“The best I can express is that one must give allegiance to the ‘church’, something akin to an oath, and her doctrines.”
Yeah, here it is—Baptismal Vows:
V. Do you reject Satan?
R. I do.
V. And all his works?
R. I do.
V. And all his empty promises?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
R. I do.
V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
There must be some malevolent conspiracy hidden in there somewhere.
I do appreciate this post. But I was not at a baptism when I heard some of the questions.
There is. There is no gospel of your salvation in there. And THAT is the gospel that saves. What good are the other questions and points without the gospel of the grace of God? Without that, a person is lost and dead in their sins. And no creed, or works, or beliefs are going to save them.