born-again christian
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a Christian who has experienced a dramatic conversion to faith in Jesus