Definition

Noun: A person who identifies as Christian and who reports having experienced a profound, transformative spiritual rebirth or conversion, specifically to a personal faith in Jesus Christ. This term emphasizes a decisive, often emotional, turning point in religious life rather than a lifelong or cultural identification with Christianity.

Usage

The term is used to describe a specific subset of Christians, highlighting the nature of their faith commitment. It often implies evangelical or conservative Protestant beliefs. - It functions primarily as a countable noun. - It can be used attributively (e.g., born-again Christian movement).

Examples

• After his recovery, he became a born-again Christian and dedicated his life to ministry.
• The politician's views were influenced by his identity as a born-again Christian.
• She described herself as a born-again Christian following a life-changing retreat.

Advanced Usage

• The term can sometimes be used more broadly in a metaphorical, non-religious sense to describe someone with a fervent, renewed commitment to any cause (e.g., ). However, this is an extended figurative use.

Variants and Related Words

• Born-again (adjective): Of, relating to, or being a born-again Christian (e.g., ). Can also be used in the figurative sense.
• Conversion: The event or process of changing one's religious faith.
• Evangelical: A broader Christian movement that often emphasizes being "born again."

Synonyms

• Convert (in the specific religious context)
• Evangelical Christian (though not all evangelicals use the term "born-again," and not all born-again Christians identify as evangelical)

Related Idioms/Phrases

• To be born again: The verbal phrase from which the noun derives. It refers to the spiritual rebirth described in the Gospel of John 3:3 ("...unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.").
  • He testified about how he was born again during the crisis.

Noun

1. a Christian who has experienced a dramatic conversion to faith in Jesus