[topcat54]

Before deciding whether we are Christians, you really should define Christian.

Externally speaking, a Christian is a person who has been baptized with water using the trinitarian formula, and can unreservedly confess the historic creeds of the church (Apostles’, Nicene, and the Athanasian). Their lives are also marked by an attention to the commandments of Christ.

[Logophile]

Externally speaking, a Christian is a person who has been baptized with water using the trinitarian formula, and can unreservedly confess the historic creeds of the church (Apostles’, Nicene, and the Athanasian). Their lives are also marked by an attention to the commandments of Christ.

Thanks. By "trinitarian formula" I assume you mean baptizing "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19)

I am told that not all Christians practice baptism by water. Is baptism required to become a Christian?

As for the creeds, I have several questions:

(1) Which version of each creed is definitive?

(2) The Nicene Creed dates from the fourth century; the Athanasian Creed is even later. What about those who lived before these creeds were formulated? Would they be considered Christians in your view?

(3) I am told that the Eastern Orthodox do not formally recognize either the Apostles' Creed or the Athanasian Creed. (Someone please correct me if I am wrong.) Are they Christians?

[sevenbak]

Externally speaking, a Christian is a person who has been baptized with water using the trinitarian formula,

Careful... Many of the anti Mormons here on FR are Christians who do not believe that baptism by water is nessisary.