For many people, when we claim that we have eternal life and we know it, it seems like the height of arrogance. Further, we are all plagued by doubts at some level. Despite all of this we should not lose heart.
Admittedly it sounds kind of cheesy. The phrase has been so overused, misused and misrepresented that few of us are really sure any more what being “born again” even means. Our best evidence indicates that Jesus made it up. So, it seems we’re stuck with it.
God is love. Some people can’t believe it. If God is love, how can he allow all of this suffering and murder and violence and corruption? If God exists, is love even one of God’s attributes? Others misunderstand this statement and would have it mean that God always and everywhere radiates a sentimental positive vibe toward all that we say and do.
In John’s day, the Greco-Roman world held to a hodgepodge of religious beliefs. With travel and communication being what they are today, the spiritual gumbo is thicker and gooier than ever.
Central Reflections 