Misquoting Jesus with Bart Ehrman
What does it mean to be born again?
Feb 18, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, Bart Ehrman, a six-time New York Times bestselling author and Bible scholar, delves into the meaning of being 'born again.' He shares his journey as a former born-again Christian and contrasts the born-again experience with other Christian denominations. Ehrman explores historical nuances, personal transformation, and how the phrase has evolved within evangelical thought. He also reflects on Jesus's views about the term, offering insights into its implications for salvation and faith.
50:37
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Quick takeaways
- The born-again experience emphasizes a personal, transformative commitment to Christ that is crucial for salvation in evangelical Christianity.
- Jesus's discussion with Nicodemus about spiritual rebirth reveals complexities in the interpretation of being 'born again' that may differ from modern evangelical beliefs.
Deep dives
Understanding Born-Again Christianity
The concept of being a born-again Christian centers on the individual’s commitment to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, which is crucial for salvation in evangelical Christianity. This term emphasizes a personal transformation characterized by asking Jesus into one's heart, based on a specific passage from the book of Revelation. A fundamental aspect of this belief is the idea that salvation is a gift that one must actively accept, which marks a stark distinction from the traditional views of baptism and communal church involvement. Born-again experiences are seen as transformative, offering a new spiritual identity, and this notion has evolved over the years, especially within the context of American evangelicalism.
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