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Within evangelical Christianity, the concept of being "born again" signifies a spiritual regeneration of the human spirit, understood as distinct from biological birth.
Answer: True
Explanation: The concept of being "born again" fundamentally refers to a spiritual rebirth or regeneration of the human spirit, a process distinct from one's physical genesis, as understood within evangelical theology.
Nicodemus demonstrated a full comprehension of the spiritual implications inherent in Jesus's statement regarding being born "from above."
Answer: False
Explanation: Nicodemus's initial response indicated a literal interpretation of Jesus's words, suggesting he did not immediately grasp the spiritual dimension of being born "from above."
Historically, the majority of Christendom has interpreted "born again" primarily as a personal, emotional conversion experience that occurs subsequent to baptism.
Answer: False
Explanation: Historically, in most of Christendom, "born again" has been understood in relation to the sacrament of baptism as the means of spiritual regeneration, rather than solely as a post-baptismal emotional conversion experience.
Scholars specializing in the historical Jesus generally accept the dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3 as a verifiably accurate historical account of a public discourse.
Answer: False
Explanation: Scholars of the historical Jesus typically regard the conversation in John 3 with skepticism due to its recording as a private dialogue solely within John's Gospel, lacking corroboration from other sources.
Which biblical passage is cited as stating that Nicodemus must be "born again" to perceive the kingdom of God?
Answer: John 3:3
Explanation: The Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 3, records Jesus's statement to Nicodemus: "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
How did Nicodemus initially interpret Jesus's statement regarding the necessity of being "born again"?
Answer: He took it literally, asking how an old man could re-enter his mother's womb.
Explanation: Nicodemus's response, "How can a man be born when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?", demonstrates a literal misunderstanding of Jesus's spiritual metaphor.
The Greek term *anothen* (ἄνωθεν), employed in John 3:3, possesses a dual semantic valence pertinent to the discourse. What are these two primary interpretations?
Answer: "Again" and "From Above"
Explanation: The Greek word *anothen* carries a dual meaning: it can signify "again" (referring to repetition) or "from above" (referring to a divine origin), a nuance central to Nicodemus's initial confusion and Jesus's subsequent explanation.
According to 1 Peter 1:23, believers are born again "not of corruptible seed, but of what?"
Answer: "...by the word of God, which is incorruptible."
Explanation: First Peter 1:23 states that believers have been "born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever."
Scholars of the historical Jesus generally treat the conversation in John 3 with skepticism because:
Answer: It details a private conversation recorded only in John's Gospel.
Explanation: The skepticism among historical Jesus scholars regarding the John 3 narrative stems from it being a private conversation recorded exclusively in John's Gospel, lacking external corroboration and potentially reflecting later theological developments.
According to *Encyclopædia Britannica*, "rebirth" has often been identified with what?
Answer: A definite, temporally datable form of "conversion."
Explanation: *Encyclopædia Britannica* notes that "rebirth" has frequently been equated with a distinct, temporally identifiable "conversion" experience, characterized by a realignment of the will and a new perception of life.
The doctrine of being "born again" is considered a central tenet primarily within Orthodox and Roman Catholic ecclesiastical traditions.
Answer: False
Explanation: While the concept of spiritual rebirth is present, the specific emphasis on being "born again" as a central doctrine is more characteristic of evangelical and certain Protestant denominations than of Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, which historically emphasize baptismal regeneration.
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer within the Anglican tradition affirms baptismal regeneration, directly associating the sacrament of baptism with the concept of new birth.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1662 Book of Common Prayer, alongside Article 15 of the 39 Articles, reflects a view of baptismal regeneration, linking the sacrament of baptism directly to the experience of new birth within the Anglican tradition.
The *Catholic Encyclopedia* posits that the promise of being Abraham's seed is exclusively applicable to individuals of direct Abrahamic lineage.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Catholic Encyclopedia* addresses the interpretation of Abraham's seed, noting that the First Epistle of Peter extends this promise to all believers in Christ by faith, not solely to physical descendants.
The *Catechism of the Catholic Church* affirms that baptism integrates an individual into the Body of Christ and confers an indelible spiritual mark.
Answer: True
Explanation: According to the *Catechism of the Catholic Church*, baptism effects incorporation into the Body of Christ, adoption as a child of God, and seals the individual with an indelible spiritual mark.
The *National Directory of Catechesis* defines "conversion" exclusively as the reception of the sacrament of baptism.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *National Directory of Catechesis* defines conversion as the acceptance of a personal relationship with Christ and a commitment to conform one's life to His teachings, extending beyond the mere reception of baptism.
Catholic sources, such as Catholic Answers, contend that a personal conversion experience is the primary pathway to being "born again," distinct from the sacrament of baptism.
Answer: False
Explanation: Catholic sources, including Catholic Answers, generally assert that proper water baptism is the essential "Bible way" to be born again, contrasting with some evangelical views that emphasize a distinct conversion experience.
Which of the following denominations is NOT explicitly identified in the source material as considering "born again" a core doctrine?
Answer: Orthodox
Explanation: The source material indicates that "born again" is a core doctrine for various evangelical and Protestant denominations, but it is not presented as such for the Orthodox Church.
What does the *Catechism of the Catholic Church* state is conferred through Baptism?
Answer: Incorporation into the Body of Christ and an indelible spiritual mark.
Explanation: The *Catechism of the Catholic Church* teaches that Baptism makes the recipient a new creature, an adopted child of God, incorporates them into the Body of Christ, and seals them with an indelible spiritual mark.
In the context of the "New Evangelization," what does the *National Directory of Catechesis* define as "conversion"?
Answer: The acceptance of a personal relationship with Christ and conforming one's life to His teachings.
Explanation: The *National Directory of Catechesis* defines conversion as the embrace of a personal relationship with Christ and a commitment to align one's life with His teachings, signifying a disciple's adherence.
How do Catholic and Evangelical sources differ on the meaning of being "born again"?
Answer: Catholics historically link it to proper water baptism; Evangelicals emphasize a distinct conversion experience.
Explanation: Catholic perspectives often associate being "born again" with the sacrament of baptism, while many evangelical viewpoints emphasize a distinct, personal conversion experience as the primary marker.
In Christian theology, the "new birth" is understood to occur exclusively after a person reaches adulthood and undergoes a formal church trial.
Answer: False
Explanation: The understanding of the "new birth" varies, but it is not exclusively tied to reaching adulthood and undergoing a formal church trial; theological interpretations often focus on spiritual transformation and commitment.
Theologian Frank Stagg posited that the emphasis on "above" in the phrase "born from above" directs the origin of new life towards terrestrial sources.
Answer: False
Explanation: Theologian Frank Stagg argued that the emphasis on "above" in "born from above" signifies Heaven as the source of new life, not Earth.
Theologian Charles Hodge cataloged scriptural terminology for the subjective transformation effected by divine grace, including "new creation" and "renewing of the mind."
Answer: True
Explanation: Charles Hodge's compilation of scriptural terms for the subjective change wrought by God's grace indeed includes phrases such as "new creation" and "renewing of the mind."
Anabaptist theology asserts that salvation is achieved solely through "faith alone," with the sacrament of baptism administered only in later life.
Answer: False
Explanation: Anabaptist theology posits that salvation involves a comprehensive process including repentance, self-denial, faith, and obedience, with baptism occurring subsequent to this new birth experience, rather than salvation being solely through "faith alone."
According to Baptist theological tenets, an individual is considered "born again" upon receiving baptism by a minister, irrespective of their personal faith commitment.
Answer: False
Explanation: Baptist teaching emphasizes that being "born again" is a result of personal belief and trust in Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice, not merely the act of baptism administered by a minister.
Moravian Christianity prioritizes a process of intellectual assent to theological doctrine as the principal characteristic of spiritual conversion.
Answer: False
Explanation: Moravian Christianity emphasizes "heart religion" and a joyful personal experience of Christ as Lord, rather than intellectual assent to doctrine, as the primary characteristic of conversion.
John Wesley characterized the "new birth" as a transition from a state of righteousness to a state of sin.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Wesley described the "new birth" as a profound transformation from the "death of sin to the life of righteousness."
In Reformed theology, faith is considered the causal agent of regeneration, thereby enabling God's salvific work.
Answer: False
Explanation: Reformed theology posits that regeneration is a sovereign act of God that precedes faith; it is God's work that enables the individual to exercise faith.
There is broad consensus among Christian denominations regarding the precise definition of "born again" and the criteria for its experiential verification.
Answer: False
Explanation: Significant divergence exists among Christian denominations concerning the precise meaning of "born again" and the criteria used to ascertain its occurrence, leading to varied interpretations and potential disagreements.
Evangelicalism's post-Reformation interpretation posits that the experience of being "born again" is directly caused by the ritual of water baptism itself.
Answer: False
Explanation: Post-Reformation evangelical interpretations tend to view "born again" as a conversion experience symbolized by baptism, stemming from personal faith commitment rather than being directly caused by the rite itself.
J. Gordon Melton suggests that for numerous Protestants, the term "born again" denotes a superficial engagement with Christian teachings.
Answer: False
Explanation: J. Gordon Melton indicates that for many Protestants, "born again" signifies the experience of gaining faith in Christ, rendering Christian teachings personally meaningful and fostering a direct relationship with God.
John Wesley maintained that temporal happiness in this life was attainable even for individuals who had not experienced the "new birth."
Answer: False
Explanation: John Wesley asserted that "except he be born again, none can be happy even in this world," linking worldly happiness directly to the state of holiness achieved through the new birth.
What is the foundational theological meaning of the term "born again" within evangelical Christianity?
Answer: A spiritual rebirth or regeneration of the human spirit, caused by the Holy Spirit.
Explanation: In evangelical theology, being "born again" signifies a profound spiritual regeneration of the human spirit, understood as an act of the Holy Spirit, distinct from physical birth or ritualistic practices alone.
How does Reformed theology primarily understand the sequence of regeneration and faith?
Answer: Regeneration precedes faith, being solely God's work.
Explanation: Reformed theology posits that regeneration, the work of God implanting new spiritual life, precedes and enables faith, rather than faith being the cause of regeneration.
What does Charles Hodge list as scriptural terms for the subjective change wrought by God's grace?
Answer: New birth, resurrection, new life, new creation, renewing of the mind
Explanation: Charles Hodge identified terms such as "new birth," "resurrection," "new life," "new creation," and "renewing of the mind" as scriptural descriptions for the profound subjective transformation experienced by believers through God's grace.
What is the primary characteristic of Moravian Christianity's experience of conversion?
Answer: A joyful experience focused on "heart religion" and living in Christ's image.
Explanation: Moravian Christianity is characterized by "heart religion," emphasizing a joyful personal conversion experience where individuals accept Christ and strive to live in His image, fostering a deep connection with Him.
According to John Wesley, what is the relationship between the new birth and holiness?
Answer: The new birth is necessary to become holy.
Explanation: John Wesley articulated that "none can be holy unless he be born again," establishing the new birth as a prerequisite for attaining Christian holiness.
What distinction did John Wesley make regarding the new birth at infant baptism versus adult baptism?
Answer: Infants are generally supposed to be born again at baptism, but it's not guaranteed for adults.
Explanation: John Wesley noted that while the Methodist tradition generally presumes infants are born again upon baptism, this assurance does not extend to adults, for whom the experience is not guaranteed at the moment of baptism.
According to J. Gordon Melton, what does "born again" signify for many Protestants?
Answer: The experience of gaining faith in Christ, making teachings real and fostering a personal relationship with God.
Explanation: J. Gordon Melton describes the "born again" experience for many Protestants as the moment when previously learned Christian teachings become personally real, leading to faith in Christ and a direct relationship with God.
How did Evangelicalism's interpretation of "born again" after the Reformation differ from the historical understanding?
Answer: It viewed it as an experience symbolized by baptism, caused by personal commitment, not baptism itself.
Explanation: Post-Reformation evangelical interpretations shifted the emphasis from baptism as the direct cause of rebirth to viewing it as a symbol of a conversion experience initiated by personal faith and commitment.
What does John Wesley state about the new birth in relation to salvation?
Answer: One may be born again and thus become an heir of salvation.
Explanation: John Wesley posited that the new birth is intrinsically linked to salvation, stating that an individual "may be born again and so become an heir of salvation."
Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that any individual may elect to be "born again" through personal dedication to God.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the status of being "born again" is not a matter of personal choice but a divine calling limited to a specific group, the "144,000."
Lutheran theology posits that individuals are regenerated through Holy Baptism, and that the grace received during baptism is immutable and cannot be forfeited.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Lutheranism teaches regeneration through Holy Baptism, some interpretations suggest that the grace received can be lost through persistent sin, necessitating daily repentance.
Latter-day Saints understand being "born again" as involving the renunciation of one's sinful nature and the establishment of a covenant with God, ritually renewed weekly through the sacrament.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Latter-day Saint perspective defines being born again as a process of repentance, rejecting sinful tendencies, and entering into a covenant with God, which is subsequently renewed through the weekly sacrament ordinance.
The *Book of Mormon* does not emphasize the necessity of being reborn of God for spiritual transformation.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Book of Mormon* explicitly emphasizes the necessity for all individuals to undergo a spiritual transformation through being "reborn of God."
How do Jehovah's Witnesses restrict the concept of being "born again"?
Answer: It is a divine calling limited to a specific group, the "144,000."
Explanation: Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the status of being "born again" is a divine appointment reserved exclusively for a select group, referred to as the "144,000," and is not attainable through personal choice or dedication.
What does the *Book of Mormon* emphasize regarding being reborn of God?
Answer: It is a necessary spiritual transformation for everyone.
Explanation: The *Book of Mormon* strongly emphasizes the necessity of being "reborn of God" as a fundamental spiritual transformation required for all individuals.
The phrase "born again" achieved considerable prominence in public discourse during the late 20th century, notably amplified by the visibility of public figures such as Jimmy Carter.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term "born again" gained significant media attention in the late 20th century, particularly following its public use by figures like Jimmy Carter, contributing to its widespread cultural recognition.
The given names René and Renato are linguistically unconnected to the Christian concept of spiritual rebirth.
Answer: False
Explanation: The names René and Renato, prevalent in various European languages, are etymologically derived from the Christian concept of "rebirth in Christ" and directly translate to "reborn" or "born again."
The Unix shell "Bash" derives its name from a deliberate pun on "born again," referencing its predecessor, the Bourne shell.
Answer: True
Explanation: The command-line interpreter "Bash" is indeed an acronym for "Bourne-Again SHell," a play on words referencing the earlier Bourne shell.
According to *The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Politics*, identifying as "born-again" correlates with increased support for government anti-poverty programs.
Answer: False
Explanation: *The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Politics* indicates that identifying as "born-again" is associated with lower support for government anti-poverty programs.
How did the term "born again" become prominent in American culture, particularly in the late 20th century?
Answer: Via evangelical Christian renewal, media attention, and public figures like Jimmy Carter.
Explanation: The term gained significant cultural traction through the evangelical Christian renewal movement, amplified by media coverage and public figures such as Jimmy Carter, solidifying its presence in the American lexicon.
What is the origin and meaning of the names René and Renato?
Answer: They are derived from the concept of "rebirth in Christ" and mean "reborn."
Explanation: The names René, Renée, Renato, and Renata share a common etymological root in the Christian concept of "rebirth in Christ," signifying "reborn" or "born again."
What political attitudes are associated with identifying as "born-again," according to *The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Politics*?
Answer: Lower support for government anti-poverty programs.
Explanation: *The Oxford Handbook of Religion and American Politics* reports a correlation between identifying as "born-again" and reduced support for government anti-poverty initiatives.
What did the Gallup Organization report regarding the percentage of U.S. adults identifying as "born-again" or evangelical around 2003-2004?
Answer: Approximately 41-42%
Explanation: The Gallup Organization's data from 2003-2004 indicated that approximately 41-42% of U.S. adults identified with the "born-again" or evangelical label.
What is the significance of the phrase "born again" in relation to the names René and Renato?
Answer: They are derived from the concept of "rebirth in Christ" and mean "reborn."
Explanation: The names René and Renato are etymologically linked to the Christian concept of "rebirth in Christ," carrying the direct meaning of "reborn" or "born again."