The Idea of Rebirth

     I remember hearing about what it means to be a born-again Christian when I was a teenager. The idea confused me as I struggled to find my way in my part of the world’s religious landscape. As I grew older, I never rested on the idea of being reborn. Nicodemus seemed to voice my concerns with such imagery. How is one born a second time? It is impossible to have a second birthday.

     Years passed, and as I continued my theological studies, I realized something about my faith, the born-again idea did not work for me. The imagery regarding what Jesus meant by such a strange notion continues to offer debate today. For over two centuries, people attempt to make sense of the nature of being born anew. I hear Jesus reply to Nicodemus, “The wind blows, and you do not know from where it comes.” In other words, there is a ton of unexplained happening that can only find their definitions in holy mystery. In other words, I do not know how, but I do know the who. God is the source of all things.

     My conversion did not require an answer concerning being born again. I found comfort when I realized the Divine presence in my life and how God actively participates in the world. I discovered a wealth of love and support from the Creator of the Universe. No strange gimmicks scared me into discipleship, only faith, and holy love. Acceptance into the family of God does not depend on a recitation of a prayer or any other tangible experience. All that is required is the realization that the free grace of the Divine awaits our acceptance. Our commitment to a new way of being in the world transforms our hearts and minds to offer ourselves to God. A desire to be made whole leads to absolute peace.