And if you were one of the early fathers... what would you say about being "born again"? Another single verse with two solid translations (even in the KJV) upon which whole doctrines have been centered.
The idea of regeneration by the Spirit is not present in just a few verses with questionable interpretations. You may not like the phrase "born again" or the attendant baggage, but one cannot escape the Biblical idea of the Spirit that gives life and regenerates the degenerate who place their trust in Christ.