kabong

    How to Be Born Again

    He forgot the part about giving, collection baskets, and tithing, My experience shows that no matter what the subject of the sermon is, it always ends up on those 3 points.

    Then I watch the Pastor drive away in their Caddy/Lincoln/Mercedes/BMW/Lexus.

    Sadly, all religions seem to only care about Dead Presidents. Not God. They just use God to get more Dead Presidents.

  • LittleToe
    LittleToe

    Dansk:
    I'd love to meet you! Hopefully there's still a Manchester bash at the end of May, when SpiceItUp is coming over form Florida. I intend to make it, if at all possible. I'd love to see you there.

    El Kabong:
    The church that I usually attend has rarely mentioned money, other than an annual "Thanks" for contributions, usually in January. There's a voluntary collection plate at the door, but it's not passed around.

    Services are about worship, not fundraising (albeit I once went to a church where they had a 15 minute part on it - I didn't like that, either).
    Like most things to do with religion, you can't really stereotype even churches within the same denomination, since there will be a WIDE variety in practices.

    I would further emphasise. That still has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with being "born again".

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