Born Again or Christian?

One of my biggest pet peeves is the title or description of "Born Again". I don't get irritated when people say they are "Born Again." It is more the use and what I really think is the reason this description came about. Before you might antsy, I recognize the scripture origin of the term directly spoken of in John 3:1-15 when Jesus is talking to Nicodemus. One more thing, the encompassing of born again in this context does not seek to address the sacraments of baptism or communion. This is discussing being born again in the Spirit, so there is no act of distinction between a “born again” Christian and conventional Christian. This does include the rebirth of spirit which will compel different actions, but how is that change any different from when a person makes Christ their Lord? I think it is the same transformation prompted by the Holy Spirit.

So I ponder, “What is the deal with people that call themselves Born Again Christian vs. Christian". I think it has become a term that Christians used to say that they are a different kind of Christian, one that has changed from their old ways. I am excited when someone leaves the old life behind; I tend to think such a display is manifested through something like Baptism. I look at Baptism as it being a public declaration and statement of one's faith. The difference in use is that when a person has been baptized they don't describe themselves as “baptized Christians”, yet those who choose to describe themselves as “born again” tend to use that as a prefix to their religious identification. I do not think we should need to declare that we are changed people because all those that know us ought to see it pouring out our skin. So what is the deal, why did this term/title come about?

I think people started calling themselves "Born Again" Christians from Christians because they wanted to describe themselves in a manner different than just “Christian”. It was a counter to the Christian culture in which one could not differentiate between a cultural Christian from one who has a personal relationship with Christ. To say that I am a born again Christian is supposed to mean something differently than to say I am a Christian. Why is that? What kinds of circumstances have happened in society that it was necessary to add a new title? Was it because “Christian” had become such a general term throughout society that people wanted to try to be different from everyone else? From certain perspectives I find that approach commendable because they were different and did not want to be associated with being just “Christian”.

It is easy to see that motivation. This nation has been described as “a Christian nation” for much of its history. In this identity though, the term Christian has apparently lost any tangible meaning. We have come to a point in society if one inquires “what religion you are” and the reply is "Christian", it is seldom an adequate description. Is anyone else unsettled with this? What has happened with the identification of Christ that people don't even know what it means? I insist to say that I am simply a Christian, I am a member of Presbyterian USA but that was not the question sought when people inquire of my religion. I think religion has the connotation of the archaic belief system that appeared as rules, not a freeing life-giving relationship with Christ, which mine is. It is sad that through the decades, “Christian” in the public sphere almost wholly lost any meaning. Somewhere in our history people realized that and wanted to be set apart from the masses that claim the Cross without knowing what it meant. My suggestion of the counter culture: I am a Christian, no more no less. Instead of making new descriptions for whom and what we are, I think Christians ought to reinvigorate the title associated with the belief. The term “Christian” originated as a derogatory term literally meaning “little Christ”, we could be so privileged to be mocked for our faith that others see Christ in our life to a point of derision.

This hit me a couple years ago. I was reading a newspaper article about a person who was described as born again, being convicted of a crime. I thought what was the point of adding that title? We ought not to claim something we do not live. I was also reminded of a story from the campus pastor at Azusa Pacific, they had a third party organization conduct a survey based on observation the percentage of the college who appeared to be Christian. The results were in the neighborhood of about 40% of the college population from the organization's estimate. While that might sound sad, how true is it among our youth groups, churches, and every other Christian organization? I know going through the youth group I am most familiar there were people of whom, Christ’s presence was clearly evident. I would be generous to say at any one point in time that would consist of 30-50% of the group. I know there were constantly new people and outreach constantly going but that figure reflected the core group. A similar example is found in the manifestation of the 80/20 Rule in ministry. Should it be? By no means it should not.

Something to consider, of all the people you know, how many are committed Christians? I am not calling us all to perfection, merely dedication. I weep for our society where there are so many people that do not know what Christianity is because they have never seen an authentic Christian. I am reminded of the staff T-shirts at church we were given after the staff conference and the bold statement "Be Like Me" on the front and on the right sleeve further instructions state “stand here, take notes”. When we received those shirts, I do not recall a single person not being intimidated by the boldness of the shirt.

My final example, it shakes me to recall it still, at Basic Training while I was just having small talk with one of the guys in my platoon, and he asked me "What are you?" in reference to my faith. I responded with "I am a Christian" and further explained that was all. His response was "oh, so you mean like you actually practice what the Bible says? That's cool.” a conversation that I am sure he has since forgotten but it hit me. A bit of a pat on the back but at the same time, could it be possible that he went his 19 years and I was possibly the first Christian that practiced the faith he claimed?

I am very discerning when I encounter people, anyone can claim they are Christian, and when you call yourself that to me, I will observe and hope you live it out. It is more than apparent that we have all encountered people who claim it but do not realize what they have claimed. Even my own filtering process is evident in myself how I have seen "Christians" misrepresent the faith. From my experience, I want to know that I actually share my heart with someone who actually shares the hope we have. I have no problem being open to other Christians, accountability is vital to encouragement and holiness of the Body. There should be no limits to having it with every brother and sister if they are so inclined.

Epilogue:  I am also reminded of extended family who came to Christ during the Jesus Movement in which "born again" was proliferated. For that personal experience, the title was important to their conversion experience. It is important to be sensitive to such experiences concerning our journey to faith, but we ought to also consider "why" still use the term of differentiation between orthodox Christians?