Comments by Wanda Hodge

Born Again or Re-invented?

Born again is a term that many Christian sects use to represent a person who has repented of the sins of their past and have turned over a new leaf by embracing Christianity. The way to tell if a person is truly born again varies with the particular denomination to which they they subscribe, but almost always involves sacrificing something desirable in exchange for a future promise of a more desirable reward (immortality). 

If their sins were sexual promiscuity they often deny these urges abstaining from sex altogether. If their sins were alcoholism or drug addiction they substitute legal drugs, sex, food or religious zeal. By their willingness to sacrifice whatever it is their pet sin happens to be, their ego re-invents itself. Among fanatical religious sects religious zeal is often the most acceptable form of substation. They have simply traded a serious psychological problem for another one which is equally damaging, veiled behind a mask of acceptability. 

Like ex-smokers you can usually tell what their sins were by what they focus their hatred on the most. Fear and temptation are like lovers walking hand in hand. Whenever a person believes they are having to sacrifice something desirable in exchange for a promise of a later reward they need some kind of reassurance that this promise is valid and will be kept. 

How can you assure yourself of a future reward that can only be collected on after you are dead? You might need to have this promise reaffirmed over and over again by other people who believe the way you do. The more people you can get to agree with you the more assurance you have that these abstract promises will be kept. These future promises are based on belief, faith in them is very weak and depends on constant reaffirmation from legions of supporters. 

There is no room for objectivity, open mindedness or crtitical thinking. Anything that does not support their theology is perceived as a threat to the truth. How whole and how much at peace can a persons mind be when it is divided against itself between a present desire and a future promise (that may or may not be fulfilled)? 

*Wanda