when the Jerry Falwell ilk mouths this phrase something quite different is being communicated than even the late Johanine/Petrine pericopes. if we take the story, from the gospel of John, that this saying appears within the Jerry's of the contemporary mainstream Christian elite would most appropriately play the role of the religious leader in the story--though that may be an insult to Nicodemus (sorry man).
you must be born again, Jesus says enigmatically to this elder of his people. the author/editor of John has Nicodemus reply, either dimwittedly or with some sarcasm, "what am i to enter again into my mother's womb??"
"no!" Jerry breaks in and exclaims, "you have to accept Christ as your lord and savior."
Jesus looks over at Jerry with that look in his eyes that says, "i am either going to beat you or ignore you... let's see... hmm," and then without a word turns back to Nic and says simply, ....
you must be born again, Jesus says enigmatically to this elder of his people. the author/editor of John has Nicodemus reply, either dimwittedly or with some sarcasm, "what am i to enter again into my mother's womb??"
"no!" Jerry breaks in and exclaims, "you have to accept Christ as your lord and savior."
Jesus looks over at Jerry with that look in his eyes that says, "i am either going to beat you or ignore you... let's see... hmm," and then without a word turns back to Nic and says simply, ....
