They are Christian as long as they believe, and are baptized in the Trinitarian formula using water. Some sects do not even baptize any more, citing the fragmentary theology of Romans 3:28! Since Christ is the one who determines what being Christian is (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16), those who are not baptized do not appear to be Christian. They are not keeping Christ’s commands. Even Saint Paul says that he does not save you - only Christ does.
after she assured me they are not. “Kinda the first ones, in fact,” I said. She was none too happy with my comment. But then, she might only be going on what she was taught.if they think they are they could be.
).
Those are the Pauline soloists. Romans 3:28 and nothing else matters. Never mind what Jesus (our, um, Savior) said, we don’t need no stinkin’ baptism, only faith!But what about those churches that don’t emphasize baptism? I think that was the OP’s point. I personally have a good friend of mine (ironically he was baptized as a Lutheran as an infant and in his evangelical church which I think is E-Free or at least based on that denomination) who says that a Christian doesn’t need to be baptized but only needs to believe (never mind that John baptized Jesus, so much for sola scripture
Do you know any Evangelical Protestants?
I haven’t heard of a Protestant church that said Baptism isn’t an important rite for Christians and shouldn’t be emphasized. Is it possible your friend (general “friend”) meant it as, “If you believe in your heart that you are a sinner and that Christ (God with us and God made flesh) died for your sins on the Cross, and you seek repentance, but for an unfortunate reason, you did not have a chance to get Baptized, this is not automatic sentencing to hell?” (e.g., thief on the cross)
I’ve yet to meet a Protestant who follows that hasn’t been Bapatized. It is as important to them as it is for Catholics. The ritual itself is as important, as well. There is a different appreciation for doing it as an adult, however; with full appreciation for its meaning. There is a different appreciation that Jesus will not fail those who may not have had the opportunity to do, since so many become baptized as adults.
I would say they are, IMO.
As Lutherans, we believe “Decision Theology” is heterodox, and believing heterodox doctrines has inherent dangers. But that doesn’t mean they are not Christians. We would say for the most part they are, and we leave it to God’s grace.
Thank you, and I’d refine that answer: They are. Period. Who do they worship?
What I meant by the “for the most part” is that we know that within His church there are those who are goats, rather than sheep. This is true in any communion.
The Catholic Church accepts Trinitarian Baptisms.
I’m going to start the new year by agreeing with JustaServant.
My newly converted brother - from atheist to Catholic!!
may be a Sunday Christian. He used the Lord’s name in vain when he discovered his mashed potatoes to be lumpy. He swore again at the pickle jar lid. He called someone a fool. In some ways, it’s as if he converted into a cultural (cradle) Christian; as if just going through the motions. And I am not just referring to his kitchen habits. Upon being told that his sister was penniless, jobless, and soon homeless, his response was “well, good luck with that.” I am in no way lumping him in with any one category, but again, as a recent and **purposefully **converted religious person, no matter the faith, by the way, I think most would say… What!!! 
:tsktsk: :banghead: :dts:What kind of Christian attitude is THAT? If he were still an atheist, I’d be equally perturbed at that answer.